And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
This stage records Paul's voyage toward Rome in Italy, when after leaving Sidon the ship sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia and came to Myra, a city in Lycia. It was part of a long and tedious voyage endured by Paul as a prisoner in chains amid trying experiences. The voyage took place when sea travel was especially difficult and dangerous, since sailors navigated largely by the sun and stars, storms made shipowners wary of open water, and safe sailing was nearly impossible for part of the year.
The hardship was greatly lightened because Paul was allowed the companionship of Luke and Aristarchus, with Aristarchus voluntarily sharing Paul's bondage to minister to him in affliction and later called his fellow prisoner. Contrary winds drove the ship from its direct course and made this leg slow and difficult. At Myra the centurion transferred the prisoners to a large ship from Alexandria bound for Italy.
God fulfilled His special purpose through Paul's long bondage and sea journey: his bonds spread the knowledge of Christ and glorified God, his testimony from city to city left kings and governors without excuse, and thousands believed and rejoiced. The crew and heathen peoples were to witness God's power through Paul, hear the name of Jesus, and many be converted through his teaching and miracles.
This stage records Paul's voyage toward Rome in Italy, when after leaving Sidon the ship sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia and came to Myra, a city in Lycia. It was part of a long and tedious voyage endured by Paul as a prisoner in chains amid trying experiences. The voyage took place when sea travel was especially difficult and dangerous, since sailors navigated largely by the sun and stars, storms made shipowners wary of open water, and safe sailing was nearly impossible for part of the year.
The hardship was greatly lightened because Paul was allowed the companionship of Luke and Aristarchus, with Aristarchus voluntarily sharing Paul's bondage to minister to him in affliction and later called his fellow prisoner. Contrary winds drove the ship from its direct course and made this leg slow and difficult. At Myra the centurion transferred the prisoners to a large ship from Alexandria bound for Italy.
God fulfilled His special purpose through Paul's long bondage and sea journey: his bonds spread the knowledge of Christ and glorified God, his testimony from city to city left kings and governors without excuse, and thousands believed and rejoiced. The crew and heathen peoples were to witness God's power through Paul, hear the name of Jesus, and many be converted through his teaching and miracles.