Acts 28:13

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;

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

  • "Fetched a compass": In KJV English, this phrase doesn't refer to a navigational instrument but means "sailed around" or "made a circuit." From Syracuse, they likely had to sail around the eastern and northern coasts of Sicily to reach Rhegium, which is on the Strait of Messina, separating Sicily from the Italian mainland.
  • Rhegium (modern Reggio Calabria): Situated at the narrowest point of the Strait of Messina, Rhegium was a strategic port city. Ships often waited here for favorable winds to navigate the strait or to proceed north.
  • "South wind blew": This detail is crucial for ancient sailing. After a day in Rhegium, the much-needed south wind (Greek: notos) allowed them to sail directly north along the coast. This was a divine provision, as unfavorable winds could delay voyages for days or weeks.
  • Puteoli (modern Pozzuoli): Located on the Bay of Naples, Puteoli was a major port city in Italy, serving as the primary commercial harbor for Rome until Ostia was fully developed. Most travelers from the East disembarked here and then proceeded to Rome by land. This was the final port of call for Paul's sea voyage.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Guidance: Even as a prisoner, Paul's journey is clearly under God's watchful eye. The timely "south wind" is a testament to God's control over natural elements, ensuring Paul's progress towards his ultimate destination in Rome (compare Proverbs 16:9).
  • Persistence in Mission: Despite imprisonment, shipwrecks, and delays, Paul's commitment to reaching Rome and proclaiming the gospel never wavers. Every step, even a forced one, serves God's larger plan.
  • The Gospel's Advance: This journey, culminating in Paul's arrival in Rome, symbolizes the unstoppable spread of the Christian message to the heart of the Roman Empire, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy in Acts 1:8.

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.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 27:13

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

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