Acts 27:1-12 – When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. 2 We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us. 3 The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. 4 From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. 5 When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. 8 We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. 9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, 10 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.
“When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment.” “It was decided.” Who decided? Governor Festus who was in charge of him and to whom he had appealed to Caesar.
Other prisoners were on board also. The Roman soldiers who watched over Paul and the other prisoners were under a centurion name Julius. It is interesting that in the Bible (New Testament) centurions, for the most part, were all spoken of favorably. Julius, though not listening to Paul’s advice one time (Vs 9-12), was likewise kind, and seemingly respectful to Paul.
“We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.” The home base of the ship they boarded was in northern Asia Minor on a bay of the Aegean Sea. It is believed that the captain of this ship desired to travel north to reach his base and then Paul and the prisoners would be transferred to another ship that would take them to Rome.
Aristarchus being present is contended by some scholars. They wonder why he would be there and why someone they consider such a minor player would be mentioned. There are quite possibly, as derived from other scripture, other bigger names accompanying Paul, but they were not mentioned. Yet it should not be odd to anyone. Aristarchus was with Paul in Ephesus and was seized (as well as Gaius) by the Ephesians when they were really wanting Paul (Acts 19:29). After the riot at Ephesus, when Paul decided to go to Macedonia, Aristarchus was one of his companions (Acts 20:4). Paul also, in Colossians 4:10, mentions Aristarchus as being in prison with him in Rome when he wrote the epistle to the Colossians. Paul also includes Aristarchus as being with him during his Ephesian imprisonment (Philemon 1:24). It is a wonder why anyone would doubt that Aristarchus was with Paul on the ship. We see that Aristarchus was obviously often with Paul and importantly, that he was with when Paul was imprisoned in Rome, where Paul was headed. Why wouldn’t he be mentioned as one who was with Paul?
“The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.” Again, modern so called biblical scholars question the biblical account as Luke wrote it. They protest that it is unlikely that the centurion would have allowed Paul the liberty to go with his friends. Yet, once again, is there any reason for the centurion, other than what might have been usual protocol, to make an executive decision here? Though not specifically said, it is very probable that a soldier was assigned to stay with Paul. True, it is not said that one was so assigned, but it also not said that one was not. Besides, it is much more likely that one would have been so assigned. We know that wherever Paul went, Paul presented the Gospel message to anyone who would listen. So it is no stretch to assume that Paul told the centurion that though it was obvious he was a prisoner of Rome, it was by his own request and also, and most importantly, by the will of God. Paul, by virtue of instruction from Jesus, would not have run away. It is very likely, knowing Paul, that he told the centurion why he was on the way to Rome, and from Paul’s perspective, he was in chains because God had told him that he was to go to Rome to testify there (Acts 23:11). The centurion would have known that Paul could have been freed anytime in the past by simply reneging his desire to appeal his case to Caesar, so it didn’t make sense that Paul would now flee. Though it was common for a ships passengers to be free to do as they please on land while cargo was loaded or unloaded (It could easily take a week or more), it was less likely concerning a prisoner. However God is the one who grants favor as He wills (Psalm 5:12, Psalm 84:11, Psalm 90:17). God within Paul was visible to an honest and discerning person. Paul’s character was honest and strong to those who cared to see. This centurion was obviously honest, sincere and he was a discerning man whose choice to give Paul some liberty was borne out as a good decision.
It is difficult for me to respect biblical scholars who doubt the content of God because of their profound two thousand years later surmising’s and opinions. I understand some doubt as to the authenticity of some verses that are not because of content and doctrine, but because of document examination and comparison. What I don’t respect is those who doubt doctrine because it conflicts with their lofty opinions. One who famously and egregiously did so was Martin Luther who rejected the book of James because he didn’t understand that it, in fact, did not disagree with salvation by faith only. Beware the pride in any person who starts talking about himself doubting the Word of God because he does not agree with what it says. “Me thinks” that person does not need to remove scripture, but that person needs to change their own doctrine to fit scripture.
Paul believed what Jesus told him about being His witness in Rome. He not only believed it, but wanted the Lord’s will to be done. He did not run from his calling, but embraced it and believed that God was in control. God has not changed. The faithfulness of God to Paul is no different than His faithfulness to us. What God has said is what will happen. We know that and we rely on Him who is completely faithful. (2 Timothy 2:13, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:24) We need not fear when imprisoned, or when facing the dangers of the open sea, or even the decisions of man. God is in control and we are in peace in the Lord. Praise God for His peace that is greater than any circumstance or decree of man. (Philippians 4:7) Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”