Acts 27:6

And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

And there {G2546} the centurion {G1543} found {G2147} a ship {G4143} of Alexandria {G222} sailing {G4126} into {G1519} Italy {G2482}; and he put {G1688} us {G2248} therein {G1519}{G846}.

There the Roman officer found an Alexandrian vessel sailing to Italy and put us aboard.

There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board.

And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy; and he put us therein.

Commentary

Acts 27:6 details a crucial logistical step in Paul’s journey to Rome as a prisoner. After their arrival at Myra, a city in Lycia, the Roman centurion in charge, Julius, swiftly found a suitable vessel for their continued voyage.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative describing Paul's arduous sea journey from Caesarea to Rome, where he was being sent to stand trial before Caesar. Having sailed from Adramyttium and then transferred ships at Myra, the centurion needed to find a larger, more direct ship to complete the journey to Italy. Alexandria, Egypt, was a major port known for its large grain ships supplying the Roman Empire, making its vessels ideal for long voyages across the Mediterranean. This detail highlights the common maritime routes and the efficiency of Roman logistical systems.

Key Themes

  • Divine Orchestration: Despite being a prisoner, Paul's journey to Rome was part of God's sovereign plan for him to bear witness in the imperial capital. Even the seemingly mundane act of finding a ship fits into this divine purpose.
  • Roman Efficiency: The ease with which the centurion found an Alexandrian ship illustrates the highly developed maritime network of the Roman Empire, crucial for trade, military movements, and administration.
  • Providence in the Mundane: The verse reminds us that God's hand is at work not just in miraculous events, but also in the practical details and logistical arrangements of life, guiding circumstances to fulfill His will.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase "πλοῖον Ἀλεξανδρῖνον" (ploion Alexandrinon) simply translates to "Alexandrian ship." While straightforward, this term carries historical weight, indicating a vessel likely of significant size and capacity, accustomed to long-distance voyages across the Mediterranean, particularly in the vital grain trade between Egypt and Rome. There are no complex linguistic nuances in this specific verse that require deep etymological exploration beyond understanding the geographical and historical significance of Alexandria as a major port.

Practical Application

Acts 27:6 offers a quiet but powerful reminder of God's meticulous oversight in our lives. Even when we feel out of control, like Paul being transported as a prisoner, God is at work, arranging circumstances and opening doors (or finding ships!) to fulfill His purposes. It encourages us to trust that God is guiding our steps, even through the ordinary transitions and challenges of life, always moving us towards His ultimate plan, just as He guided Paul towards his destiny in Rome. This verse shows that even in the logistical details of a journey, God's providence is active, ensuring His will is done.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 28:11 (5 votes)

    ¶ And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

  • Acts 18:24 (2 votes)

    ¶ And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, [and] mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

  • Acts 6:9 (2 votes)

    Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called [the synagogue] of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

  • Acts 27:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto [one] named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.