Acts 27:7

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:7 vividly portrays a challenging segment of Paul's sea journey as a prisoner bound for Rome. The verse highlights the arduous and protracted nature of their voyage, as the ship contended with severe head-winds in the Mediterranean, hindering their direct westward progress and forcing them to seek shelter by sailing along the southern coast of Crete.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Luke's remarkably detailed account of Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome, which spans the entirety of [Acts 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Perilous Voyage to Rome"). Following Paul's appeal to Caesar in [Acts 25:11](/acts/25-11 "Acts 25:11 - Paul Appeals to Caesar"), the narrative shifts to his journey as a prisoner. Chapter 27 meticulously chronicles the ship's departure from Myra, the initial difficulties, Paul's ignored warnings about the dangers of sailing (see [Acts 27:9-10](/acts/27-9-10 "Acts 27:9-10 - Paul's Warning")), the devastating storm, and the eventual shipwreck on Malta (recorded in [Acts 27:41](/acts/27-41 "Acts 27:41 - The Shipwreck")). Verse 7 specifically describes the initial struggle after leaving Myra, where the ship, attempting to sail west, encountered strong opposing winds, forcing a significant deviation from their intended course before the full force of the tempest struck.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient maritime travel in the Mediterranean was profoundly influenced by prevailing winds and seasonal conditions. During the autumn months (late September to early November), when this journey likely occurred, strong northwesterly winds were common across the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. These winds made westward travel particularly difficult, often impossible, for sailing vessels of the era, which lacked the advanced rigging to tack effectively against such powerful head-winds. The 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. To avoid the direct force of the wind, mariners would often seek the "lee" (the sheltered side) of islands or coastlines, which explains why they "sailed under Crete," seeking the protection offered by the island's landmass. This navigational detail underscores the skill and challenges faced by ancient sailors, who were largely at the mercy of natural elements.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 27:7 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Adversity and Endurance**, as the phrase "sailed slowly many days" vividly portrays the persistent struggle against natural forces and the necessity of perseverance in challenging circumstances. Secondly, despite the formidable obstacles, the narrative subtly points to **Divine Providence Amidst Obstacles**. Although the wind severely hindered their direct path, forcing a significant detour, the larger story of Acts confirms God's ultimate control over the journey, ensuring Paul's arrival in Rome as prophesied by the Lord Himself in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Encouragement to Paul"). Lastly, the verse underscores **Human Limitations**, demonstrating that even the most skilled sailors were entirely dependent on and vulnerable to the powerful Mediterranean winds, illustrating the inherent limitations of human strength, planning, and control when confronted with the forces of nature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sailed slowly (Greek, _bradyploéō'_):** This compound verb (G1020) combines "slow" (βραδύς) and "to sail" (πλέω), literally meaning "to sail slowly." It precisely describes the laborious and sluggish progress of the ship, indicating that they were not making good time due to unfavorable conditions. The term conveys the sense of a frustratingly protracted journey, emphasizing the significant impediment caused by the wind.
* **scarce (Greek, _mólis'_):** Derived from μόγις (G3433), this adverb means "with difficulty" or "hardly." Its inclusion emphasizes the extreme effort and struggle involved in merely reaching the vicinity of Cnidus. It suggests that their progress was not just slow, but agonizingly difficult, implying they barely made it to that point.
* **suffering (Greek, _proseáō'_):** From πρός and ἐάω (G4330), this verb means "to permit further progress" or "to allow to proceed." When used in the negative ("not suffering us"), it signifies that the wind was actively and powerfully preventing them from continuing on their desired course. It portrays the wind as an unyielding force that directly blocked their intended westward movement, compelling them to alter their route.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when we had sailed slowly many days,"**: This clause establishes the protracted and arduous nature of their journey. The phrase "many days" indicates a significant period of time spent making minimal progress, underscoring the severity and persistence of the adverse conditions.
* **"and scarce were come over against Cnidus,"**: This highlights the difficulty of their travel. Despite sailing for "many days," they had only just managed to reach Cnidus, a city on the southwest coast of Asia Minor. "Scarce" (mólis) emphasizes that their arrival there was achieved with great difficulty, suggesting they were almost unable to reach it.
* **"the wind not suffering us,"**: This is the direct explanation for their slow and difficult progress. The strong, unfavorable wind actively prevented them from continuing their westward course towards their intended destination. It was a powerful, unyielding force that dictated their movement.
* **"we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;"**: This describes the forced change in their route. Unable to proceed directly westward against the wind, they were compelled to alter their course southward, seeking the "lee" (shelter) of the large island of Crete. Salmone is the easternmost cape of Crete, indicating the point where they began to sail along the island's southern coast for protection.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account in Acts 27:7 employs several literary devices to enhance its vividness and historical authenticity. The phrase "the wind not suffering us" uses **Personification**, attributing to the wind the active will and power to prevent their progress, as if it were a conscious entity. This emphasizes the overwhelming and unyielding force of nature they faced. Furthermore, the detailed geographical references to "Cnidus," "Crete," and "Salmone" serve as a powerful form of **Verisimilitude**, lending an air of historical accuracy and eyewitness credibility to the narrative. Luke's precise naming of these locations grounds the extraordinary events of the voyage in a tangible, real-world setting, making the account more believable and relatable to his original audience familiar with Mediterranean navigation. The description of sailing "slowly many days" and "scarce were come" also employs **Hyperbole** to underscore the extreme difficulty and frustration of their journey, conveying a sense of prolonged struggle against overwhelming odds.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:7, though seemingly a simple navigational detail, carries profound theological implications. It illustrates that even divinely ordained journeys are not exempt from hardship and opposition. Paul's mission to Rome was a direct fulfillment of God's promise (as seen in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul")), yet the path was fraught with "contrary winds." This teaches us about God's sovereignty, not as a guarantee of ease, but as a promise of ultimate purpose fulfilled even through adversity. The slow, difficult progress reminds believers that God's timing and methods may differ from our expectations, often requiring patience and perseverance. It highlights the reality that while human plans are often thwarted by circumstances beyond our control, God's ultimate plan for His people and His mission will prevail.

* [Psalm 107:23-30](/psalms/107-23-30 "Psalm 107:23-30 - God's Control Over Storms")
* [Philippians 4:12-13](/philippians/4-12-13 "Philippians 4:12-13 - Contentment in All Circumstances")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene depicted in Acts 27:7 offers a powerful metaphor for the Christian life. Just as Paul's ship faced "contrary winds" that hindered their direct path and forced a slow, arduous detour, we too encounter unexpected obstacles, delays, and difficulties that thwart our plans and test our resolve. Life's journeys are rarely smooth or swift; often, they require immense patience and resilience. This verse reminds us that when our direct paths are blocked, wisdom dictates seeking alternative routes or strategies, adapting to circumstances while maintaining faith in God's overarching plan. It encourages us to embrace the reality that God's purposes are often accomplished not in spite of, but through, our struggles and detours. Our faith is not only tested but also refined and deepened in these challenging stretches, as we learn to lean more fully on His strength and sovereignty rather than our own efforts or ideal timelines.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "contrary winds" or unexpected obstacles are you currently facing in your personal life, ministry, or career?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to trust God's sovereignty even when progress feels slow or your plans are thwarted?**
* **In what ways might God be using a difficult detour or a period of slow progress to teach you patience, adaptability, or a deeper reliance on Him?**

### FAQ

**Why did they sail "under Crete"?**

Answer: The phrase "sailed under Crete" (Greek: _hypopléō_) means they sailed on the lee side of the island. This was a common maritime strategy in ancient times when faced with strong, unfavorable winds. By sailing close to the southern coast of Crete, the island itself would provide shelter from the prevailing northwesterly winds, creating calmer waters and allowing the ship to make some progress, albeit slowly, without being directly battered by the full force of the wind. This allowed them to continue their journey, even if it meant a significant detour.

**What does "the wind not suffering us" mean?**

Answer: This phrase translates the Greek _anemou mē proseōntos hēmas_ (ἀνέμου μὴ προσεῶντος ἡμᾶς), which literally means "the wind not permitting us" or "not allowing us to proceed." It signifies that the wind was so strong and directly contrary to their desired westward course that it actively prevented the ship from sailing in that direction. The wind was an insurmountable obstacle, forcing them to abandon their intended route and seek an alternative, as described by their subsequent action of sailing "under Crete." It highlights the complete dominance of natural forces over their navigation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:7, depicting a journey fraught with "contrary winds" and slow, difficult progress, resonates deeply with the journey of Christ and the Christian life. Jesus Himself, in His earthly ministry, faced constant opposition and "contrary winds" from those who rejected Him, even from His own people (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected") and seen in [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). His path to the cross was the ultimate journey of suffering and apparent defeat, a "slow, difficult" ascent to Calvary, yet it was precisely through this divinely purposed suffering that He accomplished the greatest act of salvation for humanity ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")). Just as Paul's perilous voyage ultimately led to the proclamation of the gospel in Rome, Christ's journey of self-sacrifice led to the triumph of the gospel globally. He is the one who commands the winds and the waves ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over all creation. Therefore, even when our lives encounter "headwinds" and detours, we are assured that our sovereign Lord, who endured His own difficult path to fulfill God's will ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")), is guiding our "voyage" to His glory and our ultimate good.

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 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.