Acts 27:12
And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
This verse belongs to Paul's long and tedious voyage to Italy as a prisoner in chains, a trying experience whose hardship was greatly lightened by the companionship of Luke and Aristarchus, Aristarchus sharing Paul's bondage by choice to minister to him in his afflictions and later called his fellow prisoner. That voyage by sea as a prisoner sent from city to city for trial fulfilled God's special purpose that the crew should witness God's power through Paul, that the heathen should hear the name of Jesus, and that many should be converted through his teaching and the miracles he wrought. His bonds spread the knowledge of Christ and glorified God, his testimony about Jesus left kings and governors without excuse, and thousands believed and rejoiced in Jesus.
The decision was made at Fair Havens after being compelled to remain there waiting for favoring winds. Winter was approaching rapidly, the sailing season had ended, and the voyage could not be completed before sea travel closed for the year. Sailing had become dangerous and safe navigation was nearly impossible during part of the year, when sailors relied largely on the sun and stars to navigate and signs of storm made shipowners reluctant to venture into open water. With hope of reaching the destination before sea travel closed given up, the only question left was whether to remain at Fair Havens or attempt to reach a more favorable and suitable place to winter. That question was earnestly discussed.
The centurion referred the question to Paul, who had won the respect of both sailors and soldiers. Paul unhesitatingly advised remaining where they were, warning that continuing the voyage would be with hurt and much damage to cargo and ship and lives, bringing harm and great loss. The master and the owner of the ship with the majority of the passengers and crew, the more part and most of those aboard, were unwilling to accept this counsel. They advised departing because the haven was not commodious, suitable, or convenient to winter in, to try if by any means they might attain to Phenice, also called Phoenix. Phenice was another haven of Crete lying toward and facing the southwest and northwest, regarded as well sheltered with other advantages and preferable, where they hoped to winter.