Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 27:12

"And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to put to sea from thence, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, and winter [there; which is] a haven of Crete, looking northeast and south-east." — Acts 27:12 (ASV)

The haven. The Fair Havens, Acts 27:8.

Was not commodious to winter in. Not safe or convenient to remain there. It probably provided a safe anchorage in a storm, rather than a convenient place for a permanent harbor.

The more part. The greater part of the crew.

To Phenice. This was a port or harbor on the south side of Crete, and west of the Fair Havens. It was a more convenient harbor and regarded as safer. It appears, therefore, that the majority of persons on board concurred with Paul in the belief that it was not advisable to attempt the navigation of the sea until the dangers of the winter had passed by.

And lieth toward. Greek, Looking toward; that is, it was open in that direction.

The southwest. kata liba. Toward Libya, or Africa. That country was situated southwest of the mouth of the harbor. The entrance of the harbor was in a southwest direction.

And northwest. kata cwron. This word denotes a wind blowing from the northwest. The harbor was doubtless curved. Its entrance was in a southwest direction. It then turned so as to lie in a direction towards the northwest. It was thus rendered perfectly safe from the winds and heavy seas; and in that harbor they might pass the winter in security.