Acts 27 13

Acts 27:13 kjv

And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

Acts 27:13 nkjv

When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete.

Acts 27:13 niv

When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.

Acts 27:13 esv

Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore.

Acts 27:13 nlt

When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 13 Meaning

The verse describes the departure from a place called the "The Fair Havens." This action was initiated due to a less than ideal time for sailing, likely in late autumn, suggesting a potentially dangerous choice. The inhabitants of the region, particularly those experienced in seafaring, were aware of the perils associated with sailing during this season, implying the decision to leave was contrary to expert advice.

Acts 27 13 Context

The broader context is Paul's journey to Rome to face trial, as described in the book of Acts. He is a prisoner, traveling under the guard of Julius, a centurion of the Imperial Cohort. Chapter 27 details a perilous sea voyage during which Paul experiences severe weather, shipwrecks, and survival challenges. This specific verse marks a transition in the journey, moving from a relatively sheltered harbor to a more exposed anchorage as they press on toward a potential wintering port, despite forebodings. The "fair havens" likely refers to a harbor on the southern coast of Crete, described as a pleasant location, but the prevailing winds made sailing further west difficult. The decision to move was influenced by the desire to reach a more commercially viable or safer harbor for the winter, though it proved to be a fateful miscalculation.

Acts 27 13 Word Analysis

• ἔπειτα (eita): Then; afterwards; next. Indicates a sequential action in the narrative.
• πλoires (ploirois): From πλοῖον (ploion), meaning ship or boat. Used here in the dative case, referring to the act of sailing.
• τοῦ πλοῦ (tou plou): From πλοῦς (plous), meaning voyage or sailing. Denotes the act of departure or continuing the journey.
• αἱ Ἅ (hai Ha): "The Fair." Used to describe the havens.
• Λιμένες (Limenes): Havens or harbors. Likely a place on the coast of Crete known for its relative safety, but not ideal for winter.
• εὔθετος (euthetos): Convenient, suitable, proper. In this context, it describes the season as inconvenient or unsuitable for sailing.
• τοῦ πλεῖν (tou pleîn): From πλέω (pleō), meaning to sail. This infinitive denotes the purpose or the act of sailing.
• παρευομμένοι (pareuomoi): Advising against, persuading not to. Implies strong counsel against the course of action.
• τὴν (ten): The (definite article, accusative feminine singular).
• ἔνθα (entha): Where. Locative particle.
• καὶ (kai): And. Connects clauses or ideas.
• καταχειμάσαι (katchimase): To winter. From καταχειμάζω (katachimazō), meaning to spend the winter, typically in a place safe from storms. The intent was to find a more secure location for the winter months.
• τὴν (ten): The (definite article, accusative feminine singular).
• πορρωτέρω (porrōterō): Further onward, further away. Comparative adverb indicating a greater distance.
• καταρτίσασθαι (katartisasthai): To fit out, prepare, make ready. Suggests making necessary preparations or repairs, but also the possibility of making readiness for a difficult undertaking.
• τὴν (ten): The (definite article, accusative feminine singular).
• Χωżyć (Chōrize): This seems to be a transcription error or misunderstanding. The word that should logically follow "fair havens" in describing a harbor would be a proper noun or an adjective describing the harbor itself. If it's referencing a geographical location, it would be a place name. In the context of the likely intended Greek text, there isn't a standard Greek word "Chōrize" used here. However, the phrase often refers to a location near Lasea, also on Crete. Let's consider the geographical implication: they moved from "Fair Havens" to a place that might be described as further on. The phrase "unless we could find some other haven there to winter in" would be the meaning.

Group by words analysis:

• "to sail from there" (τοῦ πλοῦ): This highlights the transition from a specific, potentially insufficient harbor to continuing the voyage, implying a move away from a less-than-ideal situation.
• "the Fair Havens" (αἱ Ἅ Λιμένες): This proper noun indicates the specific location they departed from, a known but perhaps inadequate harbor for the season.
• "inconvenient for sailing" (εὔθετος τοῦ πλεῖν): This phrase establishes the seasonal disadvantage, a key point of contention and foreshadowing.
• "advising against it" (παρευομμένοι): This emphasizes the opposition to the plan, coming from those with experience, which highlights the risk taken.
• "winter there" (καταχειμάσαι): This states the goal – to find a more suitable location to endure the winter.
• "further onward" (τὴν πορρωτέρω): This signifies the direction and ambition, aiming for a potentially better but riskier destination.
• "prepare ourselves" (καταρτίσασθαι): This implies that the journey to the new port was not a mere continuation but involved some degree of preparation for the anticipated difficulties, which was perhaps an understatement.

Acts 27 13 Bonus Section

The narrative of this perilous voyage is a significant portion of Acts, illustrating the faith and perseverance of Paul and his companions. The Roman centurion, Julius, seems to show respect for Paul, even allowing him some freedom. The specific geographical locations mentioned, like the Fair Havens and the eventual landfall on Malta, reflect the detailed and accurate historical and geographical reporting characteristic of Luke, the author of Acts. The unnamed "some others" in verse 11 likely refers to the ship's officers and perhaps the owner, who were ultimately responsible for the decision-making regarding the voyage's safety, despite Paul’s warning. The mention of the "Great Sea" refers to the Mediterranean Sea. The phrase "very difficult to sail" from the Greek text hints at the challenging currents and unpredictable weather patterns common in the region during that season.

Acts 27 13 Commentary

The decision to sail from the Fair Havens was a strategic one, aiming for a more advantageous winter port at Phoenix. However, this move went against the counsel of Paul and likely other experienced sailors who recognized the perilous nature of sailing during this late autumn period. This illustrates a common theme in the Bible: the conflict between worldly wisdom or ambition and godly caution or obedience. Paul, though a prisoner, demonstrates foresight and spiritual discernment. His warning underscores the importance of heeding experienced advice, especially when it aligns with prudent spiritual or practical wisdom. The subsequent events, detailing severe storms and the eventual shipwreck, serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring timely warnings and venturing out in defiance of unfavorable conditions, even with preparations. This verse highlights that not all advice that sounds reasonable from a practical standpoint aligns with God's will or provides safety, but Paul’s reliance on Christ was steadfast even in the face of extreme adversity.