Acts 27 12

Acts 27:12 kjv

And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.

Acts 27:12 nkjv

And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.

Acts 27:12 niv

Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.

Acts 27:12 esv

And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

Acts 27:12 nlt

And since Fair Havens was an exposed harbor ? a poor place to spend the winter ? most of the crew wanted to go on to Phoenix, farther up the coast of Crete, and spend the winter there. Phoenix was a good harbor with only a southwest and northwest exposure.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 12 Meaning

The verse indicates that the majority in the council, specifically the Roman centurion in charge, favored continuing the voyage to a winter harbor in Crete. This decision was based on the prevailing opinion and perceived practicality of reaching the southwesterly facing harbor of Phoenix for its better shelter during winter, rather than remaining in the potentially unsafe and inconvenient situation at Fair Havens.

Acts 27 12 Context

The context is the stormy sea voyage of the Apostle Paul to Rome. They are somewhere off the coast of Crete. Fair Havens is identified as a port that is "convenient for passage" but not ideal for wintering. The prevailing winds and the approaching winter season make staying in Fair Havens undesirable for sailing, leading to the discussion about moving to Phoenix. This decision is being made in the presence of naval experts (the master and owner of the ship) and the military authority (the centurion), with Paul having a lesser but influential voice due to his prophetic warning. The ultimate goal is to reach Rome to fulfill Paul's appeal to Caesar.

Acts 27 12 Word analysis

• Now (νυν, nun): Denotes the present time, indicating an immediate consideration.

• when (ὅτε, hote): Temporal conjunction, signifying a specific moment.

• we (ἡμεῖς, hēmeis): Inclusive pronoun, referring to Paul and the company on board.

• had looked about (κατεμαθεῖν, katamathein): To learn thoroughly, to examine closely. Implies a deliberate assessment of the situation and prospects.

• and (καί, kai): Conjunction, connecting ideas.

• perceived (εἴδομεν, eidomen): From ὁράω (horaō), meaning "to see," but in this context implies understanding or recognizing something.

• that (ὅτι, hoti): Introduces the content of their perception.

• there (ἐκεῖ, ekei): Referring to the location, Fair Havens.

• it (αὐτό, auto): Referring back to Fair Havens.

• was (ἦν, ēn): Past tense of εἰμί (eimi), "to be."

• convenient (εὐθέτου, eupheto u): Well-situated, advantageous. Refers to its usefulness for docking and mooring.

• for (τοῦ, tou): Preposition, indicating purpose or connection.

• passage (παραχειμασίαν, paracheimasian): To winter; hence, a winter harbor or suitable place to winter. The term itself relates to passing through the winter. This is where the ambiguity and focus of the verse lies. Fair Havens was deemed too inconvenient for "passage," implying they wanted a port that offered better facilities and access for eventual sailing after wintering. Phoenix, conversely, was expected to be a more convenient winter harbor.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "had looked about and perceived" (κατεμαθεῖν τε καὶ εἴδομεν): This phrase suggests a joint assessment and a reasoned conclusion, rather than just an emotional response to the storm. They are evaluating their options based on experience and observation.

Acts 27 12 Bonus Section

The Greek word translated "convenient for passage" (εὐθέτου εἰς παραχειμασίαν, eupheto u eis paracheimasian) is particularly significant. "Paracheimasian" specifically refers to "wintering" or "spending the winter." Fair Havens was deemed unsuitable for wintering in a way that would facilitate easy "passage" (implying readiness to depart once the winter is over, or general usability during the winter months). Phoenix was perceived as a better option for both wintering and facilitating future passage. This indicates a navigational and logistical assessment by experienced sailors. The text implies a debate among those on board regarding the best course of action, influenced by experience, economic considerations (owner's desire to protect their ship and investment), and military command (the centurion's decision).

Acts 27 12 Commentary

The centurion and the majority on the ship made a pragmatic, though ultimately flawed, decision. Their desire was to reach Phoenix, a harbor on Crete facing southwest and northwest, believed to offer better shelter for the winter than Fair Havens, which was on the south coast and only marginally sheltered. This reflects a human tendency to seek perceived safety and convenience, sometimes overriding caution or spiritual guidance. The choice highlights the limitations of human wisdom when faced with natural elements and unforeseen circumstances. Despite the apparent logic of reaching a more sheltered port, their decision ultimately led to greater peril, underscoring the importance of heeding prophetic warnings and relying on divine wisdom rather than popular opinion or empirical reasoning alone.