Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to gloss over the detail about "the Fast" being over, but this wasn't just a random date. It specifically marks the end of the safe sailing season for the ancient world, signaling that continuing the voyage was entering a time of severe danger and likely disaster. Paul, even in his captivity, possessed a wisdom and foresight based on a deeper knowledge of God's timing and the natural world's dangers.
Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The ship has been delayed for a considerable time at Fair Havens, a less than ideal harbor on Crete. With the Jewish Day of Atonement having passed, the season for safe sea travel in the Mediterranean has ended, making further sailing dangerous as winter storms approach. Paul, sensing this peril and likely through divine insight, urges the centurion and ship's company not to set sail, warning of disaster.
Ever feel like you're racing against time, only to realize you've missed your chance? This verse drops a specific date that signals danger.
The phrase 'because the Fast was already over' isn't just a random note about the Jewish calendar. It’s a critical clue about the season.
The Jewish Fast
This 'Fast' refers to the Day of Atonement, a solemn observance for Jewish people that happened around late September. It marked a significant turning point in the year.
Sailing Season's End
For ancient mariners, especially those familiar with Jewish customs, this date signified the end of the safe sailing season in the Mediterranean. Winter was approaching, bringing unpredictable storms and making voyages perilous. They were pushing their luck by still being at sea after this point.
When everything around you is shouting 'danger,' where do you find your calm? Paul, a prisoner, steps up with surprising authority.
Despite being a prisoner on board, Paul steps forward to offer counsel. This wasn't just common sense; it demonstrated his inner strength and connection to God.
A Voice of Wisdom
Paul wasn't a seasoned sailor, but he possessed a wisdom that transcended his circumstances. He perceived the danger, not just from the weather, but from the risky decision the ship's leadership was making.
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Faith in Action
His advice to them ('Paul advised them') shows that faith isn't passive. It calls for discernment, courage, and the willingness to speak truth, even when it's unpopular or when you're in a vulnerable position.
Understand the original words
ploos · Greek Noun
The act of traveling across the sea; in Scripture, often used to describe missionary journeys or, as seen here, the trials and dangers faced by travelers in the ancient world.
nēsteia · Greek Noun
A reference to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar. Its mention indicates the late autumn season, a time when Mediterranean sailing became treacherous due to winter storms.
The mention of 'the Fast' (the Day of Atonement) anchors this moment in the Jewish calendar, highlighting the critical transition from the relatively safe sailing season to the perilous winter storms of the Mediterranean. Paul's warning isn't just practical advice; it's a God-given insight into the imminent danger, revealing his spiritual discernment even in the face of experienced sailors' decisions.
c. AD 59
Paul's Appeal to Caesar
After being arrested in Jerusalem and facing numerous accusations, Paul appealed his case to Caesar, as was his right as a Roman citizen. This appeal meant he would be sent to Rome for trial.
c. AD 59
Voyage to Adramyttium
Paul and other prisoners were placed under the care of Centurion Julius and boarded a ship bound for Adramyttium on the coast of Asia Minor, making stops along the way.
September 24, c. AD 59
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
This significant Jewish fast day, falling on the 10th of the Hebrew month Tishri, marked a critical point in the Jewish religious calendar and was also seen as the beginning of the dangerous sailing season.
Late September - Early October, c. AD 59— this verse
Detention at Fair Havens, Crete
The ship was detained at Fair Havens, a harbor on the island of Crete, because the sailing season had progressed, and the weather had become too dangerous for navigation, especially after the Day of Atonement had passed.
Early October, c. AD 59
The Storm Begins
Despite Paul's warning, the ship set sail from Fair Havens, only to be caught in a violent storm, later identified as a Euroclydon, which battered the vessel for days.
c. AD 59
Shipwreck on Malta
After weeks of being tossed at sea, the ship carrying Paul and approximately 276 others was wrecked on the island of Malta. All souls were miraculously saved.
c. AD 60
Arrival in Rome
After their rescue and a three-month stay on Malta, Paul and his companions eventually reached Rome, where Paul would finally face his trial before Caesar.
This passage warns against working during the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Harvest, which historically aligns with the dangerous sailing season mentioned in Acts. It shows how God set times and seasons for Israel, with implications for their daily lives, including travel.
Jonah 1:4Just as a great storm threatened Jonah's ship, this passage in Acts describes Paul facing perilous seas due to unfavorable timing and weather, highlighting how God's purposes can unfold even amidst dangerous journeys.
Proverbs 3:5-6Paul's advice in Acts 27, despite the sailors' expertise, reflects a reliance on God's guidance. These proverbs speak to trusting the Lord in all our ways and acknowledging Him, even when human plans seem sound.
1 Corinthians 15:58Paul's steadfastness and advice in a dangerous situation, even when not heeded initially, mirrors the exhortation in this passage to be firm and abounding in the work of the Lord. His actions demonstrate a commitment to what is right, regardless of the outcome.
ellicottActs 27:9: "Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,"
(9) Because the fast was now already past. —The Fast was the Jewish Day of Atonement, which fell on the tenth of Tisri (in that year, September 24th), the seventh month of the Jewish ecclesiastical year. The sailing season with the Jews was reckoned from the Feast of Pentecost to that of Tabernacles, which fell five days after the Fast. Roman reckoning gave…
bensonActs 27:9: "Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,"
Acts 27:9-12 . Now when much time was spent — In making this little way, and the season of the year was so far advanced, that sailing was now dangerous — On account of the tempestuous weather usual at that season: for the fast — Of the seventh month, or anniversary expiation; was now past — And consequently winter was coming on apace. It may be proper to ob…
It's easy to gloss over the detail about "the Fast" being over, but this wasn't just a random date. It specifically marks the end of the safe sailing season for the ancient world, signaling that continuing the voyage was entering a time of severe danger and likely disaster. Paul, even in his captivity, possessed a wisdom and foresight based on a deeper knowledge of God's timing and the natural world's dangers.
The ship has been delayed for a considerable time at Fair Havens, a less than ideal harbor on Crete. With the Jewish Day of Atonement having passed, the season for safe sea travel in the Mediterranean has ended, making further sailing dangerous as winter storms approach. Paul, sensing this peril and likely through divine insight, urges the centurion and ship's company not to set sail, warning of disaster.
The ship has been delayed for a considerable time at Fair Havens, a less than ideal harbor on Crete. With the Jewish Day of Atonement having passed, the season for safe sea travel in the Mediterranean has ended, making further sailing dangerous as winter storms approach. Paul, sensing this peril and likely through divine insight, urges the centurion and ship's company not to set sail, warning of disaster.
"Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them," — It's easy to gloss over the detail about "the Fast" being over, but this wasn't just a random date. It specifically marks the end of the safe sailing season for the ancient world, signaling that cont…
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Last reviewed October 2026