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to a ship sailing slowly to Italy, which would normally take many days. A fierce storm moves in
and they sail to Crete where they remain for a time. Contrary to the thinking of the captain and
owner of the ship, Paul warns them about sailing to Phoenix to remain for the winter.

Act 27:1 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.

And when it was determined (krino: judged, ordained) that we should sail into (toward) Italy,
they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’
band (a famous Roman band).

Festus and the court decide to send Paul to Rome by ship in October, the worst time of the year
for traveling by sea. But Festus had a reason for sending Paul at this time. This was not a
regular sailing vessel, but an old ship that usually carried cargo along the coast. It was not
designed for open-sea sailing. This is why they sailed along the coast for the first part of the
trip to Crete (verses 1-3).

Julius was an officer Festus did not like. He planned to get rid of Paul and Julius in one move by
sending them away in a worn-out ship at the worst time of the year. To Festus, the other
prisoners and crewmembers were expendable. Festus does not intend for Paul, the letter he
has written, Julius, or any of the crew to actually make it to Rome.

However, Festus does not take into account the will of God. Paul cannot be killed because he
has a message to deliver and a ministry to fulfill. All the men will be saved because Paul is with
them. This is blessing and protection by association (1 Corinthians 7:14).

Act 27:2 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.

The “we” in this verse includes Luke and the rest of Paul’s team. This ship will not make it to
the Asian coast, but will be deserted in Myra (verses 5-6). Aristarchus, who is accompanied
Paul, is accustomed to danger (19:29; 20:4).

Act 27:3 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.

And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously (philanthropos: humanely)
entreated Paul, and gave him liberty (freedom) to go unto his friends (21:3-5) to refresh
himself.

This is a kind and gracious officer. He allows Paul to disembark from the ship to visit with
believers in Sidon.

Act 27:4 When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because
the winds were contrary.