Acts 27:12

¶ And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, [and there] to winter; [which is] an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.

And {G1161} because {G5225} the haven {G3040} was {G5225} not commodious {G428} to {G4314} winter in {G3915}, the more part {G4119} advised {G1012}{G5087} to depart {G321} thence also {G2547}, if {G1513} by any means {G4458} they might {G1410} attain {G2658} to {G1519} Phenice {G5405}, and there to winter {G3914}; which is an haven {G3040} of Crete {G2914}, and lieth {G991} toward {G2596} the south west {G3047} and {G2532}{G2596} north west {G5566}.

Moreover, since the harbor was not well suited to sitting out the winter, the majority reached the decision to sail on from there in the hope of reaching Phoenix, another harbor in Crete, and wintering there, where it is protected from the southwest and northwest winds.

Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to sail on, if somehow they could reach Phoenix to winter there. Phoenix was a harbor in Crete facing both southwest and northwest.

And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to put to sea from thence, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, and winter there; which is a haven of Crete, looking north-east and south-east.

Commentary

Context of Acts 27:12

The Apostle Paul was on a perilous voyage as a prisoner to Rome, having appealed to Caesar (Acts 25:11). They had reached a harbor in Crete called Fair Havens. This verse highlights a critical juncture in the journey, where the ship's company faced a decision about where to spend the winter months. Ancient sea travel was extremely dangerous, especially during the winter season, typically from mid-September to mid-March, due to severe storms and unreliable navigation. The ship's master and owner, along with the centurion Julius, were debating whether to stay in Fair Havens or attempt to reach another harbor, Phenice (modern-day Loutro or Lutro), which was considered more suitable. Paul had already warned them against continuing the voyage, predicting great loss (Acts 27:10), but his counsel was largely disregarded.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Human Prudence vs. Divine Guidance: The verse illustrates a decision made based on human assessment of convenience ("not commodious") and perceived safety. While seemingly logical, this decision ultimately led to disaster, highlighting the tension between human wisdom and divine warnings.
  • Challenges of Ancient Navigation: It underscores the realities of ancient maritime travel, where finding a safe, well-equipped harbor for winter was crucial for survival. The description of Phenice's orientation ("south west and north west") indicates its superior protection from prevailing winds, making it a more desirable port.
  • The Setting for Future Events: This seemingly minor decision sets the stage for the dramatic shipwreck that follows, demonstrating how seemingly practical choices can have profound consequences. It shows the human tendency to prioritize comfort over caution.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "commodious" here means suitable, convenient, or well-adapted. The Greek word is aneuthetos (ἀνευθέτως), meaning "unsuitable" or "inconvenient." The phrase "not commodious to winter in" thus means Fair Havens was not a good place to spend the winter, lacking proper shelter or facilities. Phenice, on the other hand, was described as having a better orientation to protect ships from the strong winter winds, making it a more desirable "haven" or port.

Practical Application

Acts 27:12 offers insights into decision-making, both individually and collectively, and the importance of wise counsel.

  • Weighing Counsel: It serves as a reminder to carefully consider all counsel, especially when it comes from unexpected sources or challenges conventional wisdom. Paul, though a prisoner, possessed spiritual insight and practical experience that was ignored by those in charge.
  • Short-term Convenience vs. Long-term Safety: Sometimes, the seemingly "commodious" or easy path in the short term may lead to greater difficulties later. The pursuit of a more comfortable wintering spot led them directly into a devastating storm (Acts 27:14). This illustrates the danger of making decisions based solely on immediate comfort rather than long-term implications.
  • Trusting Providence: Even when human decisions lead to trouble, God's providence can work through difficult circumstances. Paul's eventual arrival in Rome and his ministry there were part of God's larger plan, despite the detours and dangers (Acts 28:16). This passage reminds us that God can use even our poor choices to accomplish His purposes.
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Cross-References

  • Psalms 107:30 (2 votes)

    Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

  • Acts 27:8 (2 votes)

    And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city [of] Lasea.