ACTS 27:1–12
PAUL’S VOYAGE TO ROME AND THE BEGINNING OF THE SEA JOURNEY
Text – Acts 27:1–12
1 When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they handed Paul and some other prisoners over to a centurion named Julius of the Imperial Cohort.
2 We boarded a ship from Adramyttium that was about to sail along the coasts of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.
3 The next day we put in at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed him to go to his friends to receive their care.
4 From there we put out to sea and sailed under the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us.
5 After crossing the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we reached Myra in Lycia.
6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board.
7 We made slow headway for many days and arrived off Cnidus with difficulty. As the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone.
8 After coasting along it with difficulty, we reached a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.
9 Much time had now passed and sailing had become dangerous, because the Fast had already gone by. Paul warned them,
10 saying, “Men, I see that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.”
11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and the owner of the ship than to what Paul said.
12 Since the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance of reaching Phoenix, a harbor of Crete facing northeast and southeast, and wintering there.
Historical and Jewish Context
Sea travel in the ancient Mediterranean was perilous, especially after the Feast of Atonement (“the Fast”), which marked the onset of stormy seasons. Alexandrian ships were large grain carriers supplying Rome, often pressed into transporting passengers and prisoners. Roman centurions exercised authority over such voyages, relying on pilots and ship owners. Luke’s detailed nautical notes reflect eyewitness reporting and the practical realities of first-century travel.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage begins a journey marked by uncertainty and risk, yet firmly within God’s providence. Paul, though a prisoner, emerges as a voice of wisdom and foresight. His warning reflects discernment shaped by experience and prayer. The choice to ignore his counsel sets the stage for trial, teaching that human plans, when detached from attentive listening to God’s servants, can lead to hardship. Still, God will use even misjudgment to reveal His saving power.
Parallels in Scripture
Psalm 107:23–30 – God’s power over the sea
Jonah 1:3–15 – A prophet at sea amid danger
Proverbs 12:15 – The wise listen to counsel
Luke 8:22–25 – Jesus’ authority over storms
Acts 23:11 – God’s promise guiding the journey to Rome
Key Terms
Imperial Cohort – Roman military authority
Fast – Feast of Atonement, seasonal marker
Alexandrian ship – Grain carrier bound for Rome
Winds were against us – External adversity
Paul warned them – Prophetic discernment
Wintering – Human calculation and risk
Catholic Liturgical Significance
Acts 27:1–12 is proclaimed during the Easter Season, reminding the faithful that the Risen Lord guides the Church even through dangerous and uncertain journeys.
Conclusion
Acts 27:1–12 opens the dramatic sea voyage to Rome, highlighting the tension between human judgment and God-inspired wisdom. Though Paul is ignored, God’s purpose remains steady, guiding the mission toward its destined witness.
Reflection
Do I listen attentively to wise and prayerful counsel?
How do I respond when God’s guidance challenges practical plans?
Am I willing to trust God amid uncertainty and risk?
Prayer
Lord God, You rule the winds and the seas. Teach me to trust Your guidance, to listen to voices shaped by wisdom and faith, and to remain confident that You are leading me safely toward Your will, even through storms. Amen.