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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Acts 27:1–11. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
It does not appear how long it was after Paul's conference with Agrippa that he was sent away for Rome, pursuant to his appeal to Caesar; but it is likely they took the first convenience they could hear of to do it; in the mean time Paul is in the midst of his friends at Caesarea - they comforts to him, and he a blessing to them. But here we are told,
I.How Paul was shipped off for Italy:
a long voyage, but there is no remedy. He has appealed to Caesar, and to Caesar he must go: It was determined that we should sail into Italy, for to Rome they must go by sea; it would have been a vast way about to go by land. Hence, when the Roman conquest of the Jewish nation is foretold, it is said (Num 24:24), Ships shall come from Chittim, that is, Italy, and shall afflict Eber, that is, the Hebrews. It was determined by the counsel of God, before it was determined by the counsel of Festus, that Paul should go to Rome; for, whatever man intended, God had work for him to do there. Now here we are told,
1.Whose custody he was committed to - to one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus's band, as Cornelius was of the Italian band, or legion, Act 10:1. He had soldiers under him, who were a guard upon Paul, that he might not make his escape, and likewise to protect him, that he might have no mischief done him.
2.What bottom he embarked in: they went on board a ship of Adramyttium (Act 27:2), a sea-port of Africa, whence this ship brought African goods, and, as it should seem, made a coasting voyage for Syria, where those goods came to a good market.
3.What company he had in this voyage, there were some prisoners who were committed to the custody of the same centurion, and who probably had appealed to Caesar too, or were upon some other account removed to Rome, to be tried there, or to be examined as witnesses against some prisoners there; perhaps some notorious offenders, like Barabbas, who were therefore ordered to be brought before the emperor himself. Paul was linked with these, as Christ with the thieves that were crucified with him, and was obliged to take his lot with them in this voyage; and we find in this chapter (Act 27:42) that for their sakes he had like to have been killed, but for his sake they were preserved. Note, It is no new thing for the innocent to be numbered among the transgressors. But he had also some of his friends with him, Luke particularly, the penman of this book, for he puts himself in all along, We sailed into Italy, and, We launched, v. 2. Aristarchus a Thessalonian is particularly named, as being now in his company. Dr. Lightfoot thinks that Trophimus the Ephesian went off with him, but that he left him sick at Miletum (Ti2 4:20), when he passed by those coasts of Asia mentioned here (v. 2), and that there likewise he left Timothy. It was a comfort to Paul to have the society of some of his friends in this tedious voyage, with whom he might converse freely, though he had so much loose profane company about him. Those that go long voyages at sea are commonly necessitated to sojourn, as it were, in Mesech and Kedar, and have need of wisdom, that they may do good to the bad company they are in, may make them better, or at lest be made never the worse by them.
II.What course they steered, and what places they touched at, which are particularly recorded for the confirming of the truth of the history to those who lived at that time, and could by their own knowledge tell of their being at such and such a place.
1.They touched at Sidon, not far off from where they went on board; thither they came the next day. And that which is observable here is, that Julius the centurion was extraordinarily civil to Paul. It is probable that he knew his case, and was one of the chief captains, or principal men, that heard him plead his own cause before Agrippa (Act 25:23), and was convinced of his innocency, and the injury done him; and therefore, though Paul was committed to him as a prisoner, he treated him as a friend, as a scholar, as a gentleman, and as a man that had an interest in heaven: He gave him liberty, while the business of the ship detained it at Sidon, to go among his friends there, to refresh himself; and it would be a great refreshment to him. Julius herein gives an example to those in power to be respectful to those whom they find worthy of their respect, and in using their power to make a difference. A Joseph, a Paul, are not to be used as common prisoners. God herein encourages those that suffer for him to trust in him; for he can put it into the hearts of those to befriend them from whom they least expect it - can cause them to be pitied, nay, can cause them to be prized and valued, even in the eyes of those that carry them captive, Psa 106:46. And it is likewise an instance of Paul's fidelity. He did not go about to make his escape, which he might have easily done; but, being out upon his parole of honour, he faithfully returns to his imprisonment. If the centurion is so civil as to take his word, he is so just and honest as to keep his word.
2.They thence sailed under Cyprus, Act 27:4. If the wind had been fair, they had gone forward by direct sailing, and had left Cyprus on the right hand; but, the wind not favouring them, they were driven to oblique sailing with a side wind, and so compassed the island, in a manner, and left it on the left hand. Sailors must do as they can, when they cannot do as they would, and make the best of their wind, whatever point it is in; so must we all in our passage over the ocean of this world. When the winds are contrary yet we must be getting forward as well as we can.
3.At a port called Myra they changed their ship; that which they were in, it is probable, having business no further, they went on board a vessel of Alexandria bound for Italy, Act 27:5, Act 27:6. Alexandria was now the chief city of Egypt, and great trading there was between that city and Italy; from Alexandria they carried corn to Rome, and the East-India goods and Persian which they imported at the Red Sea they exported again to all parts of the Mediterranean, and especially to Italy. And it was a particular favour shown to the Alexandrian ships in the ports of Italy that they were not obliged to strike sail, as other ships were, when they came into port.
4.With much ado they made The Fair Havens, a port of the island of Crete, Act 27:7, Act 27:8. They sailed slowly many days, being becalmed, or having the wind against them. It was a great while before they made the point of Cnidus, a port of Caria, and were forced to sail under Crete, as before under Cyprus; much difficulty they met with in passing by Salmone, a promontory on the eastern shore of the island of Crete. Though the voyage hitherto was not tempestuous, yet it was very tedious. They many that are not driven backward in their affairs by cross providences, yet sail slowly, and do not get forward by favourable providences. And many good Christians make this complaint in the concerns of their souls, that they do not rid ground in their way of heaven, but have much ado to keep their ground; they move with many stops and pauses, and lie a great while wind-bound. Observe, The place they came to was called The Fair Havens. Travellers say that it is known to this day by the same name, and that it answers the name from the pleasantness of its situation and prospect. And yet,
(1.)It was not the harbour they were bound for; it was a fair haven, but it was not their haven. Whatever agreeable circumstances we may be in in this world, we must remember we are not at home, and therefore we must arise and depart; for, though it be a fair haven, it is not the desired haven, Psa 107:30.
(2.)It was not a commodious haven to winter in, so it is said, Act 27:12. It had a fine prospect, but it lay exposed to the weather. Note, Every fair haven is not a safe haven; nay, there may be most danger where there is most pleasure.
III.What advice Paul gave them with reference to that part of their voyage they had before them - it was to be content to winter where they were, and not to think of stirring till a better season of the year.
1.It was now a bad time for sailing; they had lost a deal of time while they were struggling with contrary winds. Sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was already past, that is, the famous yearly fast of the Jews, the day of atonement, which was on the tenth day of the seventh month, a day to afflict the soul with fasting; it was about the 20th of our September. That yearly fast was very religiously observed; but (which is strange) we never have any mention made in all the scripture history of the observance of it, unless it be meant here, where it serves only to describe the season of the year. Michaelmas is reckoned by mariners as a bad time of the year to be at sea as any other; they complain of their Michaelmas-blasts; it was that time now with these distressed voyagers. The harvest was past, the summer was ended; they had not only lost time, but lost the opportunity.
2.Paul put them in mind of it, and gave them notice of their danger (Act 27:10): "I perceive" (either by notice from God, or by observing their wilful resolution to prosecute the voyage notwithstanding the peril of the season) "that this voyage will be with hurt and damage; you that have effects on board are likely to lose them, and it will be a miracle of mercy if our lives be given us for a prey." There were some good men in the ship, and many more bad men: but in things of this nature all things come alike to all, and there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked. If both be in the same ship, they both are in the same danger.
3.They would not be advised by Paul in this matter, Act 27:11. They thought him impertinent in interposing in an affair of this nature, who did not understand navigation; and the centurion to whom it was referred to determine it, though himself a passenger, yet, being a man in authority, takes upon him to overrule, though he had not been oftener at sea perhaps than Paul, nor was better acquainted with these seas, for Paul had planted the gospel in Crete (Tit 1:5), and knew the several parts of the island well enough. But the centurion gave more regard to the opinion of the master and owner of the ship than to Paul's; for every man is to be credited in his own profession ordinarily: but such a man as Paul, who was so intimate with Heaven, was rather to be regarded in seafaring matters than the most celebrated sailors. Note, Those know not what dangers they run themselves into who will be governed more by human prudence than by divine revelation. The centurion was very civil to Paul (Act 27:3), and yet would not be governed by his advice. Note, Many will show respect to good ministers that will not take their advice, Eze 33:31.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
See how God does not innovate or change the order of nature, but suffers them to sail into the unfavorable winds. But even so the miracle is wrought. That they may sail safely, He did not let them go out in the open sea, but they always sailed near the land.
Again trials, again contrary winds. See how the life of the saints is so composed of all these things: he escaped the court, and they fall into a shipwreck and a storm.
And sailing through the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Lystrus, which is of Lycia. For Lystrus, in Greek, it is written Smyrna, for which Jerome in the book of Hebrew names puts Myra: which I think is found thus in some Codices, because in Greek μύῤῥα is called Smyrna. Furthermore, in the psalm where we sing: Myrrh, and aloes, and cassia (Psalm XLIV), in Greek it is written thus: Smyrna, and stacte, and cassia.
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Summary
Acts 27:5 meticulously details a crucial segment of Paul's arduous sea voyage to Rome, describing the ship's passage through the waters off the southern coast of Asia Minor, specifically the seas of Cilicia and Pamphylia, before arriving at the significant port city of Myra in Lycia. This verse, though brief, underscores Luke's commitment to historical and geographical accuracy, providing a precise navigational update within the unfolding narrative of God's providential guidance for Paul's mission.
Context
Literary Context
Acts 27:5 is an integral part of Luke's detailed account of Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner, commencing in Acts 27:1. The preceding verses establish the initial stages of the voyage: sailing from Caesarea to Sidon (Acts 27:3), and then, due to unfavorable winds, sailing under the lee of Cyprus (Acts 27:4). Verse 5 continues this geographical progression, marking the ship's movement along the southern coast of Asia Minor. The arrival at Myra in this verse sets the stage for the critical ship transfer described in Acts 27:6, which then leads to the more perilous leg of the journey and the subsequent shipwreck.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Roman Empire relied heavily on maritime trade and travel, especially across the Mediterranean. The route described in Acts 27 was a well-established shipping lane. Cilicia and Pamphylia were Roman provinces in Asia Minor, their coastlines forming a natural passage for ships heading west. Myra, located in the province of Lycia, was a significant port city, renowned for its excellent harbor and strategic position. It served as a vital transit point, particularly for large grain ships from Alexandria (Egypt) bound for Rome, as these ships often needed to transfer cargo or passengers. The mention of these specific locations not only attests to Luke's eyewitness account but also highlights the common maritime practices of the era, where ships would hug coastlines when possible and utilize major ports for resupply or transfer, especially when facing adverse weather conditions.
Key Themes
This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Providence, demonstrating how God's plan for Paul to reach Rome (Acts 23:11) unfolds through seemingly ordinary human circumstances and geographical movements. Secondly, it highlights Luke's Meticulous Historical Accuracy, as he provides precise geographical details that have been corroborated by historical and archaeological evidence, lending credibility to the entire narrative of the early church. Finally, the journey itself, with its various stages and challenges, serves as a metaphor for the Spread of the Gospel—a mission that involves navigating diverse regions and overcoming obstacles to reach its ultimate destination, echoing the Great Commission found in Acts 1:8.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From diá (through) and pléō (to sail), this verb literally means "to sail through" or "to sail across." In this context, it describes the act of traversing the open sea, indicating a continuous movement across the specified waters of Cilicia and Pamphylia. It emphasizes the completion of a particular segment of the journey, signifying progress despite potential maritime challenges.
Derived from katá (down) and érchomai (to come or go), this verb means "to come down," "to descend," or "to arrive." When used in a maritime context, it specifically refers to "landing" or "reaching port." Its use here precisely conveys the act of the ship making port at Myra, marking the end of the previous leg and the beginning of a new phase of the journey.
This primary preposition indicates direction "to" or "into," signifying the point reached or entered. In Acts 27:5, eis Myra clearly denotes the destination of the ship's movement, emphasizing the arrival at Myra as the specific objective of this stage of the voyage. It highlights the precise geographical endpoint of their sailing.
Verse Breakdown
"And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia"
This clause describes the nautical action and the geographical region traversed. "We" refers to Luke, Paul, and their companions, indicating an eyewitness account. The "sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia" refers to the waters bordering these two Roman provinces on the southern coast of Asia Minor, signifying a westward progression from their previous position near Cyprus. The act of "sailing over" implies a continuous journey across these open waters.
"we came to Myra, [a city] of Lycia."
This clause states the successful arrival at a significant port. Myra was a prominent city and a major harbor in the Roman province of Lycia, known for being a transfer point for larger ships. The use of "came to" (katérchomai) specifically denotes landing or making port, indicating a temporary halt in their journey. This detail is crucial as it sets the scene for the next significant event: finding a ship bound for Italy.
Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in Acts 27:5 employs several literary devices that enhance its impact and credibility. The most prominent is Geographical Precision, where Luke meticulously names specific regions (Cilicia, Pamphylia, Lycia) and a city (Myra). This attention to detail is characteristic of Luke's writing, lending an air of authenticity and historical reliability to his account, akin to a travelogue. This precision also contributes to Verisimilitude, making the events feel real and grounded in actual historical geography. Furthermore, the verse functions as a point of Narrative Progression, marking a distinct stage in Paul's journey. It moves the plot forward from the initial departure and difficult sailing conditions to a specific, identifiable waypoint, essential for the subsequent events of the voyage.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 27:5, while seemingly a simple geographical notation, subtly reinforces the overarching biblical theme of God's sovereign hand guiding His servants through all circumstances. Paul's journey, though under duress, is not random but purposeful, aligning with God's divine plan for the gospel to reach Rome. This verse, therefore, speaks to the truth that even in the mundane or challenging details of life's "journeys," God is at work, orchestrating events and directing paths to fulfill His greater purposes. It reminds us that our destinations, even when reached through unexpected routes, are often part of a larger divine design.
Reflection and Application
The seemingly ordinary details of Acts 27:5 invite us to reflect on the extraordinary truth of God's presence and purpose in every step of our lives. Just as Paul's journey, fraught with uncertainty and constraint, was meticulously guided by divine providence, so too are our own paths, whether we perceive them as significant or mundane. This verse encourages us to cultivate an awareness of God's hand in our "transitions" and "arrivals," recognizing that even detours or necessary stops are part of His larger design. It challenges us to trust that our current location, our past journey, and our future direction are all held within His wise and loving plan, even when the next port is unclear. We are called to embrace each stage, trusting that God is working all things for our good and for the advancement of His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Luke include such specific geographical details in Acts 27:5 and throughout the journey narrative?
Luke, as a meticulous historian and likely an eyewitness to much of Paul's journey, includes these specific geographical details for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it lends historical credibility and authenticity to his account, demonstrating that these events occurred in real places at a specific time. This level of detail was common in ancient travelogues and served to ground the narrative in verifiable reality. Secondly, these details are narratively significant, providing context for the challenges faced (like adverse winds) and explaining the practical logistics of ancient sea travel, such as the need for port calls and ship transfers. Finally, it underscores the divine orchestration of the journey; every stop and every route taken, though seemingly dictated by human circumstances or natural forces, ultimately served God's purpose in bringing Paul to Rome to bear witness to Christ, as promised in Acts 23:11.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Acts 27:5 is a descriptive verse concerning Paul's physical journey, it finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader narrative of the gospel's unstoppable advance, mirroring Christ's own mission and the journey of salvation. Paul's forced voyage to Rome, through specific geographical points like Myra, symbolizes the way the Good News of Jesus Christ was destined to spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, as prophesied by Christ Himself in Acts 1:8. Just as Paul's path was providentially guided to bring the message to the heart of the Roman Empire, so too was Christ's earthly journey meticulously planned, from His birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) to His crucifixion in Jerusalem, ultimately leading to His resurrection and the commissioning of His disciples to carry His message globally (Matthew 28:19-20). The "arrival" at Myra foreshadows the ultimate arrival of the gospel in every nation, facilitated by the Spirit-empowered journeys of believers, all pointing back to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6), and the ultimate destination of all spiritual journeys.