Acts 27 5

Acts 27:5 kjv

And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

Acts 27:5 nkjv

And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

Acts 27:5 niv

When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia.

Acts 27:5 esv

And when we had sailed across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia.

Acts 27:5 nlt

Keeping to the open sea, we passed along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, landing at Myra, in the province of Lycia.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 5 Meaning

Paul, along with other prisoners and Roman soldiers, was sailing from Caesarea towards Rome. They stopped at Sidon, a significant Phoenician port city. Luke, the author, notes this as a planned or allowed stop where they could receive care and supplies before continuing their dangerous journey.

Acts 27 5 Context

Chapter 27 of Acts details the perilous sea voyage of Paul and others to Rome, as they were appellants to Caesar. Following Paul's imprisonment in Caesarea Maritima, Julius, a centurion of the Augustan cohort, was tasked with escorting Paul and other prisoners. They initially sailed north along the coast of Asia Minor. The winds had been unfavorable, forcing them to navigate a less direct route. Sidon was the first major port encountered after leaving Caesarea. This stop provided an opportunity for Julius to arrange for the prisoners' care and for them to procure necessities before embarking on the more exposed leg of their journey across the open sea towards the Aegean. The winds remaining contrary necessitated a slower, more careful approach, with the ship likely hugging the coast.

Acts 27 5 Word Analysis

• ἀφ heleth(o)men (aphelentōs) - From ἀφίημι (aphiēmi), meaning to send away, let go, permit.

  • Significance: Indicates permission or allowing, not necessarily an aggressive action. Luke uses it to describe how the ship moved away from the coast, possibly aided by the wind.

• eK plóioT(U)n (ek ploiōn) - From ἐκ (ek), meaning out of, from, and πλοῖον (ploion), meaning ship.

  • Significance: Implies departure from the port, sailing out from among the ships or leaving the harbor.

• paraK(a)Tā T(ē) (paraktātē) - Aorist passive participle of παρακελεύω (parakeleuō), meaning to encourage, exhort, or direct.

  • Significance: While a possibility, this Greek word is not present in the standard manuscripts for this verse. The focus is on the permitted departure and the reason for it.

• plē síos (plēsios) - Adverb from πλήρης (plērēs), meaning full, abundance.

  • Significance: Refers to ample provisions, indicating a successful provisioning in Sidon.

• proTūNde (prōtōs) - From πρῶτος (prōtos), meaning first, formerly.

  • Significance: Emphasizes Sidon as the initial significant port where such courtesies were extended during their journey.

• thē ÉrAn (tēraN) - Dative singular of θάλα (thala), likely meaning coast or sea, but not a common word here. The correct understanding relates to "fellow" or "companions".

  • Significance: Luke here likely means "company" or "companionship," referring to the "friends" who showed kindness.

• phĪlŌn (philon) - Genitive masculine plural of φίλος (philos), meaning friend.

  • Significance: Highlights the charitable assistance from people in Sidon.

• Group of words analysis: "we sailed under Cyprus" (Acts 27:4) indicates a strategic deviation to use favorable winds or shelter from adverse ones. The stop at Sidon, detailed in verse 5, allowed them to "put out to sea again," but only after Julius the centurion's permission and likely favorable conditions for departure. The journey is portrayed as methodical and dependent on navigators' expertise and changing weather patterns.

Acts 27 5 Bonus Section

The mention of "friends" showing kindness in Sidon may imply a degree of concern or special treatment afforded to Paul by Julius. Despite being a prisoner, Paul had garnered respect and perhaps the recognition of his status as a Roman citizen or a notable figure, leading to better conditions. Sidon was renowned in antiquity for its trade and maritime prowess, fitting for a port of call in such a voyage. The journey through the sea represents life's challenges and the Christian's path, often marked by unexpected turns and dependence on divine guidance and human assistance.

Acts 27 5 Commentary

The stop at Sidon was a brief but vital moment in the perilous journey of Paul towards Rome. It showcases the centurion Julius's (a Roman officer) authority and the kindness of the people of Sidon towards the prisoners, including Paul. This act of kindness aligns with biblical themes of compassion and hospitality towards those in need, even prisoners of war or convicted individuals, reflecting a broader humanistic and, from a Christian perspective, Christ-like response. It highlights that even in harsh circumstances, grace and assistance can be found, pointing to God's subtle provision through human actions. The journey itself underscores the unpredictability of sea travel in the ancient world and the reliance on skilled navigation, favorable weather, and the favor of those in authority.