Unlikely Leaders

Paul Experiences Shipwreck in a Storm

This chapter is based on Acts 27; 28:1-10.

Paul was finally on his way to Rome. “They delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. So,” Luke writes, “entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea.” ULe 161.1

In the first century, traveling by sea was dangerous. Sailors navigated mostly by the sun and stars. When a storm seemed to be coming, the ship owners were afraid of the open sea. During part of the year, safe navigation was almost impossible. ULe 161.2

The apostle would now suffer the trying experiences of a prisoner in chains during the long voyage to Italy. Aristarchus shared Paul’s captivity by choice, so that he could care for him in his hardships (see Colossians 4:10). ULe 161.3

The voyage began well. The following day they dropped anchor in the harbor of Sidon. Here Julius “treated Paul kindly” and “gave him liberty to go to his [Christian] friends and receive care.” The apostle, who was in frail health, appreciated this. ULe 161.4

Leaving Sidon, the ship faced contrary winds. At Myra the centurion found a large Alexandrian ship bound for Italy, and he transferred his prisoners to it. But the winds were still contrary. Luke writes: “When we had sailed slowly many days, ... passing ... with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens.” ULe 161.5

They remained there for some time, waiting for better winds. Winter was coming quickly, and “sailing was now dangerous.” The question now was whether to stay in Fair Havens or try to reach a better place to stay for the winter. ULe 161.6