ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Acts 27

Acts 27:1–28:31 The Witness in Rome. The last two chapters of Acts are devoted mainly to Paul’s journey to Rome (27:1–28:16). In Rome, he followed his usual pattern of beginning with the Jews and then turning to anyone who would listen to his message.

Acts 27:1–44 The voyage to Rome probably began in the autumn of a.d. 59. It is told in great detail. It is consistent with what is otherwise known about sea travel in that time and place. The main theme of the story is God’s provision, especially in protecting Paul so that he arrives safely in Rome.

Acts 27:1 Note the we, indicating Luke’s presence with Paul all the way to Rome (see note on 16:10; the last “we” is found at 28:16). For centurion and Cohort, see note on 10:1.

Acts 27:2 The ship of Adramyttium was probably a small coasting vessel (see note on 21:1). Aristarchus. See note on 19:29.

Acts 27:3 Paul’s friends were Christians from Sidon. Paul’s guard Julius showed him respect throughout the voyage.

Acts 27:4 Under the lee means sailing under shelter; they were protected from strong winds by sailing close to the island.

Acts 27:5–6 Cilicia, Pamphylia, and Lycia were districts along the southern coast of what today is Turkey. Myra was directly north of Alexandria. It was a good stopping place for a ship that was sailing for Italy, probably carrying Egyptian grain.

Acts 27:7 The normal route from Myra to Rome would have taken them south of Rhodes and north of Crete to Sicily. They were already well off course when they reached Cnidus (southwestern tip of Asia/Turkey). They were even more so when they sought shelter on the south side of Crete.

Acts 27:8 The location of Fair Havens is uncertain. There is a town on the southern coast of Crete with that name today. It is probably close to the ancient site.

Acts 27:9 The Fast refers to the Day of Atonement in the fall. By then Medi­terranean voyages became too dangerous for sailing vessels.

Acts 27:11 The pilot was the ship’s captain.

Acts 27:12 The majority probably means the majority of the crew. Phoenix may be the modern Phineka Bay, on the southwestern coast of Crete.

Acts 27:14 northeaster. An extremely dangerous, gusty wind.

Acts 27:16 Cauda is today known as Gozzo. The ship’s boat was a smaller one used to transport people from the ship to land. It probably filled with water and was hard to lift on deck.

Acts 27:17 Ancient ships were sometimes secured during storms with cables (supports) tied around the ends or across and under the center of the ship. What gear was lowered is not known—possibly the topsails or a drift anchor to slow the ship’s progress. The Syrtis was a sandy shoal off the North African coast. Many ships sank there.

Acts 27:18–19 The cargo may have been grain, although they kept some of it (see v. 38). The tackle may have been the beam that supported the mainsail.

Acts 27:20 Sailors depended on the sun and stars to help them navigate.

Acts 27:21 You should have listened to me was no doubt a statement intended to establish Paul’s credibility as he prepared to give the crew some divinely revealed instructions (vv. 22–26).

Acts 27:24 must stand before Caesar. See note on 25:9–11. The ultimate reason Paul was saved was for his testimony in Rome (see 23:11).

Acts 27:27 Adriatic Sea. In ancient times this area extended south to Crete and Malta, farther than the modern Adriatic.

Acts 27:29 the rocks. The location was probably the rocky area on the northeastern coast of Malta, known today as Point Koura. Ancient ships had multiple anchors. The four anchors from the stern kept the ship steady and facing toward land.

Acts 27:30 the sailors were seeking to escape. They decided to take the ship’s only small boat and get themselves safely to shore. Such a selfish action would leave no one on the ship with the skill to handle it, leading to a wreck, with many deaths. So Paul warned the centurion of the sailors’ plan, and he stopped them (vv. 31–32).

Acts 27:33 The rescue was to begin at daybreak, and everyone needed food for strength.

Acts 27:34 not a hair is to perish from the head. They will not die.

Acts 27:35 Paul’s giving thanks and breaking bread was a testimony to his faith in the God who was about to deliver them.

Acts 27:37 The number of 276 passengers was not too great for large grain ships, which were up to 100 feet (31 m) long.

Acts 27:39 The traditional site of Paul’s shipwreck is known as St. Paul’s Bay. It has a sandy beach on its western side.

Acts 27:40 The ship’s rudders would have been pulled out of the water and tied down during the storm. They were now placed back in the water to steer the ship. The foresail was a small sail in the bow to guide a ship.

Acts 27:41 The meaning of the word translated reef is uncertain. It could also refer to a sandbar. Either way, the bow became stuck in it.

Acts 27:43 Once again (see v. 24) Paul’s presence resulted in the deliverance of others. This time it saved the other prisoners. The soldiers feared that the prisoners had escaped (v. 42; see note on 12:18–19).