Acts 28:11
New International Version
After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux.

New Living Translation
It was three months after the shipwreck that we set sail on another ship that had wintered at the island—an Alexandrian ship with the twin gods as its figurehead.

English Standard Version
After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods as a figurehead.

Berean Standard Bible
After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered in the island. It had the Twin Brothers as a figurehead.

Berean Literal Bible
Then after three months, we sailed in an Alexandrian ship having wintered in the island, with a figurehead of the Dioscuri.

King James Bible
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

New King James Version
After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island.

New American Standard Bible
After three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead.

NASB 1995
At the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead.

NASB 1977
And at the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now at the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead.

Amplified Bible
At the end of three months we set sail on a ship which had wintered at the island, an Alexandrian ship with the Twin Brothers [Castor and Pollux] as its figurehead.

Christian Standard Bible
After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island, with the Twin Gods as its figurehead.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island, with the Twin Brothers as its figurehead.

American Standard Version
And after three months we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was The Twin Brothers.

Contemporary English Version
Three months later we sailed in a ship that had been docked at Malta for the winter. The ship was from Alexandria in Egypt and was known as "The Twin Gods."

English Revised Version
And after three months we set sail in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the island, whose sign was The Twin Brothers.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After three months we sailed on an Alexandrian ship that had spent the winter at the island. The ship had the gods Castor and Pollux carved on its front.

Good News Translation
After three months we sailed away on a ship from Alexandria, called "The Twin Gods," which had spent the winter in the island.

International Standard Version
Three months later, we continued our sailing onboard an Alexandrian ship that had spent the winter at the island. It had the Twin Brothers as its figurehead.

Majority Standard Bible
After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered in the island. It had the Twin Brothers as a figurehead.

NET Bible
After three months we put out to sea in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island and had the "Heavenly Twins" as its figurehead.

New Heart English Bible
After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was "The Twin Brothers."

Webster's Bible Translation
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

Weymouth New Testament
Three months passed before we set sail in an Alexandrian vessel, called the 'Twin Brothers,' which had wintered at the island.

World English Bible
After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose figurehead was “The Twin Brothers.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And after three months, we set sail in a ship (that had wintered in the island) of Alexandria, with the sign Dioscuri,

Berean Literal Bible
Then after three months, we sailed in an Alexandrian ship having wintered in the island, with a figurehead of the Dioscuri.

Young's Literal Translation
And after three months, we set sail in a ship (that had wintered in the isle) of Alexandria, with the sign Dioscuri,

Smith's Literal Translation
And after three months we were conveyed in a ship, having wintered in the island, of Alexandria, marked, Sons of Jove.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And after three months, we sailed in a ship of Alexandria, that had wintered in the island, whose sign was the Castors.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, after three months, we sailed in a ship from Alexandria, whose name was ‘the Castors,’ and which had wintered at the island.

New American Bible
Three months later we set sail on a ship that had wintered at the island. It was an Alexandrian ship with the Dioscuri as its figurehead.

New Revised Standard Version
Three months later we set sail on a ship that had wintered at the island, an Alexandrian ship with the Twin Brothers as its figurehead.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
After three months we departed, sailing in an Al-ex-an’dri-an ship, which had wintered in the island, and which bore the sign of Castor and Pollux.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But we went out after three months and journeyed on an Alexandrian ship which had harbored at that island, and it had on it the sign of The Twins.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
After three months we put to sea in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the island, whose sign was the Dioscuri.

Godbey New Testament
And after three months we embarked in an Alexandrian ship, having spent the winter in the island, dedicated to the sons of Jupiter.

Haweis New Testament
And after three months stay we sailed in a ship which had wintered in the island, from Alexandria, whose sign was Castor and Pollux:

Mace New Testament
After having been there three months, we embark'd on board the Castor and Pollux from Alexandria, that had put in there by hard weather:

Weymouth New Testament
Three months passed before we set sail in an Alexandrian vessel, called the 'Twin Brothers,' which had wintered at the island.

Worrell New Testament
And, after three months, we set sail in an Alexandrian ship, which had wintered in the island, marked CASTOR AND POLLUX.

Worsley New Testament
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, that had wintered in the island, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Arrives in Italy
10The islanders honored us in many ways and supplied our needs when we were ready to sail. 11 After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered in the island. It had the Twin Brothers as a figurehead. 12Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.…

Cross References
Jonah 1:3
Jonah, however, got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.

Ezekiel 27:29
All who handle the oars will abandon their ships. The sailors and all the captains of the sea will stand on the shore.

Isaiah 23:1
This is the burden against Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is laid waste, without house or harbor. Word has reached them from the land of Cyprus.

Psalm 107:23-30
Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. / They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. / For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. ...

Genesis 10:4
And the sons of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, the Kittites, and the Rodanites.

1 Kings 10:22
For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with Hiram’s fleet, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

2 Chronicles 9:21
For the king had the ships of Tarshish that went with Hiram’s servants, and once every three years the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks.

Isaiah 60:9
Surely the islands will wait for Me, with the ships of Tarshish in the lead, to bring your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.

Jeremiah 10:9
Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz—the work of a craftsman from the hands of a goldsmith. Their clothes are blue and purple, all fashioned by skilled workers.

Ezekiel 27:12
Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your wares.

Ezekiel 27:25
The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea.

Matthew 4:21
Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them,

Mark 1:19
Going on a little farther, He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat, mending their nets.

Luke 5:10
and so were his partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus said to Simon. “From now on you will catch men.”

John 21:3
Simon Peter told them, “I am going fishing.” “We will go with you,” they said. So they went out and got into the boat, but caught nothing that night.


Treasury of Scripture

And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

Cir.

Acts 6:9
Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Acts 27:6
And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

whose.

Isaiah 45:20
Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.

Jonah 1:5,16
Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep…

1 Corinthians 8:4
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

Jump to Previous
Alexandria Alexandrian Departed End Ensign Gods Island Isle Months Passed Sail Sailing Sea Ship Sign Three Twin Vessel Winter
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Alexandria Alexandrian Departed End Ensign Gods Island Isle Months Passed Sail Sailing Sea Ship Sign Three Twin Vessel Winter
Acts 28
1. Paul, after his shipwreck, is kindly entertained on Malta.
5. The snake on his hand hurts him not.
8. He heals many diseases in the island.
11. They depart toward Rome.
17. He declares to the Jews the cause of his coming.
24. After his preaching some were persuaded, and some believed not.
30. Yet he preaches there two years.














After three months
This phrase indicates a specific period of time that Paul and his companions spent on the island of Malta following their shipwreck. The number three often holds symbolic significance in the Bible, representing completeness or divine perfection. In this context, it suggests a divinely appointed period of rest and ministry before continuing their journey. Historically, this time allowed for the winter season to pass, making sea travel safer.

we set sail
The act of setting sail signifies a new beginning and a continuation of Paul’s mission to spread the Gospel. The Greek word used here, "ἀνήχθημεν" (anēchthēmen), implies a deliberate and purposeful action, reflecting Paul’s unwavering commitment to his calling despite previous hardships.

on an Alexandrian ship
Alexandrian ships were large grain ships from Egypt, known for their sturdiness and capacity. This detail highlights the providence of God in providing a reliable means of transportation for Paul. Historically, these ships were crucial for the grain supply to Rome, underscoring the interconnectedness of the Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity.

that had wintered at the island
The mention of the ship wintering on the island indicates the common practice of ancient mariners to avoid sailing during the dangerous winter months. This detail underscores the historical accuracy of the account and the practical considerations of travel in the ancient world.

and bore the Twin Brothers as a figurehead
The Twin Brothers, Castor and Pollux, were figures from Roman mythology, considered protectors of sailors. The presence of their figurehead on the ship reflects the cultural and religious milieu of the time. For Paul, this detail serves as a reminder of the pervasive pagan beliefs he encountered, yet it also highlights the sovereignty of God in using all means to accomplish His purposes. The juxtaposition of pagan symbols with the mission of spreading the Gospel illustrates the transformative power of Christianity in a diverse world.

(11) After three months.--The date may be approximately fixed. The Fast, falling on the 10th of Tisri, which has been calculated as falling in that year on September 24th, was passed, we are not told how long, when the ship left the Fair Havens (Acts 27:9). Then came the "fourteen days" of Acts 27:27, bringing us to the end of October or beginning of November. Three months from this carries us to the beginning of February. This was earlier than that usually fixed for the general navigation of the Mediterranean (see Note on Acts 27:9), but the officers and the crew of the Alexandrian ship were naturally anxious to take the earliest opportunity for pressing on to their destination. The fact that the latter had wintered in the island is obviously in favour of the identification of Melita with Malta, which lay on the usual line of the voyage from Alexandria to Italy, while Meleda was altogether out of the way.

Whose sign was Castor and Pollux.--Literally, the Dioscuri, the two sons of Zeus and Leda, who were regarded as the guardian deities of sailors. So Horace (Od. i. 3, 2) speaks of the "fratres Helen?, lucida sidera" ("brothers of Helen, beaming stars"), and (Od. i. 12, 25) of the "puerosque Ledce" ("the children of Leda"), whose bright star shines propitiously on sailors. In Greek mythology, Zeus had rewarded their brotherly devotion by placing them among the stars as the Gemini, which were connected with the month of May in the signs of the Zodiac, and Poseidon (= Neptune) had given them power over the winds and waves that they might assist the shipwrecked. So in the Helena of Euripides they appear, in 1550?60, as promising a fair wind and a safe voyage. The figure-heads of the Greek and Roman ships were commonly placed both at the prow and the stern.

Verse 11. - Set sail for departed, A.V.; island for isle, A.V.; The Twin Brothers for Castor and Pollux, A.V. After three months. At the very earliest period when the sailing season began after the winter. It would be, perhaps, about the middle of February, or, as Alford thinks, about March 10. If the weather was fine, having so short a voyage before them, they would venture to sail without further delay. Set sail (see preceding verso, note). A ship of Alexandria. Some ship, better fated than that one (Acts 27:6) which was wrecked in St. Paul's Bay, which had weathered or avoided the gale, and probably got into the harbor of Valetta in good time. One would have thought that this ship wintering at Malta on its way from Alexandria to Italy, via Sicily, would be of itself a sufficient proof that Melita was Malta. Which had wintered (παρακεχειμακότι); see Acts 27:12, note. Whose sign was The Twin Brothers (Δίοσκουροι, Latin the constellation Gemini). The twin sons of Jupiter and Leda, Castor and Pollux, brothers of Helena ("fratres Helenis, lucida sidera," Horace, 'Od.,' 1:3, 2), were called by the Greeks Dioscuri, the sons of Jove. It was their special office to assist sailors in danger of shipwreck. Hence Horace, in the ode just quoted, prays that Castor and Pollux, in conjunction with other deities, would carry the ship in which Virgil sailed safe to Attica. And in Ode 12:27, etc., he describes the subsidence of the storm, and the calming of the waves, at the appearance of the twin stars, of Leda's sons. It was, therefore, very natural to have the Dioscuri for the παράσημον, the sign of the ship. Every ancient ship had a παράσημον, "a painted or carved representation of the sign which furnished its name on the prow, and at the stern a similar one of their tutelary deity." (Alford), which was called the tutela. These were sometimes the same, and perhaps were so in this instance. Ovid tells us that Minerva was the tutela of the ship in which he sailed, and that her painted helmet gave it its name ('Trist.,' 1 9:1), Galea, or the like. We may notice the continual trial to Jews and Christians of having to face idolatry in all the common actions of life.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
After
Μετὰ (Meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

three
τρεῖς (treis)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5140: Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'.

months
μῆνας (mēnas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3376: A (lunar) month. A primary word; a month.

we set sail
ἀνήχθημεν (anēchthēmen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 321: From ana and ago; to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

an Alexandrian
Ἀλεξανδρινῷ (Alexandrinō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 222: Alexandrian, belonging to Alexandria in Egypt. From the same as Alexandreus; Alexandrine, or belonging to Alexandria.

ship
πλοίῳ (ploiō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4143: A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel.

that had wintered
παρακεχειμακότι (parakecheimakoti)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3914: To pass the winter. From para and cheimazo; to winter near, i.e. Stay with over the rainy season.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

island.
νήσῳ (nēsō)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3520: An island. Probably from the base of naus; an island.

It had the Twin Brothers
Διοσκούροις (Dioskourois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1359: From the alternate of Zeus and a form of the base of korasion; sons of Jupiter, i.e. The twins Dioscuri.

as a figurehead.
παρασήμῳ (parasēmō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3902: Marked with; a figure-head. From para and the base of semaino; side-marked, i.e. Labelled (figure-head) of a ship).


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NT Apostles: Acts 28:11 After three months we set sail (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
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