Acts 27:4 kjv
And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
Acts 27:4 nkjv
When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
Acts 27:4 niv
From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us.
Acts 27:4 esv
And putting out to sea from there we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were against us.
Acts 27:4 nlt
Putting out to sea from there, we encountered strong headwinds that made it difficult to keep the ship on course, so we sailed north of Cyprus between the island and the mainland.
Acts 27 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 27:3 | And from there, putting out to sea, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. | Paul's journey and divine guidance. |
| Acts 27:1 | It was decided that we should sail for Italy, and that Paul and the other prisoners should be handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Emperor's guard. | The ultimate destination of the voyage. |
| Acts 28:1 | After we had safely reached our destination, we learned that the island was called Malta. | The continuation of the journey after the shipwreck. |
| Matt 10:16 | "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be watchful as serpents and innocent as doves." | The context of facing difficulties and opposition. |
| 2 Cor 11:25 | "Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I was adrift at sea." | Paul's extensive experiences of hardship in ministry. |
| Rom 1:13 | "I want you to know, brothers, that I have often planned to come to you but have been prevented from doing so until now in order that I might bear some fruit among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles." | Paul's plans being hindered but for a divine purpose. |
| Psalm 46:1 | "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." | God's presence and provision during difficult times. |
| Prov 3:5-6 | "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." | The importance of trusting God's plan even when it seems contrary. |
| Jer 29:11 | "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." | God's ultimate sovereign plan for Paul's life. |
| John 16:33 | "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." | The assurance of peace amidst worldly tribulations. |
| Acts 16:6 | "Having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. After they had passed through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were prevented by the Holy Spirit from going into the province of Asia." | The Holy Spirit actively directing and redirecting Paul's ministry. |
| Acts 16:7 | "When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them." | Another instance of divine prevention of intended travel plans. |
| Luke 21:12 | "But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, and you will be dragged before kings and governors for my name's sake." | The persecution and trials faced by believers. |
| Acts 27:2 | And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of the province of Asia, we went on board, with Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, with us. | The starting point of the sea journey. |
| Acts 27:31 | "But Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, 'Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.'" | Paul's leadership and counsel even in dire circumstances. |
| Acts 20:16 | "For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost." | Paul's eagerness to reach a specific destination and the influence of divine timing. |
| Ps 32:8 | "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." | God's guidance through His watchful care. |
| Gal 1:16 | "to reveal his Son in me, so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone." | Paul's calling and mission given directly by God. |
| Eph 3:7 | "Of this gospel I was made a minister, according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his mighty power." | The enablement of Paul for his ministry through God's grace. |
| Col 1:24 | "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church." | Embracing suffering as part of God's redemptive plan. |
Acts 27 verses
Acts 27 4 Meaning
When we were forced to sail along the coast of Syria, we landed at Sidon. This verse describes the first stop on Paul's difficult journey towards Rome, highlighting a deliberate redirection due to unfavorable winds.
Acts 27 4 Context
This verse occurs during Paul's final journey to Rome, where he is appealing Caesar's judgment. After departing Caesarea (Acts 27:1), the ship, a grain transport bound for Rome, initially sailed north towards the Asian coast, with Cyprus to their left (southwest) as a strategic move to catch favorable winds after being prevented from sailing directly. The strong northerly winds ("contrary winds") forced them to sail under the "lee" of Cyprus, meaning on the side sheltered from the wind, or further west to avoid the full force of the wind. This chapter details a dramatic sea voyage marked by adverse weather, leading to a shipwreck. Paul, as a prisoner, is under the charge of Julius, a centurion. Their original plan was to reach Italy, but God's sovereign plan, expressed through the changing weather and divine guidance through the Holy Spirit (though not explicitly stated for this specific verse, it's a theme throughout Paul's journeys), redirected their course. Landing at Sidon was a necessary stop necessitated by the challenging sailing conditions.
Acts 27 4 Word Analysis
And: (Greek: καὶ, kai) - A simple conjunction connecting this action to the preceding events.
when: (Greek: ὅτε, hote) - Temporal conjunction, indicating the specific time this event occurred.
we: (Greek: ἡμεῖς, hēmeis) - Refers to Paul and his companions, including Luke the narrator and Aristarchus (Acts 27:2).
were compelled: (Greek: ἠναγκάσθημεν, ēnagkasthēmen) - First-person plural aorist passive indicative of ἀναγκάζω (anagkázō). This means they were "forced" or "driven by necessity." It indicates a lack of control over the situation, a common theme for Paul during his imprisonment and travels, emphasizing external forces like the wind dictating their movements.
to sail: (Greek: πλεῖν, pleîn) - The infinitive of πλέω (pléō), meaning to sail, to go by sea.
along the coast: (Greek: παρά, pará) - Preposition meaning "alongside," "beside," "near." (and) (Greek: τὴν, tēn) - Definite article. (side) (Greek: τῆς, tēs) - Definite article. (Syria) (Greek: Συρίας, Sūrias) - Genitive case of Συρία (Sūría), Syria. Together, it signifies sailing by the coastline of Syria.
and: (Greek: καὶ, kai) - Conjunction.
landed: (Greek: καταλαβόμενοι, katalabomenoi) - Present participle middle voice of καταλαμβάνω (katalambánō). This verb can mean "to lay hold of," "to reach," "to overtake," or "to understand." Here, in the context of a ship reaching a port, it means to arrive at or come to. It implies they reached Sidon.
at Sidon: (Greek: Σιδῶνα, Sidōna) - Accusative case of Σιδών (Sidṓn), Sidon. Sidon was an ancient and important Phoenician port city north of Caesarea, significant for trade and maritime activity.
Group Analysis: "we were compelled to sail along the coast of Syria" - This phrase underscores the influence of the elements on their voyage. The strong contrary winds necessitated a more cautious, coastal approach rather than a direct route. This reliance on God's guidance, even through natural forces, is a consistent theme in Luke's narrative of Paul's ministry.
Group Analysis: "and landed at Sidon" - This landing at Sidon was not part of the original itinerary or preference but a practical necessity imposed by the unfavorable weather. It shows how divine purposes can unfold even when plans are disrupted by circumstances.
Acts 27 4 Bonus Section
The stop at Sidon, while a navigational necessity, likely also served a practical purpose for the ship and its passengers. Sidon was a major port, known for its maritime industry and skilled sailors. It would have been a place where they could potentially make repairs, resupply, or await more favorable weather conditions. For Paul, every stop on his journey was an opportunity for ministry. It is reasonable to assume he would have shared the Gospel with the people of Sidon during their stay. This aligns with Jesus' command to "go into all the world and preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15), implying that the gospel is to be shared wherever God places His people. The detailed account of this sea voyage by Luke, a skilled physician, suggests his attention to detail and the importance of accurately recounting the events of Paul's apostolic journeys. This specific stop demonstrates that God's plan for Paul to reach Rome and preach there (Acts 19:21, 23:11) was unfolding, despite the dramatic and difficult circumstances of the journey.
Acts 27 4 Commentary
The journey described in Acts 27 is a pivotal moment in Paul's life, culminating in his appearance before Caesar. This particular verse highlights the reality of navigating life with God's purposes in mind, even when facing circumstances beyond one's control. The "contrary winds" are a metaphor for the challenges and obstacles that arise, forcing a deviation from expected paths. Yet, God, in His wisdom, redirects and ensures His servants reach their appointed destinations, not necessarily by the shortest or easiest route, but by His perfect timing and method. The kindness shown to Paul by Julius, the centurion, is also noteworthy here and in the subsequent verses (Acts 27:3), indicating that even in hostile or impersonal environments, God can grant favor and provision. The stop at Sidon provided a moment of respite and possibly an opportunity for further ministry or witness, aligning with God's overarching plan for Paul to testify in Rome.