Acts 27:1-2
And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "other prisoners" isn't just a casual addition; it implies Paul wasn't the only one appealing to Caesar, suggesting a shared, albeit involuntary, journey toward Roman justice for a group. The shift from "they delivered Paul" to the "we" that follows is a subtle but crucial cue that Luke, the author, was not just an observer but an active participant traveling with Paul.
The Roman governor Festus has decided Paul must stand trial before Caesar in Rome, marking the end of Paul's time in Judea. The narrative shifts to Paul's perilous sea voyage, emphasizing that Luke, the author, is with him, as indicated by the use of "we." Paul, along with other prisoners, is entrusted to Julius, a centurion of a special Roman cohort, for the journey to Italy.
The simple pronoun 'we' in this verse signals more than just a travel party. It points to a deep, personal connection and a significant literary choice.
The text says, "when it was decided that we should sail for Italy..." This 'we' is a powerful indicator that Luke, the author of Acts, was present with Paul on this perilous voyage. It's not just a historical report; it's a firsthand account.
A Companion's Testimony
This deliberate inclusion of 'we' transforms the narrative from a third-person account into a deeply personal story, allowing us to experience the events alongside Paul and his devoted companions.
Paul, a prisoner facing a trial, is placed under the care of a Roman soldier. This detail might seem mundane, but it hints at a powerful divine hand at work.
The verse states Paul was delivered to "a centurion... named Julius." This Julius was part of the "Augustan Cohort," indicating he was a soldier of considerable standing, likely entrusted with important prisoners.
God's Strategic Placement
Understand the original words
hekatontarchē · Greek Noun
A Roman military officer in charge of a hundred soldiers, often representing Roman authority, discipline, and power in the New Testament narrative.
speirēs Sebastēs · Greek Noun phrase
A specific military unit in the Roman army, usually consisting of several hundred soldiers, here likely attached to the emperor's service or imperial administration.
desmōtas · Greek Noun
Used here in a legal sense, it refers to those in Roman custody awaiting trial or sentencing, reflecting the social and legal status of someone under the power of the state.
This verse marks the beginning of Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome, a journey prompted by his appeal to Caesar, which itself stemmed from ongoing accusations by Jewish leaders and Roman governors. The careful detail about Centurion Julius and the Augustan Cohort highlights the Roman military and judicial context of Paul's imprisonment and transport.
c. AD 59
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
Following a riot in Jerusalem, Paul is arrested by Roman soldiers to prevent his lynching and is subsequently imprisoned.
c. AD 59 - 60
Paul Imprisoned in Caesarea
Paul is held in custody in Caesarea Maritima for over two years, facing trials before Roman governors Felix and Festus, while awaiting his appeal to Caesar.
c. AD 60— this verse
Festus Appoints Julius as Centurion
Governor Festus decides to send Paul to Rome to be tried by Emperor Nero, entrusting him and other prisoners to Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Cohort.
c. AD 60
Paul's Appeal to Caesar
After his hearing before King Agrippa II, Paul exercises his right as a Roman citizen to appeal his case directly to Emperor Nero in Rome.
This passage also describes Roman soldiers arresting Paul, showing a pattern of his detainment and transfer by military personnel.
Acts 25:11Paul's appeal to Caesar, mentioned here, is the direct reason for his journey to Rome and thus sets the stage for this event.
Acts 28:16This verse describes Paul's arrival in Rome under guard, showing the continuation of the journey initiated in Acts 27:1.
Philippians 1:13Paul himself refers to his imprisonment during his time in Rome, providing a theological perspective on his captivity and its purpose.
barnesActs 27:1: "And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band."
And when it was determined - By Festus Acts 25:12 , and when the time was come when it was convenient to send him. That we should sail - The use of the term "we" here shows that the author of this book, Luke, was with Paul. He had been his traveling companion, and though he had not been accused, yet it was resolved that he…
expositorsActs 27:1: "And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band."
Chapter 18 IN PERILS ON THE SEA. Acts 27:1-3 ; Acts 28:16 THIS chapter terminates our survey of the Acts of the Apostles, and leads us at the same time to contemplate the Apostle of the Gentiles in a new light as a traveller and as a prisoner, in both which aspects he has much to teach us. When St. Paul was despatched to th…
The phrase "other prisoners" isn't just a casual addition; it implies Paul wasn't the only one appealing to Caesar, suggesting a shared, albeit involuntary, journey toward Roman justice for a group. The shift from "they delivered Paul" to the "we" that follows is a subtle but crucial cue that Luke, the author, was not just an observer but an active participant traveling with Paul.
The Roman governor Festus has decided Paul must stand trial before Caesar in Rome, marking the end of Paul's time in Judea. The narrative shifts to Paul's perilous sea voyage, emphasizing that Luke, the author, is with him, as indicated by the use of "we." Paul, along with other prisoners, is entrusted to Julius, a centurion of a special Roman cohort, for the journey to Italy.
The Roman governor Festus has decided Paul must stand trial before Caesar in Rome, marking the end of Paul's time in Judea. The narrative shifts to Paul's perilous sea voyage, emphasizing that Luke, the author, is with him, as indicated by the use of "we." Paul, along with other prisoners, is entrusted to Julius, a centurion of a special Roman cohort, for the journey to Italy.
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Paul wasn't the only one sailing to Italy under guard. What does this tell us about Roman justice and the circumstances of other prisoners?
The text mentions Paul and "some other prisoners" being handed over to Julius. This detail is significant for understanding the broader context of Roman provincial administration and justice.
Appeals and Expeditions
c. AD 60
Departure from Caesarea
Paul, Luke, Aristarchus, and other prisoners set sail from Caesarea on a merchant ship bound for Italy, under the guard of Centurion Julius.
c. AD 60 - 61
Shipwreck and Stay in Malta
The ship carrying Paul is wrecked on the island of Malta, where they survive and spend three months before continuing their journey to Rome.
c. AD 61
Arrival in Rome
Paul finally reaches Rome, where he is allowed to live in his own hired house under guard, continuing to preach the Gospel for two years.
"And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius. And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the…" — The phrase "other prisoners" isn't just a casual addition; it implies Paul wasn't the only one appealing to Caesar, suggesting a shared, albeit involuntary, journey toward Roman justice for a group.…
