Acts 28:13

KJV

And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

KJV (with Strong's)

And from thence {G3606} we fetched a compass {G4022}, and came {G2658} to {G1519} Rhegium {G4484}: and {G2532} after {G3326} one {G3391} day {G2250} the south wind {G3558} blew {G1920}, and we came {G2064} the next day {G1206} to {G1519} Puteoli {G4223}:

Complete Jewish Bible

From there, we arrived at Rhegium by tacking; but after one day, a south wind sprang up; so we made it to Puteoli the second day.

Berean Standard Bible

From there we weighed anchor and came to Rhegium. After one day, a south wind came up, and on the second day we arrived at Puteoli.

American Standard Version

And from thence we made a circuit, and arrived at Rhegium: and after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 28:13 meticulously chronicles a crucial segment of the Apostle Paul’s divinely orchestrated voyage to Rome as a prisoner, detailing the maritime route from Syracuse to Rhegium and then, aided by a providential south wind, swiftly to Puteoli. This seemingly simple itinerary entry underscores the precise logistical challenges of ancient sea travel and subtly highlights the unwavering divine hand guiding Paul toward his ultimate mission destination in the heart of the Roman Empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the final chapter of the book of Acts, which narrates Paul's journey to Rome. It immediately follows the account of Paul's three-month stay on Malta after a harrowing shipwreck (compare [Acts 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Shipwreck") with [Acts 28:1-10](/acts/28-1-10 "Acts 28:1-10 - Paul on Malta")). Having departed Malta on an Alexandrian ship named "Castor and Pollux" (reported in [Acts 28:11](/acts/28-11 "Acts 28:11 - Departure from Malta")), the narrative in [Acts 28:12](/acts/28-12 "Acts 28:12 - Arrival at Syracuse") recounts their initial stop at Syracuse on the island of Sicily. Acts 28:13 then details the subsequent legs of the journey, emphasizing the geographical progression and the providential wind that facilitated their travel, setting the stage for Paul's long-anticipated arrival in Rome, which is the climax of the book's narrative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient maritime travel was heavily dependent on prevailing winds and geographical features. Ships typically sailed during daylight hours and often hugged coastlines, seeking safe harbors for the night or to wait out unfavorable weather. Rhegium (modern Reggio Calabria) was a strategically vital port located on the "toe" of Italy, at the narrowest point of the Strait of Messina, which separates Sicily from the Italian mainland. Navigating this strait was notoriously difficult due to strong currents and unpredictable winds, often requiring ships to wait for a favorable "south wind" (Greek: _notos_) to proceed northward. Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli), situated on the Bay of Naples, was the principal port of entry for Rome from the eastern Mediterranean, serving as the primary commercial and passenger harbor until Ostia's development. Most travelers, including prisoners, disembarked here and completed their journey to Rome by land, making this a pivotal final maritime stop for Paul.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 28:13, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Guidance**. Even as a prisoner, Paul's journey is meticulously overseen by God, as evidenced by the timely "south wind" that allowed for swift passage, ensuring Paul's progress toward his ultimate destination in Rome (a theme echoed in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")). Secondly, it highlights **Persistence in Mission**. Despite imprisonment, a near-fatal shipwreck, and various delays, Paul's unwavering commitment to reaching Rome and proclaiming the gospel there is evident. Every step, even a forced one, serves God's larger redemptive plan. Finally, this verse, as part of Paul's journey to the imperial capital, symbolizes the **Unstoppable Advance of the Gospel**. Paul's arrival in Rome, the heart of the Roman Empire, fulfills the mandate given in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth"), demonstrating the gospel's inexorable spread to the "uttermost part of the earth."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fetched a compass (Greek, _periérchomai'_):** From περί and ἔρχομαι, meaning "to come all around, i.e. stroll, vacillate, veer." In the KJV context, it signifies sailing around a point or making a circuitous route. From Syracuse, rather than sailing directly across the open sea, they likely navigated around the eastern and northern coasts of Sicily to reach Rhegium, which is on the Strait of Messina. This term captures the reality of ancient navigation, which often involved indirect routes to catch favorable currents or avoid hazards.
* **blew (Greek, _epigínomai'_):** From ἐπί and γίνομαι, meaning "to arrive upon, i.e. spring up (as a wind)." This word specifically describes the onset or arrival of the south wind. The use of this verb emphasizes the sudden and timely appearance of the wind, suggesting a providential intervention that facilitated their journey. The wind did not just exist; it "sprang up" or "came upon" them at the opportune moment.
* **next day (Greek, _deuteraîos'_):** From δεύτερος, meaning "secondary, i.e. (specially) on the second day." This precise temporal indicator highlights the speed and efficiency of their travel once the favorable south wind appeared. It contrasts with the potential for long delays due to adverse winds, underscoring the divine favor that enabled them to reach Puteoli in just one day after the wind began to blow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And from thence we fetched a compass,"**: This phrase indicates their departure from Syracuse (the "thence" referring to the location mentioned in the preceding verse, [Acts 28:12](/acts/28-12 "Acts 28:12 - Arrival at Syracuse")). The action of "fetching a compass" (from the Greek _periérchomai_) means they sailed around or made a circuit, likely navigating the eastern and northern coasts of Sicily to approach the Strait of Messina from the most practical direction given ancient shipbuilding and navigational techniques.
* **"and came to Rhegium:"**: This marks their arrival at Rhegium, a significant port city on the "toe" of Italy, directly across from Sicily. Ships often paused here, waiting for suitable conditions to pass through the treacherous Strait of Messina. Their arrival signifies a temporary halt in their journey, a common occurrence in ancient sea travel.
* **"and after one day the south wind blew,"**: This clause is critical. After spending a single day in Rhegium, a crucial change in weather occurred. The "south wind" (Greek _notos_) was the ideal wind for northbound travel along the Italian coast. The fact that it "blew" (Greek _epigínomai_, "sprang up") precisely after one day suggests a timely and providential intervention, enabling them to continue their journey without the prolonged delays often experienced by ships waiting for favorable winds.
* **"and we came the next day to Puteoli:"**: This final segment highlights the remarkable speed of their travel once the south wind began. "The next day" (Greek _deuteraîos_) signifies their arrival at Puteoli, a major port near Naples, in just 24 hours from Rhegium. This rapid progress, facilitated by the wind, demonstrates the efficiency of their journey and underscores the divine orchestration that ensured Paul's swift, albeit indirect, passage to the final port before Rome.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Narrative Detail** to meticulously recount the journey's specifics, lending verisimilitude to the account and grounding the spiritual narrative in tangible historical reality. The precise geographical locations (Rhegium, Puteoli) and temporal markers ("after one day," "the next day") contribute to this detailed realism. Furthermore, the mention of the **"south wind blew"** functions as a subtle yet potent instance of **Divine Intervention** or **Providence**. While not explicitly stated as a miracle, the timely and favorable change in wind, crucial for ancient sailing, is presented as an opportune event that facilitates Paul's progress, mirroring other instances in Acts where natural elements or circumstances align with God's purposes for His servants. This detail serves as a quiet affirmation of God's sovereign control over even the seemingly mundane aspects of life and travel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 28:13, though a simple navigational report, carries profound theological weight, revealing God's meticulous providence in the seemingly ordinary details of life. It demonstrates that God's sovereign hand is not limited to grand miracles but extends to the daily circumstances, including weather patterns and travel logistics, to accomplish His divine purposes. The timely south wind, a natural phenomenon, becomes a clear sign of divine favor, ensuring Paul's progress towards Rome, where he was destined to bear witness to Christ before Caesar. This highlights that even when we face delays, detours, or imprisonment, God remains actively involved, orchestrating events to fulfill His will and advance His kingdom. Our journeys, no matter how mundane or challenging, are always under His watchful eye and within His perfect plan.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord")
* [Psalm 107:29-30](/psalms/107-29-30 "God Calms the Storm")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "All Things Work for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 28:13 offers a powerful reminder that God is intimately involved in the minutiae of our lives, even when we are in difficult or restricted circumstances. Just as He provided the specific "south wind" at the precise moment Paul needed it to continue his journey, God orchestrates events, opens doors, and provides resources for our paths. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's sovereignty, recognizing that even delays, detours, or seemingly mundane details are part of His larger, perfect plan for our lives and ministries. Our call is to remain faithful and persistent in our God-given mission, trusting that His timing and provision are impeccable, guiding us through every "leg" of our journey, ultimately bringing us to His intended destination and purpose. We are invited to see God's hand not just in the miraculous, but in the ordinary, everyday provisions that enable us to move forward.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life can you identify God's subtle, providential hand guiding you through seemingly ordinary circumstances or even delays?**
* **How does understanding God's control over even natural elements (like a "south wind") deepen your trust in His care for your own journey?**
* **In what ways can you maintain persistence in your faith or calling, even when faced with "imprisonment" or obstacles that seem to hinder your progress?**

### FAQ

**What does "fetched a compass" mean in the context of ancient sailing?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "fetched a compass" (from the Greek _periérchomai_) does not refer to a navigational instrument like a modern compass. Instead, it means to "sail around," "make a circuit," or "veer." From Syracuse, Paul's ship likely had to sail around the eastern and northern coasts of Sicily to navigate the complex currents and winds of the Strait of Messina, rather than attempting a direct, potentially hazardous, route. This phrase describes a common, indirect sailing maneuver for ancient mariners.

**Why was the "south wind" so important for Paul's journey from Rhegium to Puteoli?**

Answer: The "south wind" (Greek _notos_) was crucial because Rhegium is located at the narrowest point of the Strait of Messina, which separates Sicily from the Italian mainland. To sail northward along the Italian coast towards Puteoli, a south wind was the most favorable and often necessary wind. Without it, ships could be delayed for days or even weeks, struggling against adverse winds or currents. The timely arrival of this specific wind, as noted in [Acts 28:13](/acts/28-13 "Acts 28:13 - Paul's Journey to Puteoli"), highlights a providential intervention that allowed Paul's ship to proceed swiftly to its next destination.

**What was the significance of Puteoli as a port for travelers to Rome?**

Answer: Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli) was the primary commercial and passenger port for Rome from the eastern Mediterranean during the first century AD. Located on the Bay of Naples, it served as the main disembarkation point for goods and travelers arriving from places like Egypt, Greece, and the Near East. From Puteoli, travelers would then proceed to Rome by land, typically via the Appian Way. For Paul, it was the final maritime stage of his long journey, marking his arrival on the Italian mainland and bringing him within walking distance of the imperial capital, the ultimate destination of his mission as recorded in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Promise to Paul").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 28:13, though a seemingly mundane travel log, beautifully illustrates the overarching Christ-centered fulfillment woven throughout the narrative of Acts. Paul's journey to Rome, even as a prisoner, is not merely a personal ordeal but a divinely orchestrated mission to proclaim the gospel of Christ in the heart of the Roman Empire. The timely "south wind" is a subtle yet powerful testament to the sovereign Lordship of Christ, who, having all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), directs the very elements to ensure the advancement of His kingdom. Just as Christ commanded His disciples to be His witnesses to the "uttermost part of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")), His Spirit continually guides and empowers His servants, removing obstacles and opening pathways for the gospel. Paul's arrival in Puteoli, the final port before Rome, is a tangible step in the fulfillment of Christ's global mission, demonstrating that no human opposition, natural disaster, or imprisonment can thwart the unstoppable spread of the message of the crucified and risen King. This journey, culminating in Paul's witness in Rome, ultimately points to Christ as the Lord of history, whose redemptive work guarantees the triumph of His Church and the worldwide proclamation of His saving grace ([Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel")).

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 27:13

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