Acts 27:8

KJV

And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city [of] Lasea.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037}, hardly {G3433} passing {G3881} it {G846}, came {G2064} unto {G1519} a {G5100} place {G5117} which is called {G2564} The fair {G2570} havens {G2568}{G3040}; nigh {G1451} whereunto {G3739} was {G2258} the city {G4172} of Lasea {G2996}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and, continuing to struggle on, hugging the coast, we reached a place called Pleasant Harbor, near the town of Lasea.

Berean Standard Bible

After we had moved along the coast with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.

American Standard Version

and with difficulty coasting along it we came unto a certain place called Fair Havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:8 provides a detailed geographical marker in the perilous sea voyage of the Apostle Paul as a prisoner en route to Rome. This verse describes the ship's arduous passage along the southern coast of Crete, highlighting the severe navigational challenges faced by ancient mariners and setting the immediate scene for the critical decision-making and dramatic events that unfold in the subsequent narrative concerning the wintering of the ship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the meticulous travelogue of [Acts chapter 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Perilous Voyage to Rome"), which chronicles Paul's journey from Caesarea to Rome under Roman custody. Following the departure from Myra and a difficult sail past Cnidus, the ship struggled against prevailing northwesterly winds, forcing them to sail under the lee of Crete (Acts 27:7). Having "hardly passed" Salmone, the easternmost point of Crete, they continued along the southern coast, eventually reaching Fair Havens. This verse marks a temporary, albeit inadequate, respite before Paul's warning about continuing the journey (Acts 27:9-10) and the subsequent shipwreck (Acts 27:13-44). Luke's detailed geographical and nautical descriptions throughout this chapter serve to ground the narrative in historical reality and emphasize the divine hand guiding Paul despite immense natural obstacles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Mediterranean sea travel was inherently dangerous, especially outside the calmer summer months. Ships were largely dependent on favorable winds, and navigating against them was extremely difficult, often requiring hugging coastlines for shelter. The Roman Empire relied heavily on maritime transport for trade and military movements, making such voyages common but fraught with peril. Crete, a large island, offered some protection from northerly winds along its southern coast. "Fair Havens" (Kaloi Limenes) was a known anchorage on Crete's south coast, but it was notoriously exposed to southerly and easterly winds, making it unsuitable for wintering. The proximity to Lasea, a small, unfortified town, further underscores the temporary and limited nature of this refuge. Paul's status as a prisoner, though treated with unusual leniency by the centurion, meant his fate was intertwined with the ship's journey, illustrating the intersection of Roman authority, natural forces, and divine purpose.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 27:8 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty amidst human struggle**. Despite the "hardly passing" and the perilous conditions, God's plan for Paul to reach Rome remains on course, even if through hardship, echoing the Lord's promise to Paul in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord Stands by Paul"). Secondly, the meticulous detail highlights **Luke's historical reliability and investigative diligence** as an author. His precise geographical references, often corroborated by later archaeological and nautical studies, lend credibility to the entire narrative of Paul's missionary journeys and the early church. Finally, the temporary nature of "Fair Havens" foreshadows the broader theme of **perseverance through adversity**, where even moments of temporary relief are not the ultimate destination, but merely stages in a longer, divinely ordained journey, a concept Paul often articulated in his epistles (e.g., [2 Corinthians 4:8-9](/2_corinthians/4-8-9 "2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - Paul's Endurance in Affliction")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hardly (Greek, _mólis'_):** This adverb signifies "with difficulty," "scarcely," or "barely." In the context of Acts 27:8, it vividly conveys the extreme effort and precariousness involved in navigating the ship past the headland of Salmone (mentioned in Acts 27:7). It suggests that the ship was pushed to its limits, making only slow and arduous progress against the strong opposing winds. This word emphasizes the severity of the conditions and the ship's vulnerability.
* **The fair havens (Greek, _Kaloì Liménes'_):** This is a proper noun, literally meaning "Good Harbors." It refers to a specific bay on the southern coast of Crete. The name itself suggests a place of safety and refuge, yet the subsequent narrative (Acts 27:12) reveals its inadequacy as a wintering port due to its exposure. The naming highlights a contrast between the perceived safety and the actual practical limitations, setting up the dramatic decision point for the ship's crew and passengers.
* **nigh (Greek, _engýs'_):** This preposition indicates proximity, meaning "near" or "at hand." Its use here precisely locates the city of Lasea in relation to Fair Havens. This detail, along with the naming of Fair Havens, underscores Luke's commitment to geographical accuracy and his eyewitness-like precision in recounting the events of the voyage. It helps to anchor the narrative in a verifiable physical landscape.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, hardly passing it,"**: This clause immediately follows the description of the ship struggling against the wind in Acts 27:7. The "it" refers to Salmone, the easternmost point of Crete. The adverb "hardly" (mólis) emphasizes the immense difficulty and strenuous effort required to round this headland, indicating that the ship barely managed to make progress against the strong headwinds. It sets a tone of struggle and peril for the ongoing journey.
* **"came unto a place which is called The fair havens;"**: Despite the arduous struggle, the ship eventually reached a specific anchorage on the southern coast of Crete. This place, known as "The fair havens" (Kaloi Limenes), served as a temporary respite. The naming of the place is significant, as it suggests a safe harbor, though the narrative later reveals its limitations for long-term stay, particularly during the dangerous winter months. This marks a brief pause in the relentless struggle.
* **"nigh whereunto was the city [of] Lasea."**: This final clause provides further geographical precision, locating Fair Havens in relation to the nearby city of Lasea. The proximity of Lasea, though not a major port, confirms the historical reality of the location and adds to Luke's detailed and verifiable account. It completes the geographical setting for this critical juncture in Paul's voyage.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account in Acts 27:8 employs several literary devices that enhance its impact and credibility. **Verisimilitude** is paramount, as Luke's meticulous naming of specific, historically verifiable locations like "Fair Havens" and "Lasea," combined with precise nautical details, lends an air of objective reality and eyewitness authority to the narrative. This attention to detail anchors the spiritual journey in a tangible, historical context. Furthermore, there is a subtle **irony** in the name "Fair Havens" (Kaloi Limenes, "Good Harbors"), as the subsequent verses reveal that this "good" harbor was, in fact, inadequate for wintering due to its exposure (Acts 27:12). This contrast between name and reality foreshadows the dangers yet to come and highlights the precariousness of their situation. Finally, the phrase "hardly passing it" serves as a form of **understatement** or **litotes**, subtly emphasizing the extreme difficulty and peril involved. By stating they "hardly" passed, it implies the immense struggle and the near impossibility of their progress, making the eventual arrival at Fair Havens a testament to sheer endurance and, implicitly, divine guidance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:8, while seemingly a simple geographical detail, carries profound theological weight. It illustrates the reality that God's purposes often unfold not in ease, but through arduous journeys and difficult circumstances. The "hardly passing" speaks to the human experience of struggle and the limitations of human effort against overwhelming natural forces, yet it is within this struggle that divine providence can be most clearly seen. The arrival at "Fair Havens," even if temporary and imperfect, signifies God's provision of respite and safety in the midst of peril, allowing for a crucial pause before the next stage of the journey. This passage reminds us that God's faithfulness is not contingent on smooth sailing but is demonstrated even in the storm-tossed moments, guiding His servants toward their ultimate destination and purpose.

* [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength")
* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "Isaiah 43:2 - God's Presence in Trials")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Paul's voyage, particularly the struggle described in Acts 27:8, offers a powerful metaphor for the Christian life. Our spiritual journeys are rarely smooth; we often find ourselves "hardly passing" through trials, facing headwinds of adversity, temptation, or doubt. This verse reminds us that such struggles are not signs of God's absence but often part of His refining process. Yet, even in the most challenging passages, God provides "fair havens"—moments of unexpected grace, temporary relief, or spiritual refreshment that allow us to regroup and regain strength. These are not necessarily our final destinations, but divinely appointed respites that equip us to continue the journey. Recognizing these moments of grace, even when they are imperfect or temporary, cultivates a deeper trust in God's overarching providence and His commitment to seeing us through to His intended destination, regardless of the storms we encounter.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "headwinds" or difficult passages am I currently "hardly passing" through in my life or faith journey?**
* **Where might God be providing "fair havens" or temporary respites that I need to recognize and appreciate, even if they are not permanent solutions?**
* **How does Luke's emphasis on historical detail in this narrative encourage my trust in the reliability of God's Word and His active involvement in human history?**

### FAQ

**Why does Luke include such specific geographical details like "Fair Havens" and "Lasea" in his account?**

Answer: Luke, as a meticulous historian and likely an eyewitness to parts of Paul's journey, includes these specific geographical details to underscore the historical veracity and reliability of his account. By naming real places like [Fair Havens and Lasea](/acts/27-8 "Acts 27:8 - Fair Havens and Lasea"), which have been confirmed by later archaeological and geographical studies, Luke grounds the spiritual narrative in verifiable historical facts. This attention to detail lends significant credibility to the entire book of Acts, demonstrating that the events described were not mythical but occurred in real time and space, involving real people and places, thereby strengthening the foundation for the theological truths presented.

**Was Fair Havens truly a "fair" or good harbor for the ship to stay in?**

Answer: Despite its name, "Fair Havens" (Kaloi Limenes, meaning "Good Harbors"), was not an ideal port for wintering. As [Acts 27:12](/acts/27-12 "Acts 27:12 - Fair Havens Not Suitable for Wintering") explicitly states, "the haven was not commodious to winter in." While it offered some temporary shelter from northerly winds, it was exposed to the more dangerous southerly and easterly winds that were common during the winter months in the Mediterranean. This inadequacy led to the fateful decision by the majority on board to attempt reaching Phoenix, a more suitable harbor, which ultimately resulted in the shipwreck described later in [Acts chapter 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Perilous Voyage to Rome").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:8, with its depiction of a ship "hardly passing" through perilous waters to find a temporary, imperfect haven, resonates deeply with the journey of Christ and the Christian's experience in Him. Just as Paul's journey to Rome was fraught with natural dangers, yet divinely purposed, so too was Christ's earthly sojourn a passage through the "headwinds" of human sin, suffering, and opposition, ultimately leading to the cross. He "hardly passed" through the agony of Gethsemane ([Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")) and the profound abandonment of Golgotha, yet His endurance was for the ultimate "Fair Haven" of salvation. Christ Himself is our true and perfect "Fair Haven," the ultimate refuge and secure harbor for our souls. Unlike the temporary and exposed anchorage of Crete, Jesus offers an eternal and unshakeable rest, a peace that transcends all storms ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). Through His death and resurrection, He has navigated the most treacherous waters of sin and death, providing safe passage and an eternal dwelling place for all who trust in Him ([Hebrews 6:19-20](/hebrews/6-19-20 "Hebrews 6:19-20 - Our Hope, an Anchor for the Soul")). In Him, we find not merely a temporary respite, but the enduring security and fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose.

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.