After putting out from there, we sailed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. After putting out from there,This phrase indicates the continuation of Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner. The "there" refers to the port of Sidon, where Paul had been allowed to visit friends. This journey is part of Paul's mission to spread the Gospel, even under Roman custody, fulfilling his calling as an apostle to the Gentiles. Act 21:1 After we had torn ourselves away from them,… we sailed to the lee of Cyprus Sailing to the "lee" of Cyprus means they traveled on the sheltered side of the island, protected from the prevailing winds. Cyprus is significant in early Christian history; it was the home of Barnabas and an early center of Christian activity. The island's mention here highlights the strategic navigation choices made due to weather conditions, which were common in ancient maritime travel. Act 21:3 After sighting Cyprus and passing south of it,… because the winds were against us. The adverse winds suggest the challenges faced during the journey. In the Mediterranean, the Etesian winds blow from the northwest during the summer, which would have made sailing westward difficult. This detail underscores the hardships Paul and his companions endured, reflecting the broader theme of perseverance in the face of adversity. It also echoes other biblical narratives where natural elements play a role in God's providential plans, such as Jonah's story or Jesus calming the storm. Mat 14:24 but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by waves… Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe apostle who is being transported to Rome as a prisoner. His journey is marked by divine purpose and guidance. 2. Cyprus An island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The ship sailed to the lee of Cyprus, meaning they sailed on the sheltered side to avoid strong winds. 3. The Winds Natural forces that were contrary to the ship's intended course, symbolizing obstacles and challenges in the journey. 4. The Ship's Crew The sailors and those responsible for navigating the ship, representing human effort and decision-making in the face of natural challenges. Teaching Points Navigating AdversityJust as the ship had to adjust its course due to the winds, believers must be flexible and rely on God's guidance when facing life's challenges. Divine Sovereignty Despite the adverse winds, God's plan for Paul to reach Rome was not thwarted. Trust in God's sovereignty even when circumstances seem unfavorable. Community and Cooperation The journey required the cooperation of the ship's crew. Similarly, believers are called to work together in unity, especially during difficult times. Spiritual Discernment Recognize when to adjust your course in life. Seek God's wisdom to discern when to persevere and when to change direction. Faith in Action Like Paul, who remained steadfast despite the winds, believers are encouraged to maintain their faith and witness in the face of trials. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the experience of sailing to the lee of Cyprus illustrate the need for adaptability in our spiritual journey?2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in situations where circumstances seem to be against us? 3. How can the account of Jonah and the adverse winds he faced inform our understanding of obedience and divine intervention? 4. What practical steps can we take to foster unity and cooperation within our faith communities during challenging times? 5. How can we apply the principle of spiritual discernment in our daily lives when faced with decisions and obstacles? Connections to Other Scriptures Jonah 1The account of Jonah also involves a sea voyage and adverse winds, highlighting themes of divine intervention and human response. Mark 4:35-41 Jesus calming the storm demonstrates His authority over nature, contrasting human limitations with divine power. James 1:2-4 The trials and challenges faced by believers, like the adverse winds, are opportunities for growth and perseverance.
People Aristarchus, Augustus, Julius, PaulPlaces Adramyttium, Adriatic Sea, Alexandria, Asia, Cauda, Cilicia, Cnidus, Crete, Cyprus, Fair Havens, Italy, Lasea, Lycia, Malta, Myra, Pamphylia, Phoenix, Salmone, Sidon, Syrtis, ThessalonicaTopics Contrary, Cover, Cyprus, Lanched, Launched, Lee, Putting, Sail, Sailed, Sailing, Setting, Shelter, Thence, Wind, WindsDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 27:1-44Library A Short Confession of Faith'...There stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve.'--ACTS xxvii. 23. I turn especially to those last words, 'Whose I am and whom I serve.' A great calamity, borne by a crowd of men in common, has a wonderful power of dethroning officials and bringing the strong man to the front. So it is extremely natural, though it has been thought to be very unhistorical, that in this story of Paul's shipwreck he should become guide, counsellor, inspirer, and a tower of strength; and … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts A Total Wreck, all Hands Saved Tempest and Trust Seasons of Covenanting. The Wyclif of the East --Bible Translation Of the Practice of Piety in Fasting. Spiritual Culture. Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Appendix xv. The Location of Sychar, and the Date of Our Lord's visit to Samaria. Conversion. Perseverance First Missionary Journey Scripture Pastoral and Personal Second Sunday Before Lent Scriptural Christianity That the Christian Miracles are not Recited, or Appealed To, by Early Christian Writers Themselves So Fully or Frequently as Might have Been Expected. Meditations Before Dinner and Supper. The Wisdom of God The Doctrine of Angels. Links Acts 27:4 NIVActs 27:4 NLT Acts 27:4 ESV Acts 27:4 NASB Acts 27:4 KJV Acts 27:4 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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