Acts 27:6

KJV

And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there {G2546} the centurion {G1543} found {G2147} a ship {G4143} of Alexandria {G222} sailing {G4126} into {G1519} Italy {G2482}; and he put {G1688} us {G2248} therein {G1519}{G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There the Roman officer found an Alexandrian vessel sailing to Italy and put us aboard.

Berean Standard Bible

There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board.

American Standard Version

And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy; and he put us therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:6 marks a pivotal logistical moment in Paul's arduous journey as a prisoner to Rome. Upon arriving at Myra, a port city in Lycia, the Roman centurion Julius efficiently located a large Alexandrian grain ship bound for Italy, facilitating the next crucial leg of their voyage and underscoring the divine orchestration at play even in the seemingly mundane details of Paul's transit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Luke's meticulously detailed account of Paul's sea voyage to Rome, which begins in [Acts 27:1](/acts/27-1 "Acts 27:1 - Paul's Journey to Rome Begins"). Having sailed from Caesarea and then transferred to another ship at Adramyttium, the group, including Paul, Luke (the author), and Aristarchus, arrived at Myra in [Acts 27:5](/acts/27-5 "Acts 27:5 - Arrival at Myra"). Myra served as a critical transit point where the centurion, responsible for Paul's safe delivery to Caesar, needed to secure a larger, more direct vessel capable of making the long journey across the Mediterranean to Italy. This verse highlights the practical and logistical challenges of ancient sea travel and Luke's precision in recording the journey's progression.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Myra was a significant port city in Lycia, a Roman province in Asia Minor, serving as a hub for maritime trade. Alexandria, Egypt, was renowned as the "breadbasket" of the Roman Empire, supplying vast quantities of grain to feed its populace. Consequently, Alexandrian ships were typically large, sturdy vessels designed for long-distance voyages across the Mediterranean, making them ideal for the journey to Italy. The ease with which the centurion "found" such a ship in Myra speaks to the highly developed and efficient Roman maritime network, which facilitated not only trade but also the movement of officials, soldiers, and prisoners across the empire. This detail grounds the narrative in the historical realities of first-century Roman logistics.
* **Key Themes:** The verse subtly contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Orchestration** and **Providence**, demonstrating that despite Paul being a prisoner, his journey to Rome was part of [God's sovereign plan](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Promise to Paul") for him to bear witness in the imperial capital. Even the seemingly ordinary act of finding a ship fits into this divine purpose, showing God's hand in the practical details. Secondly, it highlights **Roman Efficiency** and the vastness of their empire's infrastructure, which, ironically, served God's purposes in spreading the Gospel. Lastly, it exemplifies **God's Faithfulness in the Mundane**, reminding us that God's active involvement in human affairs extends beyond miraculous interventions to the everyday logistical arrangements of life, guiding circumstances to fulfill His will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **centurion (Greek, _hekatontárchēs'_):** This term refers to a Roman military officer in command of approximately one hundred soldiers. In this context, the centurion, Julius, was responsible for transporting Paul to Rome. His authority and efficiency are evident in his ability to secure a suitable vessel for the continued journey. The presence of a centurion underscores the official nature of Paul's transfer and the Roman Empire's structured approach to prisoner transport.
* **found (Greek, _heurískō'_):** This verb implies a successful search or discovery, rather than a mere accidental encounter. The centurion actively sought out and located a ship that met the requirements for their long voyage to Italy. This highlights his diligence and the practical necessity of securing appropriate transport for his charges.
* **of Alexandria (Greek, _Alexandrînos'_):** This adjective specifies the origin of the ship, indicating it was from Alexandria, Egypt. As discussed in the context, Alexandrian ships were typically large grain carriers, well-suited for long, arduous voyages across the Mediterranean. This detail provides crucial information about the size, capacity, and likely route of the vessel, setting the stage for the events that follow.
* **put in (Greek, _embibázō'_):** This verb means "to place on" or "to transfer aboard a vessel." It describes the centurion's direct action of boarding Paul and his companions onto the newly found ship. This is a practical, decisive action that moves the narrative forward, signifying the continuation of their journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria":** This clause establishes the location (Myra, implied from the previous verse), the agent of the action (the centurion, Julius), and the outcome of his search: the discovery of a specific type of vessel—an Alexandrian ship. The designation "of Alexandria" immediately signals a large cargo ship, likely involved in the vital grain trade between Egypt and Rome, making it suitable for a long voyage.
* **"sailing into Italy":** This phrase clarifies the ship's intended destination, confirming that it was on the direct route Paul needed to take. It emphasizes the strategic importance of the centurion's choice, as it would carry them directly towards their ultimate goal of reaching Rome, located in Italy.
* **"and he put us therein":** This final clause describes the decisive action taken by the centurion: he boarded Paul, Luke, and Aristarchus onto the Alexandrian ship. The use of "us" indicates Luke's continued presence with Paul, reinforcing the eyewitness nature of the account. This act signifies the next stage of their journey, placing them firmly on the path to Rome.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in Acts 27:6 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. The most prominent is **Verisimilitude**, as the detailed description of the ship's origin ("of Alexandria") and its destination ("into Italy") grounds the story in historical and geographical reality. This precision lends credibility and authenticity to Luke's account, allowing the reader to visualize the practicalities of ancient sea travel. There is also a subtle use of **Foreshadowing**; while not explicitly stated, the choice of a large Alexandrian grain ship, known for its capacity and often its resilience, ironically sets the stage for the dramatic shipwreck that will occur later in the chapter. The fact that even such a robust vessel would succumb to the storm subtly heightens the impending danger. Furthermore, the focus on the centurion's active role ("found," "put us therein") highlights **Agency** and the efficiency of Roman logistical systems, which, despite their secular nature, are shown to be instruments in the divine plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:6, though seemingly a simple logistical detail, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous providence and sovereign control over every aspect of His servants' lives, even in the most mundane and challenging circumstances. Paul was a prisoner, seemingly at the mercy of Roman authorities and the whims of the sea, yet God's hand was actively guiding his journey. The centurion's successful search for a suitable ship was not mere chance but part of God's larger plan to bring Paul to Rome to bear witness for Christ. This reminds believers that God is at work not only in the miraculous but also in the ordinary, practical arrangements of life, orchestrating events to fulfill His divine purposes.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man Are Ordered by the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:6 offers a powerful, albeit quiet, reminder of God's meticulous oversight in our lives, even when we feel a profound lack of control. Like Paul, who was being transported as a prisoner, we often find ourselves in situations where our paths are dictated by external circumstances, or we face transitions that feel beyond our influence. Yet, this verse assures us that God is actively at work, arranging circumstances, opening doors, and "finding the right ship" to move us toward His ultimate purposes. It encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in His providence, recognizing that His hand is guiding our steps even through the ordinary, logistical details and challenges of life. This perspective transforms mundane events into opportunities to witness God's faithfulness, strengthening our assurance that He is always working for our good and His glory, ensuring His will is done.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse encourage you to see God's hand in the ordinary, logistical details of your own life?**
* **In what "journeys" or transitions are you currently trusting God to "find the right ship" for you, even if the path ahead is uncertain?**
* **How can recognizing God's providence in the mundane strengthen your faith during times of uncertainty or when you feel powerless?**

### FAQ
**Why was an "Alexandrian ship" significant for Paul's journey?**

Answer: An "Alexandrian ship" was significant because Alexandria, Egypt, was the primary source of grain for the Roman Empire. Consequently, ships from Alexandria were typically large, robust cargo vessels designed for long-distance voyages across the Mediterranean, capable of carrying substantial loads and enduring the often-treacherous seas. For the centurion, finding such a ship meant securing a vessel that was not only on a direct route to Italy but also likely sturdy enough for the challenging autumn sailing conditions, making it an ideal choice for transporting Paul and his companions efficiently towards Rome. This detail underscores the common trade routes and the scale of Roman maritime activity.

**Who was "us" that the centurion put into the ship?**

Answer: The pronoun "us" in [Acts 27:6](/acts/27-6 "Acts 27:6 - Paul and Companions Board Alexandrian Ship") refers to Paul, the apostle, along with Luke, the author of the book of Acts. Luke's use of the first-person plural indicates his personal presence and eyewitness account of these events, confirming he was traveling with Paul. Additionally, [Acts 27:2](/acts/27-2 "Acts 27:2 - Aristarchus with Paul") mentions Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, as another companion who was with Paul on this journey. Thus, "us" refers to this small group accompanying Paul as he was transported to Rome.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:6, while detailing a practical step in Paul's journey, subtly points to the overarching sovereignty of Christ, who orchestrates all things for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Just as the centurion found the precise ship needed to carry Paul toward his destiny in Rome—a destiny to bear witness to Christ before Caesar ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Promise to Paul"))—so too does Christ, the ultimate Captain and Lord of all creation, guide the trajectory of history and the lives of His people. He is the one who calms the storms ([Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and directs the paths of men ([Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")), ensuring that His purposes prevail. Paul's journey, fraught with peril yet divinely protected, foreshadows the ultimate journey of the Gospel, which, empowered by Christ's commission ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")), would sail to the ends of the earth. Christ, as the "pioneer of their salvation" ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus, the Pioneer of Salvation")), ensures that every logistical detail, every "ship" and every "port," serves His glorious purpose of bringing many sons and daughters to glory, ultimately establishing His eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 28:11

¶ And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

Acts 18:24

¶ And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, [and] mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

Acts 6:9

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called [the synagogue] of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Acts 27:1

¶ And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto [one] named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.