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:
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}:
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.
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.
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;
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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 28:13 details a specific leg of the Apostle Paul's arduous sea journey to Rome, where he was traveling as a prisoner to appeal to Caesar. This verse, though seemingly mundane, provides important geographical and logistical insights into ancient travel and subtly underscores the divine hand guiding Paul's mission.
Context
This verse follows Paul's miraculous survival of a shipwreck off the coast of Malta, where he spent three months (see Acts 28:11). Having departed Malta in an Alexandrian ship, the "Castor and Pollux," they first stopped at Syracuse in Sicily (Acts 28:12). From Syracuse, they sailed to Rhegium, located on the toe of Italy, and then, with a favorable change in wind, quickly reached Puteoli. This journey was the penultimate maritime stage before Paul would complete his long-desired journey to Rome.
Geographical and Historical Insights
Key Themes
Practical Application
Acts 28:13 reminds us that God is actively involved in the details of our lives, even in seemingly ordinary or difficult circumstances. Just as He provided the necessary wind for Paul's journey, He orchestrates events and provides resources for our paths. We are called to be faithful in our journey, trusting that God's timing and provision are perfect, even when we face delays or detours. Every step, even the one we don't understand, can be part of God's greater purpose.