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Acts 27

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.

And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

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

And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

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

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

And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

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

But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;

And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;

And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

What does Acts 27:12 mean?

Explanation

Acts 27:12 describes a specific moment during the Apostle Paul’s journey to Rome as a prisoner.

The ship he is on has stopped at Fair Havens, a port on the island of Crete.

The port is deemed unsuitable for the ship's company to spend the winter due to its exposure to the elements and the lack of facilities.

The majority decision among the crew and passengers is to attempt sailing further, to Phoenix, a more suitable harbor on Crete which is oriented to protect against the prevalent winter winds, to spend the winter months there safely.

This verse highlights the practical concerns of ancient sea travel, the decision-making process in uncertain circumstances, and implicitly sets the stage for the ensuing narrative where this decision leads to a perilous situation.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts was authored by Luke, a companion of Paul, and is dated around 62-70 A.D.

During the first century, sailing was subject to seasonal weather patterns, with winter months being particularly dangerous for sea voyages due to storms.

Mariners at the time would seek safe harbors to anchor for the winter.

Crete, a significant island in the Mediterranean, was situated along the travel routes of the time.

The mention of Phoenix as a preferred winter harbor indicates the knowledge and use of established maritime itineraries and safe ports of that period.

Theological Insights

This verse is part of a larger narrative, showcasing the providential care of God over His servants.

From a theological standpoint, the Luke-Acts narrative stresses trusting in God's guidance, even during perilous journeys and decisions apparently based on common sense or majority opinion.

The eventual shipwreck that follows in Acts 27 can be understood as part of God's plan to bring Paul to Rome and fulfill the mission God had for him.

Practical Applications

The practical lesson from Acts 27:12 emphasizes the importance of seeking shelter from life's metaphorical storms, and evaluating safety and suitability when making decisions concerning one's journey.

On a broader spiritual level, this could be interpreted as seeking divine guidance in decision-making and not solely relying on popular opinion or apparent practicalities.

Cross-References

Acts 27:9-11 – The context immediately before this verse, which shows Paul's warning about the voyage.
Acts 27:13-44 – The ensuing narrative of the ship's departure from Fair Havens and the resulting shipwreck.
Proverbs 27:12 – A wisdom saying concerning the prudence of seeing danger and taking refuge.
Hebrews 6:18-19 – The idea of hope being an anchor for the soul, as a metaphor for safety in the face of danger, similar to seeking a safe harbor.

Language Study

The original Greek words of note in this verse include:

"Φοίνικα" (Phenice or Phoenix): The name of the harbor they planned to reach, also associated with the palm tree, possibly indicating a harbor marked with palm trees or named after the Phoenix bird symbolizing renewal.
"παραχειμάσαι" (to winter): Indicates to spend the winter or find shelter during the winter season, important for understanding the urgency of finding a safe harbor.
"λιμένα" (an haven): Means a harbor or port and is a key term for understanding the nautical concerns of the passage.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Religious and mythical narratives from the ancient world are replete with journeys by sea, often symbolic of wider spiritual truths.

The idea of seeking a safe port can be seen in other religious traditions as a metaphor for salvation or enlightenment.

The journey motif is common in religious narratives, such as Odysseus' long voyage home in Greek mythology, with the theme of overcoming trials and seeking safe harbor resonating across cultures.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, understanding the prevalent winds and weather patterns in the Mediterranean would validate the search for a harbor facing the proper direction for protection from winter storms.

Archaeology may shed light on ancient navigation and harbor locations, lending physical evidence to these accounts.

commentaries

Various experts and theologians have commented on this verse:

John Gill discusses Phoenix as a port well known by sailors, suitable for winter, and explains why it was called Phoenix.
Matthew Henry highlights the disagreements between what Paul advised and what the majority wanted, and the tendency to follow the more agreeable advice rather than the safer.
The Pulpit Commentary analyzes the strategic mistake made in leaving Fair Havens, despite it being the wiser choice to stay in the eyes of Paul, which could be seen as a spiritual metaphor for ignoring divine guidance.
Adam Clarke in his commentary offers insights on the specifics and difficulties of ancient navigation during Paul's time.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 27:12 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?