Paul's "advice" here isn't just a casual suggestion; it's a keen observation about the changing seasons tied to a significant Jewish observance – the Day of Atonement. This hints at a deeper awareness he has, not just of spiritual matters, but of the practical, earthly realities that impact life and safety.
Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having been detained for a significant time at Fair Havens, the ship is now facing the dangerous reality of sailing late into the season, after the Jewish Day of Atonement has passed, signaling the approaching winter storms. Paul, recognizing the peril, steps in to offer counsel to the ship's captain and crew.
Ever feel like you're pushing a deadline and the risks just keep climbing? This verse points to a specific time of year when seafaring became truly treacherous.
The text pinpoints the danger of sailing by referencing 'the Fast,' which was the Jewish Day of Atonement. This significant day fell around late September or early October. For ancient mariners, this marked the end of the safe sailing season. The Mediterranean, especially in this region, became prone to violent storms after this time, moving into what was essentially their 'winter' season. The decision to push on despite this was not just about impatience, but about ignoring a critical seasonal warning. This wasn't just bad luck; it was a dangerous gamble against the predictable rhythms of nature and the established wisdom of experienced sailors.
Paul was a prisoner, yet he offered crucial advice that the ship's seasoned crew ignored. What gave him such clear vision?
Though a prisoner on board, Paul demonstrates profound wisdom and leadership. He wasn't just a passenger; he was perceptive and courageous. The text states, 'Paul advised them.' This wasn't a mere suggestion but a serious warning based on his keen observation of the 'dangerous' season and likely an inner, God-given discernment. While the centurion and sailors relied on their own experience and the ship's master, Paul offered advice rooted in a deeper understanding. His counsel wasn't just about practicality; it was about discerning the true risk beyond immediate desires. This highlights how God can use anyone, regardless of their status, to offer vital wisdom.
Understand the original words
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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.
theōrō · Greek Verb
A Greek word meaning to think, conclude, or consider, often based on observation or divine insight. In this context, it highlights Paul's discernment regarding the impending physical danger.
hybris · Greek Noun
Harm, damage, or detriment. Biblically, this term encompasses both physical loss and spiritual or moral injury, pointing to the negative consequences of a reckless course of action.
phortos · Greek Noun
In a general biblical sense, that which is possessed or held; here, it refers to material wealth or earthly goods that are subject to the instability and loss inherent in a fallen world.
The verse highlights the critical intersection of Jewish religious observance (the Fast) and the practical realities of ancient maritime travel, where seasonal dangers made timing paramount.
c. AD 57
Paul detained in Caesarea
Paul has been under arrest in Caesarea Maritima for two years, awaiting trial before Caesar.
c. September 24, AD 57
Day of Atonement
This Jewish fast, falling on the 10th of the month Tisri, marks a critical point in the autumn. The close of navigation season in the Mediterranean is near.
c. Late September AD 57— this verse
Detained at Fair Havens
The ship carrying Paul and other prisoners is stopped at Fair Havens, a harbor on Crete, due to unfavorable winds and the advanced, dangerous sailing season.
c. Early October AD 57
Voyage resumes towards Phoenix
Despite Paul's warning of impending disaster, the ship's master and centurion decide to sail further along the Cretan coast to a more suitable winter harbor.
c. Early October AD 57
Shipwreck off Malta
A violent storm, the Euroclydon, overtakes the ship, leading to its eventual shipwreck on the island of Malta.
c. AD 58
Arrival in Rome
After being stranded on Malta for three months, Paul and his companions finally reach Rome to face his trial.
This passage shows a prophet, like Paul, caught in a dangerous sea voyage due to disobedience, highlighting God's power over storms and His care for His servants.
Exodus 33:12-14Moses also sought assurance of God's presence and guidance during a perilous journey, mirroring Paul's reliance on divine wisdom when advising the sailors.
Proverbs 3:5-6This proverb speaks to the importance of trusting in the Lord's guidance, which Paul exemplifies by offering counsel based on his spiritual discernment rather than solely on human expertise.
Acts 27:22-25This passage directly follows, revealing Paul's prophetic word from God that assures the safety of everyone on board, underscoring the divine source of his earlier advice.
1 Corinthians 10:13This verse assures that God provides a way out of temptation and difficult circumstances, which is evident in how God orchestrates Paul's safety and the salvation of all on the ship.
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…
Paul's "advice" here isn't just a casual suggestion; it's a keen observation about the changing seasons tied to a significant Jewish observance – the Day of Atonement. This hints at a deeper awareness he has, not just of spiritual matters, but of the practical, earthly realities that impact life and safety.
Having been detained for a significant time at Fair Havens, the ship is now facing the dangerous reality of sailing late into the season, after the Jewish Day of Atonement has passed, signaling the approaching winter storms. Paul, recognizing the peril, steps in to offer counsel to the ship's captain and crew.
Having been detained for a significant time at Fair Havens, the ship is now facing the dangerous reality of sailing late into the season, after the Jewish Day of Atonement has passed, signaling the approaching winter storms. Paul, recognizing the peril, steps in to offer counsel to the ship's captain and crew.
"Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but al…" — Paul's "advice" here isn't just a casual suggestion; it's a keen observation about the changing seasons tied to a significant Jewish observance – the Day of Atonement. This hints at a deeper awarenes…
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Last reviewed October 2026
