Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 27

CHAPTER 27

And when it was determined. By Festus (Acts 25:12), and when the time came 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 Paul's companion, and though he had not been accused, it was resolved that he should still accompany him. Whether he went at his own expense or was sent at the expense of the Roman government does not appear.

There is a difference of reading on this point in the ancient versions. The Syriac reads, "And thus Festus determined that he [Paul] should be sent to Caesar in Italy," etc. The Latin Vulgate and the Arabic also read "he" instead of "we." However, the Greek manuscripts are uniform, and the correct reading is undoubtedly that found in our version.

Into Italy. The country still bearing the same name, of which Rome was the capital.

And certain other prisoners. Who were probably also sent to Rome for a trial before the emperor. Dr. Lardner has proved that it was common to send prisoners from Judea and other provinces to Rome (Credibility, Part 1, chapter 10, section 10, pages 248-249).

A centurion. A commander of a hundred men.

Of Augustus' band. For the meaning of the word "band," see the comments on Matthew 27:27 and Acts 10:1.

It was a division in the Roman army, consisting of from four to six hundred men. It was called "Augustus' band" in honor of the Roman emperor Augustus (see the comments on Acts 25:21) and was probably distinguished in some way for the care in enlisting or selecting them. The Augustus cohort or band is mentioned by Suetonius in his Life of Nero, 20.

A ship of Adramyttium. A maritime town of Mysia in Asia Minor, opposite the island of Lesbos. This ship had either been built there or sailed from that port, and was then in the port of Caesarea. It is evident from Acts 27:6 that this ship was not expected to sail to Italy, but that the centurion expected to find some other vessel into which he could put the prisoners to take them to Rome.

We launched. We loosed from our anchorage, or we set sail. See Acts 13:13.

By the coasts of Asia. Of Asia Minor. Probably the owners of the ship designed to make a coasting voyage along the southern part of Asia Minor and to engage in trade with the maritime towns and cities.

One Aristarchus, a Macedonian. This man is mentioned as Paul's companion in travel in Acts 19:29. He afterwards attended him to Macedonia and returned with him to Asia (Acts 20:4). He now appears to have attended him, not as a prisoner, but as a voluntary companion, choosing to share his dangers and to enjoy the benefit of his society and friendship. He went with him to Rome and was a fellow-prisoner with him there (Colossians 4:10), and is mentioned as Paul's fellow-laborer (Philemon 1:24).

It was doubtless a great comfort to Paul to have with him two such valuable friends as Luke and Aristarchus. Indeed, it was an instance of great affection for him that they were not ashamed of his bonds, but were willing to share his dangers and expose themselves to peril for the sake of accompanying him to Rome.

We touched at Sidon. See Barnes on Matthew 11:21.

It was north of Caesarea.

And Julius courteously entreated Paul. Treated him kindly, or humanely.

And gave him liberty, etc. The same thing had been done by Felix (Acts 24:23).

Unto his friends. In Sidon. Paul had frequently travelled in that direction, in going to and returning from Jerusalem; and it is not improbable, therefore, that he had friends in all the principal cities.

To refresh himself. To enjoy the benefit of their kind care, to make his present situation and his voyage as comfortable as possible. It is probable that they would furnish him with many supplies which were needful to make his long and perilous voyage comfortable.

We sailed under Cyprus. For an account of Cyprus, see Barnes, Acts 4:36.

By sailing "under Cyprus" is meant that they sailed along its coasts; they kept near to it; they thus endeavored to break off the violent winds. Instead of steering a direct course in the open sea, which would have exposed them to violent opposing winds, they kept near this large island, so that it was between them and the westerly winds. The force of the wind was thus broken, and the voyage rendered less difficult and dangerous. They went between Cyprus and Asia Minor, leaving Cyprus to the left. Had it not been for the strong western winds they would have left it on the right.

The winds were contrary. Were from the west, or south-west, which thus prevented their pursuing a direct course. See the Map.

The sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia. The sea which lies off the coast from these two regions. For their situation, see the Map, and Notes, Acts 6:9; Acts 13:13.

We came to Myra, a city of Lycia. Lycia was a province in the south-western part of Asia Minor, having Phrygia and Pisidia on the north, the Mediterranean on the south, Pamphylia on the east, and Caria on the west.