Acts 27: The Voyage to Rome Begins
1 And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. 2 So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. 3 And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care.
Paul’s face was set towards Rome. “His innocence fully established and acknowledged by his judges, the purposes of God must still be accomplished. His appeal to Caesar must carry him to Rome, that he may bear testimony there also.” (Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament)
“We will never know what Festus finally put in his correspondence with Caesar as to the charge laid against Paul. But accompanying Paul was Luke (‘we’), together with Aristarchus (Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24)...” (Peter Pett) “It is not certain if Aristarchus was a prisoner or not. De Welt thought he was; but the text in this place represents him apart from ‘other prisoners’ in Acts 27:1. Paul's reference to Aristarchus as ‘my fellow-prisoner’ (Colossians 4:10) may refer to the fact that Aristarchus was ‘Paul's voluntary companion in Rome.’ In Romans 16:7, Paul calls Andronicus and Junius his ‘fellow-prisoners,’ though he was not then in prison himself…” (Coffman's Commentaries)
And when it was decided that we should sail… “It was determined by the counsel of God, before it was determined by the counsel of Festus, that Paul should go to Rome; for God had work for him to do there. The course they steered, and the places they touched at, are here set down.” (Henry)
they delivered Paul and some other prisoners… “who were probably also sent to Rome for a trial before the emperor. Dr. Lardner has proved that it was common to send prisoners from Judea and other provinces to Rome (Credibility, part i. chapter 10, section 10, pp. 248,249).” (Albert Barnes)
to Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment - “This was the title of a cohort, just as ‘The Rainbow Division’ is the title of a unit in the US Army. ‘Augustus’ by this time had become a title of the emperor, and thus the meaning is similar to that of the ‘Queen's Lancers’ in British terminology.” (Coffman's Commentaries)
And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care.(3b) “And God here encourages those who suffer for him, to trust in him; for he can put it into the hearts of those to befriend them, from whom they least expect it.” (Henry) “The Lord gave him favor, as he did in the instance of Joseph with Potiphar, Genesis 39:1-6. And before that Julius and Paul parted, the Centurion found, as Potiphar had in the case of Joseph, what a blessed thing it is, to have the Lord's people with us in everything, Acts 27:24.” (Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary)
4 When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 5 And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board. 7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone. 8 Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.
“Yet though the journey was thus ordered of God, it did not follow that everything moved with ease and smoothness. The very opposite; for it is put on record from the beginning that ‘the winds were contrary’ (4). The fact that circumstances are against us is no proof that we are out of the way of God’s will, nor do favouring circumstances necessarily mean that we are in the way of His will. We cannot safely deduce from circumstances what may or may not be His will for us. Circumstances continued contrary and progress was tedious, ‘the wind not suffering us’ (7), and the dangerous time of year arrived when it was customary to suspend voyages in some safe harbour.” (F. B. Hole) In order to know God's will, we must have a prophetic Word confirmed by much Bible study and prayer.
“There was an extensive commercial intercourse, in those days, between Egypt and Rome, as a great deal of grain from the valley of the Nile, was consumed in Rome. (Acts 27:38.)” (Abbott's Illustrated New Testament)
Naturally speaking, the winds and the sea caused them to take a different and much longer course. However, a spiritual implication is “to show that they had a terrible tempestuous time of it all along, from Sidon to Malta. So have the saints of God here, for the most part, ab utero ad urnam, from the womb to the tomb, from the birth to the burial. This made Solomon prefer his coffin before his cradle, Ecclesiastes 7:1, yea, before his crown; as Queen Elizabeth also did; for indeed, this life is pestered with so many miseries and molestations, satanical and secular, that it were to be accounted little better than hell were it not for the hopes of heaven, that sweetest harbour and haven of happiness. (Bernard.)” (John Trapp)
“The Voices of God's Providence- Among the voices of God's providence are the howling storm and the roaring sea. A pious chaplain, detained by contrary wind at the Isle of Wight over the Sunday, preached that day in one of the churches of the island. In the congregation there was a thoughtless girl who had come to show her fine clothes. The Word of God arrested her, and she was converted. The story of her conversion is the narrative of the ‘Dairyman's Daughter,’ which has gone all round the world, and the fruit of the sermon is a hundredfold.” (The Biblical Illustrator)
Acts 27: Paul’s Warning Ignored
9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.
From a spiritual perspective, they had switched over to an Alexandrian merchant ship carrying a cargo of wheat. This crew of heathen merchants was working on one of the high holy days in the feast of Yahweh- the Day of Atonement. An Israelite was commanded to afflict their soul. And Paul and his friends did so. "Although nowhere in the books of Moses is there an explanation of 'afflicting the soul' required on the Day of Atonement (Lv 23:27-32, KJV), the Jews have continuously interpreted it as referring to fasting (cf. Ps 35:13; Is 58:3-5, 10). In biblical times, celebration of the Day of Atonement showed that Israel believed the cleansing of their sins was accomplished by the rites commanded by God [-including the animal sacrifices. ] ... Because it was designated as a sabbath of solemn rest (Lv 16:31; 23:32), all work was forbidden on that day as on the weekly observance of the Sabbath." (Tyndale Bible Dictionary)
From a natural perspective: "It is generally allowed that the fast mentioned here was that of the great day of atonement which was always celebrated on the tenth day of the seventh month, which would answer to the latter end of our September; see Leviticus 16:29; Leviticus 23:27, etc. As this was about the time of the autumnal equinox, when the Mediterranean Sea was sufficiently tempestuous, we may suppose this feast alone to be intended. To sail after this feast was proverbially dangerous among the ancient Jews. See proofs in Schoettgen." (Adam Clarke)
I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt, etc. - "These words of Paul seem to express not a revelation from God, but rather his own sound judgment.” (Justin Edwards' Family Bible) He wrote that he had been in three shipwrecks (2 Cor 11:25). But: “It was natural that the centurion should trust to them as experts rather than to the enthusiastic Rabbi whom he had in charge as prisoner.” (Ellicott's Commentary) The centurion respected Paul, but he was not a believer in Jesus... or he would have heeded His apostle’s words.
The experts suggested that the harbor was not suitable for winter, but Paul perceived that the sea was not favorable to sail upon. The current harbor was called “Fair Havens” (Acts 27:8) “which name it might have by an antiphrasis, it being just the reverse; it might be a good summer haven, but not be fit for winter: perhaps it might be an open road or bay, and having nothing to shelter from the boisterous waves, was a place very improper for a ship to be in, in stormy weather; for in open places, as bays and roads, the sea tumbles in very violently in bad weather..." (Gill's Exposition)
The majority advised the centurion to set sail from there, which suggests that some sided with Paul; but "the major part of the ship's company were of the same opinion with the master and owner of it, and advised as well as they, to sail from the Fair Havens in quest of a better port..." (Gill’s Exposition)
These wanted to make it to “a harbor of Crete ‘opening toward the southwest and northwest’… “ (12b) “This expression is obscure. The words south-west and north-west are, in the original, names of winds not noted for violence. The general meaning of the phrase must be, that the opening of the harbor was towards those quarters of the heavens from which violent storms were not to be apprehended.” (Abbott's Illustrated New Testament)
13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. 15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. 17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven. 18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands. 20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.
21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 26 However, we must run aground on a certain island.”
Perhaps when all hope was lost more joined the fast to Paul's God and the Revelation then transpired! An angel of Yahweh visits the apostle Paul in the night watch. Paul addresses them and informs them of the visitation by the messenger of the God "whose I am, and whom I serve - How short a compendium of religion! Yet how full! Comprehending both faith, hope, and love." (Wesley)
None would be hurt; only the ship would be lost. And it seems that Paul's words were sanctifying to the crew, as they then began to participate more in his piety with fasting and prayer. And thus: "The prisoner had become the captain, for he is the only man with any courage left." (William Barclay)
27 Now when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land. 28 And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29 Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.
33 And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. 36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. 37 And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. 38 So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.
Acts 27 Saved on Malta Shore
39 When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. 40 And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. 41 But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. 42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.
They tossed their wheat into the sea at night. And when it was day, they spotted a bay with a beach and planned to steer the merchant ship there. They cut anchor but loss the rudder ropes in the chaos. So, they hoisted the mainsail and sailed towards shore. “Then chiefly are we to look for tempests when we draw nighest to the shore, to the haven. Our last encounter at death is like to be the sharpest. The Israelites never met with such opposition as when they were to take possession of the land. Then all the kings of Canaan combined against them.” (John Trapp)
The ship ran aground and stuck fast. “It was here that a new and unexpected peril confronted Paul and his fellow-prisoners. The soldiers proposed to kill them, lest they should swim ashore and escape; but the centurion, perhaps out of gratitude to the man to whom they all owed their lives, forbade the soldiers and ordered everyone to endeavor somehow to get to land. [The centurion commanded all the prisoners to try to get to shore. Those who were able to swim were commanded to jump overboard first and get to land, and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship.] It does not so much matter how we get to heaven, as that we get there. Some who trust most in ritual and ceremonies may get there on broken pieces of the ship, but happier are they who can cast themselves directly upon the mercy of God in Jesus Christ.” (F.B. Meyer)
“It is often a great blessing to wicked men to have a Christian among them. For his sake they may be saved from [temporal] death…” (Justin Edwards' Family Bible)
And so it was that they all escaped safely to land. “Yes! The Lord had said it, and so it must be accomplished.
Even from the mouth of an enemy, the Lord hath forced the confession; God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent. Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Numbers 33:19…” (Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary)
“The men of Malta show a certain place at this day which they call lascala di San Paulo, Saint Paul’s arrival.” (John Trapp)
“They all escaped safe to land - And some of them doubtless received the apostle as a teacher sent from God. These would find their deliverance from the fury of the sea, but an earnest of an infinitely greater deliverance, and are long ere this lodged with him in a more peaceful harbour than Malta, or than the earth could afford.” (Wesley's Explanatory Notes)
And on the Glorious Day when “we stand on the Beach of the glassy sea, all of us will render praise to Him who has brought us safe home.” (F. B. Meyer) Here, good and bad made it to the Malta shore. On that Day, only the saints will appear in glory in the New Jerusalem. “Though there is great difficulty in the way of the promised salvation, it shall, without fail, be brought to pass. It will come to pass that whatever the trials and dangers may be, in due time all believers will get safely to heaven. Lord Jesus, thou hast assured us that none of thine shall perish. Thou wilt bring them all safe to the heavenly shore. And… Thou wilt present them to thy Father, and give thy Holy Spirit full possession of them for ever.” (Matthew Henry)