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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
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
We came to a certain place, which is called Fair Havens. THESE Fair Havens, not THIS Fair Havens.
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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, 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. 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).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Why does Luke include such specific geographical details like "Fair Havens" and "Lasea" in his account?
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, 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?
Despite its name, "Fair Havens" (Kaloi Limenes, meaning "Good Harbors"), was not an ideal port for wintering. As Acts 27:12 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.
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) 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). 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). In Him, we find not merely a temporary respite, but the enduring security and fulfillment of God's redemptive purpose.