Acts 27 6

Acts 27:6 kjv

And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

Acts 27:6 nkjv

There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board.

Acts 27:6 niv

There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board.

Acts 27:6 esv

There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy and put us on board.

Acts 27:6 nlt

There the commanding officer found an Egyptian ship from Alexandria that was bound for Italy, and he put us on board.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 6 Meaning

This verse describes a pivotal moment in Paul's journey as a prisoner to Rome: upon reaching Myra, the centurion in charge, Julius, located an Alexandrian ship that was destined for Italy. Consequently, Paul and his companions were transferred to this vessel. This seemingly routine logistical change is portrayed as a significant step in God's sovereign plan to bring Paul and the Gospel message to the heart of the Roman Empire.

Acts 27 6 Context

Acts 27 details Paul's arduous sea journey from Caesarea to Rome as a prisoner, following his appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:10-12). The voyage begins with favorable conditions but quickly deteriorates into a life-threatening storm. Verse 6 marks a key moment early in this journey. They had just arrived at Myra, a port city in Lycia (modern-day Turkey), after sailing slowly from Fair Havens (Crete) and overcoming various difficulties and delays. The previous ship, a small coastal vessel from Adramyttium, was not directly heading to Italy. Myra was a well-known transit point for ships, especially large grain carriers. The immediate context of the chapter shows Paul as a prisoner under the centurion Julius, but also as a man with significant spiritual insight and a divine destiny, which will become evident later in the narrative through warnings and divine assurance during the storm. Historically, Alexandria was a vital hub for grain shipments to feed Rome, making its large vessels suitable and common for the long voyage across the Mediterranean to Italy.

Acts 27 6 Word analysis

• And: Greek "De" (δὲ). A conjunctive particle, often used to indicate a slight break or continuation, but in a new direction. Here, it signifies the next logical step in the journey's progression.

• there: Refers specifically to Myra (in Lycia), as mentioned in the preceding verse (Acts 27:5). Myra was a crucial seaport for transfers, connecting the Aegean Sea route to the direct Mediterranean route towards Italy.

• the centurion: Greek "ho hekatontarchēs" (ὁ ἑκατοντάρχης). Refers to Julius (Acts 27:1), a Roman military officer in command of approximately 100 soldiers. His role was to transport the prisoners to Rome, highlighting Roman authority and jurisdiction. His good rapport with Paul is noted in the narrative.

• found: Greek "heūren" (εὗρεν). Implies discovery, often serendipitous or providential. It doesn't necessarily mean a diligent search, but rather that a suitable ship was available. This 'finding' is a divine provision rather than a lucky chance, aligning with God's preordained plan for Paul.

• a ship: Greek "plõion" (πλοῖον). A general term for a vessel, but the subsequent description specifies its origin and destination, implying a large, ocean-going cargo ship.

• of Alexandria: Greek "Alexandrinon" (Ἀλεξανδρινόν). Denotes its origin from Alexandria, Egypt. Alexandria was the primary port for exporting vast quantities of grain to Rome, making its ships large, robust, and specifically designed for the long and direct route to Italy. These were often multi-masted merchantmen.

• sailing for Italy: Greek "pléōn eis tēn Itālian" (πλέων εἰς τὴν Ἰταλίαν). This specifies the ship's intended destination. This direct route was essential for the rapid transport of grain to Rome and was providentially aligned with Paul's required destination.

• and he put us therein: Greek "enekasen hēmās eis auto" (ἐνεκάζεν ἡμᾶς εἰς αὐτό). "He" is the centurion Julius. "Us" includes Paul, Luke (the narrator), and Aristarchus (Acts 27:2), along with the other prisoners. This action signifies the official transfer of custody and responsibility onto this new vessel, directly advancing the journey toward Rome.

• The centurion found a ship of Alexandria: This phrase signifies both human action and divine orchestration. The centurion, by performing his duty of securing transport for his prisoners, unknowingly fulfills God's plan for Paul to reach Rome. The ship's origin from Alexandria further points to its nature as a large, reliable vessel specifically on the main grain-supply route to Italy, minimizing intermediate stops.

• sailing for Italy; and he put us therein: This emphasizes the direct and efficient nature of the transfer. It was not a diversion or a further delay, but a direct route. The passive action ("he put us") highlights Paul's status as a prisoner under the centurion's authority, yet simultaneously positioned for God's purposes.

Acts 27 6 Bonus section

The large Alexandrian grain ships (naves onerariae) were vital to the Roman Empire, as they transported the immense quantity of wheat required to feed the population of Rome. These vessels were typically much larger than the coastal trader previously used, capable of carrying hundreds of tons of cargo, a considerable number of passengers, and requiring larger crews. Their robust construction and established route made them suitable for the long, direct journey across the Mediterranean. The "finding" of such a ship at Myra, a known layover port, illustrates a providential alignment: Myra served as an essential point where ships from various eastern provinces, or even small traders, could transfer cargo and passengers onto the larger Alexandrian carriers heading directly to Italy. This efficiency and the direct nature of the route perfectly served the divine purpose of bringing Paul quickly and directly to Rome as prophesied by the Lord (Acts 23:11).

Acts 27 6 Commentary

Acts 27:6 marks a crucial logistical pivot that underpins God's providence in Paul's journey to Rome. The transfer in Myra from a local coastal vessel to a large Alexandrian grain ship, destined for Italy, might seem like a mere detail of travel planning. However, this seemingly mundane event is depicted as divinely orchestrated. The "finding" of the ship suggests availability rather than a desperate search, highlighting that God ensures the means for His plan. Alexandrian ships were renowned for their size and regular route carrying grain to Rome, signifying this was a direct and suitable vessel for Paul's divine appointment. Even amidst Paul's imprisonment, the authorities facilitate God's purpose for the Gospel to reach the heart of the Roman Empire, a consistent theme in Acts where human structures unwittingly serve divine ends. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over every detail, using human choices and infrastructure to accomplish His will, guiding Paul inexorably towards his ultimate destination to testify in Rome.