The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The centurion Julius, who was in charge of Paul as a prisoner, treated him with unusual kindness, calling it "man-loving" in the original language. This wasn't just politeness; it was a profound generosity, allowing Paul to visit his friends to receive personal care after two years of imprisonment.
The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After departing Caesarea, the ship carrying Paul and other prisoners makes its first stop at Sidon, a well-known Phoenician port. There, the centurion Julius shows Paul unusual kindness, granting him leave to visit friends in the city for rest and supplies after two years of imprisonment. This brief respite is a stark contrast to the difficult journey and perilous voyage that lie ahead.
Even in the harsh reality of Roman imprisonment and a perilous sea voyage, God's hand is at work, orchestrating unexpected kindness.
Paul is a prisoner, on his way to face trial in Rome. This is not a vacation; it's a forced journey under guard.
Yet, the centurion in charge, Julius, treats Paul with remarkable kindness. The original Greek word suggests a deep, humane benevolence – a 'love for humankind.' This wasn't just professional courtesy; it was personal grace.
Julius grants Paul permission to visit friends in Sidon. After two years of imprisonment, this must have been a profound relief, offering not just comfort but practical necessities for the long voyage ahead.
Paul's character and witness leave a lasting impression, influencing even those who hold him captive.
It's clear that Paul's conduct wasn't overlooked. Even before Agrippa, he had made a significant impression (as noted by commentators).
This kindness from Julius isn't random. It reflects the impact of Paul's consistent witness, his integrity, and perhaps even the wisdom he displayed in previous encounters. Official figures like Festus and Agrippa had already recognized something extraordinary about him.
Paul's willingness to live faithfully, even in chains, created an environment where people were drawn to him, and authorities found it easier to extend grace. His imprisonment didn't silence his testimony; it amplified it.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
philanthrōpōs · Greek Adverb
Derived from Greek roots meaning 'philanthropy' or 'love of mankind,' it describes actions showing benevolence, humaneness, or compassionate care, often displayed here by a Roman official toward a Christian prisoner.
philous · Greek Noun
Believers in Jesus who share a common faith and bond in Christ; the word signifies those who have been reconciled to God and therefore stand in a relationship of spiritual kinship and mutual support.
The kindness shown to Paul by Centurion Julius in Sidon highlights how God can use unexpected people, even Roman officials, to care for His servants during difficult circumstances.
c. AD 57-59
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea
Paul is imprisoned in Caesarea Maritima awaiting trial after his arrest in Jerusalem. He has appealed to Caesar, initiating his journey to Rome.
c. AD 59
Departure from Caesarea
Paul and other prisoners are handed over to Centurion Julius of the Augustan Cohort for transport to Rome. They set sail on a ship from Adramyttium.
c. AD 59— this verse
Stop in Sidon
The ship docks at Sidon, a major Phoenician port. Centurion Julius shows Paul unusual kindness, allowing him to visit friends and receive provisions for the journey.
c. AD 59
Sailing Past Cyprus
The ship sails near Cyprus, but likely stays in open water due to unfavorable winds which force them on a more northerly route.
c. AD 59
Arrival in Myra
After sailing along the coast of Asia Minor, they reach Myra in Lycia, where they transfer to a large Alexandrian grain ship bound for Italy.
c. AD 59
Struggling Towards Crete
Facing strong headwinds, the ship makes slow progress, sailing past Crete and struggling to reach the port of the Fair Havens.
This passage highlights how Paul's imprisonment actually advanced the Gospel, mirroring how even in his constrained journey, kindness and opportunity to connect with friends led to positive outcomes.
Acts 28:1-2This passage immediately follows the shipwreck narrative and shows Paul receiving similar kindness and hospitality from the people of Malta, demonstrating a pattern of how he was treated by strangers and friends alike.
2 Timothy 4:11This later letter from Paul mentions Luke's consistent presence and help, reinforcing the idea that Luke was part of this voyage and likely among the 'friends' who provided care, as suggested by the text.
Romans 12:13Paul's instruction to 'share in the needs of the saints' echoes the reciprocal nature of community and care demonstrated when Julius allowed Paul to receive attention from his friends.
ellicottActs 27:3: "And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself."
(3) And Julius courteously entreated. —The English fairly expresses the meaning of the Greek adverb, which is literally philanthropically. We note, as in other instances, the favourable impression made by St. Paul’s conduct on official persons who came in contact with him. (Comp. Acts 18:14 ; Acts 19:31 ; Acts 19:37 .) The “friends” of St. Pau…
bensonActs 27:3: "And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself."
Acts 27:3-8 . And the next day we touched at Sidon — A celebrated city on the Phenician coast, not far from Tyre. Here Julius, to whose care the prisoners had been delivered, being a man of singular humanity, allowed Paul to go ashore and refresh himself with the brethren of that city; a favour which must have been peculiarly acceptable to one…
The centurion Julius, who was in charge of Paul as a prisoner, treated him with unusual kindness, calling it "man-loving" in the original language. This wasn't just politeness; it was a profound generosity, allowing Paul to visit his friends to receive personal care after two years of imprisonment.
After departing Caesarea, the ship carrying Paul and other prisoners makes its first stop at Sidon, a well-known Phoenician port. There, the centurion Julius shows Paul unusual kindness, granting him leave to visit friends in the city for rest and supplies after two years of imprisonment. This brief respite is a stark contrast to the difficult journey and perilous voyage that lie ahead.
After departing Caesarea, the ship carrying Paul and other prisoners makes its first stop at Sidon, a well-known Phoenician port. There, the centurion Julius shows Paul unusual kindness, granting him leave to visit friends in the city for rest and supplies after two years of imprisonment. This brief respite is a stark contrast to the difficult journey and perilous voyage that lie ahead.
"The next day we put in at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him leave to go to his friends and be cared for." — The centurion Julius, who was in charge of Paul as a prisoner, treated him with unusual kindness, calling it "man-loving" in the original language. This wasn't just politeness; it was a profound gene…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026