And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
After leaving Sidon, the ship encountered winds that were contrary. Because those winds were contrary, it sailed under Cyprus for shelter instead of keeping a direct course. Driven from its direct course, it made only slow progress.
The detour reflects the hardship and danger of first-century sea travel, when sailors depended largely on the sun and stars, dreaded storms, and faced times when safe navigation was nearly impossible. The verse belongs to Paul's long and tedious voyage to Italy, which he endured as a prisoner in chains amid trying experiences. The hardship of his lot was greatly lightened by being allowed the companionship of Luke and Aristarchus, with Aristarchus voluntarily sharing his bondage to minister to him in his afflictions and afterward called his fellow prisoner.
The sea journey of which the verse is part served God's purpose, as the ship's crew witnessed God's power through Paul and others heard about Jesus, and his teaching and miracles led many to believe.
After leaving Sidon, the ship encountered winds that were contrary. Because those winds were contrary, it sailed under Cyprus for shelter instead of keeping a direct course. Driven from its direct course, it made only slow progress.
The detour reflects the hardship and danger of first-century sea travel, when sailors depended largely on the sun and stars, dreaded storms, and faced times when safe navigation was nearly impossible. The verse belongs to Paul's long and tedious voyage to Italy, which he endured as a prisoner in chains amid trying experiences. The hardship of his lot was greatly lightened by being allowed the companionship of Luke and Aristarchus, with Aristarchus voluntarily sharing his bondage to minister to him in his afflictions and afterward called his fellow prisoner.
The sea journey of which the verse is part served God's purpose, as the ship's crew witnessed God's power through Paul and others heard about Jesus, and his teaching and miracles led many to believe.