Acts 27:9

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished [them],

Now {G1161} when much {G2425} time {G5550} was spent {G1230}, and {G2532} when sailing {G4144} was {G5607} now {G2235} dangerous {G2000}, because {G1223} the fast {G3521} was {G3928} now {G2532} already {G2235} past {G3928}, Paul {G3972} admonished {G3867} them,

Since much time had been lost, and continuing the voyage was risky, because it was already past Yom-Kippur, Sha’ul advised them,

By now much time had passed, and the voyage had already become dangerous because it was after the Fast. So Paul advised them,

And when much time was spent, and the voyage was now dangerous, because the Fast was now already gone by, Paul admonished them,

Commentary

Acts 27:9 provides a crucial temporal and contextual detail in the narrative of Paul's perilous sea voyage as a prisoner en route to Rome. This verse marks a turning point where the journey becomes increasingly dangerous, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow.

Context

Paul, having appealed to Caesar, was being transported by ship from Caesarea to Rome under the custody of a centurion named Julius. By this point, they had already experienced delays and challenges, arriving at the port of Fair Havens in Crete. The phrase "much time was spent" suggests that the voyage was not proceeding smoothly, and perhaps they had lingered for a period, possibly waiting for more favorable conditions or to unload/load cargo. The critical element here is the declaration that "sailing was now dangerous."

Historical and Cultural Insight

The danger was directly tied to the passing of "the fast." This refers to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. This annual fast typically occurred in late September or early October. In the ancient Mediterranean world, sailing became extremely hazardous after this period due, to the onset of severe autumn and winter storms. Sailors and ancient mariners generally avoided open-sea voyages from mid-September to mid-November, and considered the seas effectively closed for travel from mid-November to early March. The mention of "the fast" serves as a precise chronological marker, indicating that the favorable sailing season had definitively ended, and the risks of maritime travel were now significantly heightened, foreshadowing the great storm described later in Acts 27:14.

Key Themes

  • Prudence vs. Peril: The verse highlights the tension between a desire to reach a destination quickly and the practical wisdom of avoiding known dangers.
  • Paul's Foresight: Despite being a prisoner, Paul demonstrates spiritual discernment and practical wisdom, offering counsel based on observation and potentially divine insight. This foreshadows his leadership role in the coming crisis.
  • Disregarding Wise Counsel: The verse sets up the subsequent narrative where Paul's warning is initially disregarded, leading to severe consequences.

Practical Application

Acts 27:9 reminds us of the importance of heeding warnings and exercising wisdom, especially when faced with risky situations. Just as ancient mariners understood the seasonal dangers, we too should recognize and respect natural laws and expert advice. Paul's position as a prisoner yet offering sound advice underscores that wisdom can come from unexpected sources, and true leadership often involves discerning danger and offering timely counsel, even when it's unpopular. This verse also implicitly points to the consequences of ignoring such warnings.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 29:7 (5 votes)

    And ye shall have on the tenth [day] of this seventh month an holy convocation; and ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work [therein]:

  • Leviticus 23:27 (5 votes)

    Also on the tenth [day] of this seventh month [there shall be] a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 23:29 (5 votes)

    For whatsoever soul [it be] that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people.

  • Leviticus 16:29 (3 votes)

    ¶ And [this] shall be a statute for ever unto you: [that] in the seventh month, on the tenth [day] of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, [whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you:

  • Leviticus 16:31 (3 votes)

    It [shall be] a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever.