Acts 27:9

KJV

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished [them],

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} when much {G2425} time {G5550} was spent {G1230}, and {G2532} when sailing {G4144} was {G5607} now {G2235} dangerous {G2000}, because {G1223} the fast {G3521} was {G3928} now {G2532} already {G2235} past {G3928}, Paul {G3972} admonished {G3867} them,

Complete Jewish Bible

Since much time had been lost, and continuing the voyage was risky, because it was already past Yom-Kippur, Sha’ul advised them,

Berean Standard Bible

By now much time had passed, and the voyage had already become dangerous because it was after the Fast. So Paul advised them,

American Standard Version

And when much time was spent, and the voyage was now dangerous, because the Fast was now already gone by, Paul admonished them,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:9 serves as a critical temporal and situational marker in the narrative of Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome. It highlights that a significant amount of time had passed, rendering continued sailing increasingly dangerous due to the lateness of the season, specifically after the Jewish Day of Atonement. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic maritime disaster by introducing Paul's prescient warning, which, if heeded, could have averted the subsequent catastrophe.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 27:9 is situated within the broader narrative of Paul's journey as a prisoner to Rome, following his appeal to Caesar in [Acts 25:11-12](/acts/25-11-12 "Acts 25:11-12 - Paul Appeals to Caesar"). The preceding verses ([Acts 27:1-8](/acts/27-1-8 "Acts 27:1-8 - Paul's Initial Voyage to Rome")) detail the initial stages of the voyage, marked by slow progress and the need to change ships. Upon reaching Fair Havens in Crete, the crew and centurion faced a decision: winter there or attempt to reach a more suitable harbor. Verse 9 introduces the critical factor of time and the ensuing danger, directly leading into Paul's specific admonition in [Acts 27:10](/acts/27-10 "Acts 27:10 - Paul Warns of Disaster"), which is then disregarded, setting up the dramatic storm in [Acts 27:14](/acts/27-14 "Acts 27:14 - The Euroclydon Storm").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "the fast was now already past" refers to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, which typically falls in late September or early October. In the ancient Mediterranean world, sailing conditions deteriorated significantly after this period. Mariners generally considered the seas unsafe for open-sea voyages from mid-September to mid-November and effectively closed for travel from mid-November to early March due to the prevalence of severe autumn and winter storms. The mention of "the fast" therefore functions as a precise chronological marker, indicating that the favorable sailing season had definitively ended, and the risks of maritime travel were now substantially heightened, making the decision to continue the voyage particularly perilous.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Acts 27 and the broader book. It underscores the theme of **Prudence vs. Peril**, highlighting the tension between the desire to reach a destination quickly and the practical wisdom of avoiding known dangers. It also showcases **Paul's Foresight and Wisdom**, demonstrating that despite being a prisoner, he possesses spiritual discernment and practical knowledge, offering counsel that proves to be sound. This foreshadows his unexpected leadership role during the crisis, a common motif in Acts where God uses His servants in surprising ways. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Disregarding Wise Counsel**, as Paul's warning, though clear, is initially ignored, leading directly to the severe consequences detailed in the subsequent verses of [Acts 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Shipwreck and Survival").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dangerous (Greek, _episphalḗs_):** This adjective, derived from a root meaning "to trip," figuratively denotes something insecure, unstable, or hazardous. Its use here emphasizes the objective reality of the increased risk, not just a subjective feeling. The voyage was not merely difficult but genuinely perilous, indicating a high probability of shipwreck or loss.
* **fast (Greek, _nēsteía_):** This noun specifically refers to abstinence from food, particularly in a religious context. In the New Testament, when used with the definite article, it almost invariably denotes the annual fast of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Its inclusion provides a precise chronological anchor, marking the transition from safe to dangerous sailing conditions, as the season for severe storms in the Mediterranean typically commenced after this autumnal observance.
* **admonished (Greek, _parainéō_):** This verb means "to mispraise," but in a more common usage, it signifies to recommend or advise a different course of action, to exhort, or to warn. Paul's action was not merely a suggestion but a serious, earnest warning, urging them to reconsider their plans given the escalating danger. It implies a sense of responsibility and foresight on Paul's part.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when much time was spent":** This clause indicates that the journey had already been protracted, suggesting delays, slow progress, or perhaps a period of waiting at Fair Havens. The passage of significant time implies that the favorable season for sailing was drawing to a close, if not already past.
* **"and when sailing was now dangerous":** This is the crucial declaration of the verse, marking a shift in the conditions from merely difficult to genuinely perilous. The risk of maritime disaster had escalated to a critical level, making further travel ill-advised.
* **"because the fast was now already past":** This explanatory clause provides the specific reason for the heightened danger. The passing of Yom Kippur (late September/early October) signaled the onset of the treacherous autumn and winter storm season in the Mediterranean, making open-sea navigation exceedingly hazardous.
* **"Paul admonished [them]":** Despite his status as a prisoner, Paul takes the initiative to warn the centurion and the ship's crew. His "admonition" was a serious and urgent counsel, based on his spiritual discernment and perhaps practical experience, urging them to avoid the impending danger by not continuing the voyage.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Foreshadowing**, as Paul's warning about the dangers of continued sailing directly precedes and anticipates the violent storm (the Euroclydon) described later in the chapter. The mention of "the fast" serves as a precise **Chronological Marker**, grounding the narrative in a specific historical and seasonal context, which in turn explains the escalating peril. There is also an implicit **Contrast** established between Paul's wisdom and the subsequent disregard for his counsel by the centurion and the ship's owner, setting up the dramatic tension and consequences that unfold.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:9 underscores the biblical principle that wisdom often involves recognizing and respecting natural laws and heeding warnings, even when they are inconvenient or come from unexpected sources. It highlights the tension between human presumption and divine foresight. Paul, though a prisoner, embodies a wisdom that transcends mere human experience, hinting at a divine insight that guides his counsel. This passage reminds us that God's providence can manifest not only through miraculous intervention but also through the practical wisdom He grants to His servants, intended to guide others away from harm. The failure to heed such counsel often leads to predictable, and sometimes severe, consequences.

* [Proverbs 1:33](/proverbs/1-33 "Proverbs 1:33 - Security for the Obedient")
* [Proverbs 27:12](/proverbs/27-12 "Proverbs 27:12 - The Prudent See Danger")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Wisdom from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:9 offers profound lessons for contemporary life. We are often faced with decisions where expediency or perceived efficiency clashes with prudence and known risks. Like the ancient mariners, we must learn to discern the "seasons" of our lives—whether spiritual, relational, or professional—that indicate increased danger or require a change of course. Paul's example, as a prisoner offering sound, life-saving advice, challenges us to consider the source of wisdom not by worldly status, but by its alignment with truth and its proven foresight. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing that God can speak through unexpected voices, and that true leadership often involves the courage to offer unpopular warnings for the sake of others' well-being. Disregarding such counsel, whether from God's Word, trusted mentors, or even the clear signs of nature, often leads to avoidable hardship and regret.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern wise counsel in my life, especially when it contradicts my immediate desires or the prevailing opinion of others?**
* **What "seasonal markers" or clear warnings, whether spiritual, emotional, or practical, might I be ignoring in my current circumstances?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to prioritize convenience or speed over safety and wisdom, potentially leading to unnecessary peril?**

### FAQ
**What was "the fast" mentioned in Acts 27:9, and why was its passing significant for the voyage?**

Answer: "The fast" refers to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It was a day of solemn fasting and repentance, typically observed in late September or early October. Its passing was highly significant for ancient Mediterranean sea travel because it marked the end of the safe sailing season. After Yom Kippur, the autumn and winter storms became increasingly frequent and violent, making voyages extremely hazardous. Mariners generally avoided open-sea travel from mid-September to mid-November, and the seas were considered effectively closed for navigation from mid-November to early March. Therefore, the fact that "the fast was now already past" meant that the ship was attempting to sail into a period of known and extreme maritime danger, as detailed in [Leviticus 23:27-32](/leviticus/23-27-32 "Leviticus 23:27-32 - The Day of Atonement") which describes the observance of Yom Kippur.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:9, with Paul's warning against sailing into danger, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the ultimate source of divine wisdom and the safe harbor for humanity. Just as Paul, though a prisoner, offered crucial, life-saving counsel, so Christ, though appearing in humble form, is the very embodiment of God's wisdom, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Humanity, adrift in the perilous seas of sin and spiritual ignorance, faces an eternal "dangerous season." Jesus, our Good Shepherd, constantly "admonishes" us through His Word and Spirit, warning us of the destructive paths of sin and self-reliance, and calling us to Himself. He declares, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice")). The tragic consequence of disregarding Paul's counsel foreshadows the greater tragedy of those who ignore Christ's call to repentance and faith, choosing to navigate life's storms without the only one who can bring them safely to shore. Christ is the wise builder who constructs on a solid foundation, unlike those who build on sand ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")), offering not just advice, but Himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, leading us to eternal safety.

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

Numbers 29:7

And ye shall have on the tenth [day] of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work [therein]:

Leviticus 23:27

Also on the tenth [day] of this seventh month [there shall be] a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Leviticus 23:29

For whatsoever soul [it be] that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.

Leviticus 16:29

¶ And [this] shall be a statute for ever unto you: [that] in the seventh month, on the tenth [day] of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, [whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:

Leviticus 16:31

It [shall be] a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.