Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 27:1

"And when it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band." — Acts 27:1 (ASV)

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.