Acts 27:3, commentary and pictures

The verse belongs to Paul's first-century sea voyage, when travel by sea was perilous, sailors guided their course largely by the sun and stars, and during part of the year safe passage was nearly impossible. It stands at the start of the long and tedious voyage to Italy, which Paul undertook as a prisoner in chains. The hardship of that lot was greatly lightened because he was allowed the companionship of Luke and Aristarchus, Aristarchus sharing Paul's bondage by his own choice so that he might minister to him in his afflictions, and afterward called his fellow prisoner.

At Sidon the centurion Julius treated Paul courteously and gave him liberty to go to his friends to refresh himself. The friends there were Christians, and Julius knew Christians were there when he permitted the visit. Paul was in feeble health, so he valued this kindness and greatly appreciated it. He was also poorly supplied with comforts for the long voyage, so the brief visit with them brought him comfort and encouragement.

The sea journey as a prisoner served God's purpose, that the ship's crew and others on board should witness God's power, hear the name of Jesus, and have opportunity to be converted through Paul's teaching and miracles. Julius's kindness and his willingness to speak in Paul's favor stood out in contrast to the hostility Paul later faced during his imprisonment in Rome.