Acts 27:7

And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

And {G1161} when we had sailed slowly {G1020}{G1722} many {G2425} days {G2250}, and {G2532} scarce {G3433} were come {G1096} over against {G2596} Cnidus {G2834}, the wind {G417} not {G3361} suffering {G4330} us {G2248}, we sailed under {G5284} Crete {G2914}, over against {G2596} Salmone {G4534};

For a number of days we made little headway, and we arrived off Cnidus only with difficulty. The wind would not let us continue any farther along the direct route; so we ran down along the sheltered side of Crete from Cape Salmone;

After sailing slowly for many days, we arrived off Cnidus. When the wind impeded us, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone.

And when we had sailed slowly many days, and were come with difficulty over against Cnidus, the wind not further suffering us, we sailed under the lee of Crete, over against Salmone;

Acts 27:7 describes a challenging phase of Paul's sea voyage as a prisoner en route to Rome. The narrative underscores the difficult and slow progress of their ship, severely hampered by adverse weather conditions in the Mediterranean Sea.

Context

This verse is part of the detailed account of Paul's journey to Rome, initiated after his appeal to Caesar in Acts 25:11. The voyage, recounted in Acts chapter 27, is characterized by significant perils, including strong winds and the eventual shipwreck. Paul, though a prisoner, offers counsel based on his experience and divine insight, which is often disregarded by the ship's crew and centurion.

At this point, the ship had left Myra and was attempting to sail west. The specific mention of "Cnidus" (a city on the southwest coast of Asia Minor) and "Crete, over against Salmone" (the eastern promontory of Crete) provides crucial geographical markers, illustrating the difficult maritime conditions faced by ancient mariners.

Key Themes

  • Adversity and Endurance: The phrase "sailed slowly many days" highlights the persistent struggle against natural elements and the need for perseverance in difficult circumstances.
  • Divine Providence Amidst Obstacles: Although the wind hindered their direct path, forcing them to take a less direct route, the narrative subtly points to God's ultimate control over the journey, leading Paul to Rome as prophesied (Acts 23:11).
  • Human Limitations: Despite the best efforts of skilled sailors, they were entirely at the mercy of the powerful Mediterranean winds, demonstrating the limitations of human strength and planning against nature's forces.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the wind not suffering us" translates the Greek anemou me proseōntos hēmas (ἀνέμου μὴ προσεῶντος ἡμᾶς), which literally means "the wind not permitting us" or "not allowing us to proceed." The verb proseō implies a strong hindrance, indicating that the wind was directly preventing them from sailing their intended course and forcing them to alter their route significantly.

Geographical & Historical Notes

Ancient sailing in the Mediterranean was heavily dependent on prevailing winds. During the autumn months (when this journey likely took place, as indicated by Paul's warning in Acts 27:9 about the fast being over), strong northwesterly winds were common, making westward travel extremely difficult. This forced the ship to sail south, seeking the lee of Crete for shelter and a more manageable passage.

Practical Application

This verse offers a relatable picture of life's journey. Just as Paul's ship faced "contrary winds" and slow progress, we often encounter unexpected obstacles and delays that force us to change our plans. It reminds us that:

  • Patience is Required: Not all journeys are smooth or fast. Sometimes, slow, difficult progress is necessary, requiring patience and resilience.
  • Adaptability is Key: When direct paths are blocked, wisdom dictates seeking alternative routes or strategies.
  • God's Sovereign Plan: Even when circumstances are beyond our control and plans are thwarted, God remains sovereign. He can use delays and difficulties to accomplish His purposes, just as He ensured Paul reached Rome despite the perilous voyage and subsequent shipwreck. Our faith is tested and refined in these challenging stretches.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 27:21

    ¶ But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

  • Titus 1:5

    ¶ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

  • Acts 27:12

    ¶ And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, [and there] to winter; [which is] an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.

  • Acts 27:13

    And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained [their] purpose, loosing [thence], they sailed close by Crete.

  • Acts 2:11

    Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

  • Titus 1:12

    One of themselves, [even] a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians [are] alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

  • Acts 27:4

    And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

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