Acts 27:6-12

Traveling in an Alexandrian Ship

The ship Julius found was out of Alexandria and bound for Italy. Likely, this ship was part of a large, government regulated, commercial fleet of ships which carried much needed grain to the world's capitol. Julius, Paul and the rest of their company boarded that ship. It sailed, against a late summer, northwesterly wind, for the port of Cnidus. The wind was so unfavorable that the captain sailed along the southern shore of Crete. When they finally reached the port of Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea, a decision had to be made as to the course to be pursued.

Luke noted that the Fast, or Day of Atonement, was now over, so it was around October 1. Paul advised them not to attempt further travel at such a dangerous time of year. In fact, Bruce says "the Mediterranean was not safe for ancient vessels after September 15 until about March 15." The apostle's concern was not just for the cargo but also the lives of those on board. Yet, Julius was inclined to listen more closely to the words of the ship's pilot and the owner than to Paul. The majority of those on board hoped to reach Phoenix and its more accommodating harbor (Acts 27:6-12).