Acts 28 13

Acts 28:13 kjv

And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

Acts 28:13 nkjv

From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli,

Acts 28:13 niv

From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli.

Acts 28:13 esv

And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli.

Acts 28:13 nlt

From there we sailed across to Rhegium. A day later a south wind began blowing, so the following day we sailed up the coast to Puteoli.

Acts 28 verses

Acts 28 13 Meaning

Acts 28:13 describes a brief, yet significant, portion of Paul's voyage towards Rome following his departure from Malta. The verse details the ship's specific routing and the fortuitous appearance of a favorable wind that allowed for a swift, efficient passage from Rhegium to Puteoli, the primary port for Rome. This seemingly simple travel log underscores the precise and providential guidance God provided to ensure Paul reached his ultimate destination.

Acts 28 13 Context

This verse is embedded in the culminating narrative of Paul's long and arduous journey to Rome as a prisoner. Following the miraculous survival of the shipwreck on Malta (Acts 27), Paul and his companions spent three months on the island (Acts 28:11). Chapter 28 begins with Paul’s impactful ministry on Malta, marked by miraculous healings and respectful interactions with the local inhabitants. Acts 28:11-12 details their departure from Malta aboard an Alexandrian ship named "The Twin Brothers" and their initial stop at Syracuse. Verse 13 then continues this precise travel log, demonstrating Luke's careful recording of the journey. The journey culminates in Paul's arrival at Rome, fulfilling God's explicit purpose for him (Acts 23:11) to bear witness there. This leg of the journey specifically covers the last crucial sea portion before reaching the mainland Italian port.

Acts 28 13 Word analysis

• From there (κἀκεῖθεν, kakeithen): Refers to Syracuse, the last named port in Acts 28:12. It emphasizes the direct continuation of the journey, linking the detailed stages.
• we sailed around (περιελθόντες, perielthontes): Literally "having gone about" or "having circumnavigated." This implies a navigational maneuver, likely referring to sailing around the eastern and northern coast of Sicily to reach the Strait of Messina. This shows Luke's precision in detailing the maritime route, reflecting an observer's accuracy.
• arrived (κατηντήσαμεν, katentēnamen): A verb signifying reaching a specific destination, emphasizing the deliberate and successful nature of their arrival at Rhegium.
• Rhegium (Ῥήγιον, Rhēgion): A significant ancient port city on the "toe" of Italy (modern Reggio di Calabria), at the mouth of the Strait of Messina. This was a common and logical stop for ships traversing this vital sea lane.
• after one day (μιάν ἡμέραν, mian hēmeran): Indicates a very brief layover at Rhegium, highlighting the immediate resumption of their voyage. This suggests no significant delay occurred there.
• a south wind (νότος, notos): This is a critical detail. The "notos" was a favorable southerly or southeasterly wind essential for northward sailing along the Italian coast. Such a wind provided ideal conditions for their journey towards Puteoli. Its timing reveals providential timing.
• sprang up (ἐπιγίνομαι, epiginomai): Meaning "to come upon," "to arrive," or "to arise." It denotes a new development or event, in this case, the sudden and beneficial arrival of the south wind. It implies the favorable wind appeared just as needed.
• on the second day (τῇ δευτέρᾳ ἡμέρᾳ, tē deuterā hēmerā): Refers to the day after the favorable south wind arose. This swift two-day journey from Rhegium to Puteoli underlines the speed and efficiency enabled by the specific wind conditions.
• we came to (ἤλθομεν, ēltomen): A simpler verb for arrival, emphasizing their successful reaching of the destination.
• Puteoli (Ποτιόλους, Potiolous): (Modern Pozzuoli) The most important Roman commercial port, located near Naples in Campania, Italy. Most grain shipments and travelers from the East disembarked here to continue by land to Rome (approximately 150 miles via the Appian Way). Its mention signifies Paul's nearing his ultimate goal.

Words-group analysis:

• "From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium": This phrase concisely details the complex navigation through the Strait of Messina. It suggests a journey that was not always a straight shot but required specific maneuvers. The successful arrival underscores a continuous journey toward a predetermined objective.
• "after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli": This is the core of the verse's providential message. The brevity of their stay at Rhegium combined with the sudden and perfect "south wind" allowed for an extremely rapid and direct transit to Puteoli. It eliminates any further significant delay or peril on the sea, showcasing divine timing and orchestration that aligns the natural world with God's greater redemptive plan for Paul.

Acts 28 13 Bonus section

The precise detail of the "south wind" (Notos) is significant. Navigators in the Mediterranean relied heavily on prevailing winds. For northward sailing along the Italian coast, a southerly wind was ideal. Paul's journey occurred during the sailing season that followed the three-month winter cessation of travel (typically November to March). His departure from Malta, likely in late winter or early spring, makes the arrival of a favorable south wind particularly noteworthy as the seasonal winds were just becoming reliable for such journeys. Puteoli, as the principal port, was often where important Roman citizens and even emperors would embark or disembark. This elevated the significance of Paul's arrival there, positioning him for interaction with early Roman believers (Acts 28:14) and later, imperial authorities. The concise and precise travelogue maintained throughout Luke's "we sections" (Acts 27-28) is characteristic of a careful historical chronicler and eyewitness, bolstering the reliability of the narrative.

Acts 28 13 Commentary

Acts 28:13 may seem like a mere historical footnote of travel, but it bears profound spiritual significance. Following the dramatic shipwreck, three months of waiting, and the specific departure detailed in the preceding verses, this passage reveals God's continuing meticulous providence over Paul's life and mission. The sudden appearance of the "south wind" right after a brief stop at Rhegium is not a random occurrence but a clear act of divine intervention, demonstrating God's sovereign control over creation (even winds and weather) to fulfill His purpose. Paul's journey to Rome was foreordained by God (Acts 23:11); thus, the Lord ensures that nothing, not even adverse weather or logistical challenges, ultimately hinders this divine plan. This verse underscores that God, who provided for Paul's survival through the storm, also orchestrates the small details of comfortable travel to ensure the timely arrival of His messenger at the center of the Roman Empire for the Gospel's proclamation. It's a reminder that God guides the footsteps of His servants, often making seemingly difficult paths smooth for His glory.

• Practical usage: Believers navigating challenging life circumstances can find encouragement here: just as God provided a favorable wind for Paul's journey when it was most needed, He also orchestrates circumstances and timings for His children today. Even mundane details of life can be influenced by His perfect will to bring about His greater purpose. Trusting God even in unexpected delays or sudden changes.