Chapter 42—The Voyage and Shipwreck
This chapter is based on
Acts 27
;
28:1-10
.
At last Paul was on his way to Rome. “When it was determined,”
Luke writes, “that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and
certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augus-
tus’ band. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched,
meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian
of Thessalonica, being with us.”
In the first century of the Christian Era traveling by sea was at-
tended with peculiar hardship and peril. Mariners directed their course
largely by the position of the sun and stars; and when these did not
appear, and there were indications of storm, the owners of vessels were
fearful of venturing into the open sea. During a portion of the year,
safe navigation was almost impossible.
The apostle Paul was now called upon to endure the trying experi-
ences that would fall to his lot as a prisoner in chains during the long
and tedious voyage to Italy. One circumstance greatly lightened the
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hardship of his lot—he was permitted the companionship of Luke and
Aristarchus. In his letter to the Colossians he afterward referred to
the latter as his “fellow prisoner” (
Colossians 4:10
); but it was from
choice that Aristarchus shared Paul’s bondage, that he might minister
to him in his afflictions.
The voyage began prosperously. The following day they cast
anchor in the harbor of Sidon. Here Julius, the centurion, “courteously
entreated Paul,” and being informed that there were Christians in the
place, “gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.” This
permission was greatly appreciated by the apostle, who was in feeble
health.
Upon leaving Sidon, the ship encountered contrary winds; and
being driven from a direct course, its progress was slow. At Myra, in
the province of Lycia, the centurion found a large Alexandrian ship,
bound for the coast of Italy, and to this he immediately transferred his
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