Thoughts on the book of Acts (190) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
Acts 27:1-8

Thoughts on the book of Acts (190)
For the transport to Rome, Paul was handed over to a Roman captain together with other prisoners. Various cargo ships were needed for the voyage; so Luke and Aristachus were able to accompany the apostle. Luke could thus report their perilous journey from firsthand experience.
The ship stopped at Sidon on the Phoenician coast. As the captain was well disposed towards Paul, he permitted him to visit the Christians there. From Sidon the voyage continued via the eastern part of the Mediterranean along the coast of Cyprus to Myra in Lycia. There was the opportunity to transfer to a ship from Egypt laden with grain en route for Rome (cf. v.38).
The strong westerly winds made a direct route through the Aegean Sea north of Crete impossible. Instead, the ship had to struggle its way onwards under the protection of the southern coast of Crete.
(to be continued next Sunday)
Today's reading: 2 Timothy 4