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Sketches from the Life of Paul
the companionship of his brethren, Luke and Aristarchus. In his letter
to the Colossians, he speaks of the latter as his “fellow-prisoner.”
But it was as an act of choice, because of his affection for Paul, that
Aristarchus shared his bondage, and ministered to him in his afflictions.
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The voyage began prosperously, and the day after they started,
they cast anchor in the harbor of Sidon. Here Julius, the centurion
who had listened to the apostle’s address before Agrippa, and had thus
been favorably disposed toward him, “courteously entreated Paul,” and
being informed that there were Christians in the place, he “gave him
liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.” The favor was highly
appreciated by the apostle, who was in feeble health, and but scantily
provided with comforts for the long journey. His brief stay in Sidon
was like an oasis in his barren and dreary path, and proved a comfort
and encouragement to him during the anxious, storm-tossed weeks
upon the sea.
Upon leaving Sidon, the ship encountered contrary winds; and
being driven from a direct course, its progress was very 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
prisoners. But the winds were still contrary, and the ship’s progress
slow and difficult. Says Luke, “When we had sailed slowly many days,
and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us,
we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; and, hardly passing it,
came unto a place which is called the Fair Havens.”
At Fair Havens they were compelled to remain for some time,
waiting for favoring winds. During this time the Jewish season of
navigation ended. Gentiles considered it safe to travel until a later
date; but there was no hope of completing the voyage. The only
question now to be decided was, whether to stay where they were or
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attempt to reach a more favorable place to spend the winter.
The matter was earnestly discussed, and was finally referred by
the centurion to Paul, who had won the respect of both sailors and
soldiers. The apostle unhesitatingly advised that they remain where
they were. Said he, “Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt
and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our
lives.” But the owner of the ship, who was on board, and the majority
of passengers and crew, were unwilling to accept this counsel. They
urged that the harbor of Fair Havens was but imperfectly protected