Preface: This is, no doubt, one of the oddest chapters found in the Bible. So often, when a person moves from point A to point B in a Biblical narrative, most of the time, the trip is barely alluded to. However, this entire chapter—all 44 verses—are devoted to Paul’s trip by boat from Caesarea almost all the way to Rome, and to the shipwreck which he (and all on board) faced. Specifically, this is the leg of the trip which is between Crete and Malta, a two-week excursion where the people found themselves in a sudden and vicious storm.

Bible Summary: We set sail for Rome. A storm struck and all hope was lost. Paul said, "Take heart, we must run aground." Everyone reached land.

The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 27 (a chart); from Slide Player; accessed June 30, 2022.

This should be the most extensive examination of Acts 27 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview: (taken from Light of the Word; accessed April 22, 2022).

Time and Place as per Modern Literal Version 2020:

{Aug. 21 - Nov. 1, 61 AD. Mediterranean Sea. The voyage to Rome.}

{Nov. 1, 61 AD. Shipwreck on Malta.}

Outline of Chapter 27:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–5           Paul Sailing from Caesarea to Myra on the Adramyttium

         vv.     6–8           Difficult Sailing to Crete on an Alexandrian Ship

         vv.     9–12         Paul Warns Against Further Sailing, but Is Overruled

         vv.    13–20         When Sailing Along the Coast of Crete, a Massive Storm Plagues Them

         vv.    21–26         Paul Encourages All on Board Despite Dire Circumstances

         vv.    27–38         Paul Encourages the People to Eat Heartily and Then to Dump Their Grain

         vv.    39–44         Finally, the Ship Is Caught by a Sandbar with Land Nearby

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 27 (a chart)

         Preface               Quotations

Doctrines Alluded to

Chapters of the Bible Alluded To or Appropriately Exegeted with this Chapter

Dictionary of Terms

         Introduction         Introduction to Acts 27

         Introduction         Acts 27 Shipwrecked (a graphic)

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Acts 27 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Acts 27 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Acts 27

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Acts 27

         Introduction         The Principals of Acts 27

         Introduction         The Places of Acts 27

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 27

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Acts 27 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 27 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Acts 25–28)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v.       5              Paul’s Route from Caesarea (a map)

         v.       7              A Panoramic View of the port of Cnidos (a photograph © Nevit Dilmen)

         v.       7              Paul’s Ship Goes Around Crete (a map)

         v.       8              Panorama of Kaloi Limenes (painted by Thomas Abel Brimage Spratt)

         v.       8              Paul’s Trip from Caesarea to Malta (a map)

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v.      17              Cape Matala in Crete (a map)

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v.      29              The Shipwreck Map

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         v.      41              Journey to Rome (a map)

         v. 

         v. 

         v. 

         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Acts 27 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Acts 27

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Acts 27

         Summary 

         Summary 

         Addendum          Footnote from the Christian Community Bible Acts 27:1

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 27:1–8

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 27:9–13

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 27:14–20

         Addendum          Blessing by Association (by R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 27:21–26

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 27:27–32

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 27:33–37

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 27:39–44

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Acts 27

         Addendum 

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Acts 27

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Acts 27

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Acts 27

——————————

An Introduction to Acts 27

I ntroduction: Acts 27 is one of the two very unusual chapters in the book of Acts (in fact, even unusual for the entire Word of God). It is all about a small dispute between Paul and those who were in charge of the ship; and then, the great shipwreck disaster which follows. There will be a dozen or more terms in this chapter which are found nowhere else. Many aboard this ship believed that this was to be their end.

However, there appears to be one very cool head during this disaster, and that is Paul. He does not go into a panic mode; he does not run from stem to stern yelling, “I told you so!” or “We are all lost; we are all going to die!” Although Paul does, at one point, say, “I told you so,” it is simply to gain their attention for what he tells them in this chapter.

Also, interestingly enough, the captain of the ship appears to keep his cool as well. Despite the dire circumstances, he does not appear to be rattled. He keeps doing what is necessary to preserve the ship and the people aboard. However, in the final days, they come to a point were he has done everything that he was able to do (by way of commands).

This chapter takes us from Caesarea (where Paul had spoken before Agrippa II and Festus and Bernice) eventually to Malta (which is unlikely to be where this ship was eventually bound). My reading of the map is, Paul’s ship will travel between Galatia and Cyprus, then come around Crete (going south of Crete) and then swinging up toward Sicily. For a multitude of reasons, it just isn’t going to be that simple.

Prepare for one of the most unusual chapters of the entire Bible.

We might see this as being the New Testament equivalent to the book of Jonah.

Acts 27 Shipwrecked (a graphic); from the Warehouse; accessed June 23, 2022. I am not sure if the Warehouse did this graphic, but it is a pretty nice graphic. It is sometimes difficult to determine who writes what there, or if most of the text was lifted from elsewhere (everything you read in this document, I have written, unless otherwise noted).

This is an excellent graphic, although I would picture the second ship to have been much larger than what we see in this picture, as there are 276 on board (Acts 27:37).

——————————

Paul Sailing from Caesarea to Myra on the Adramyttium

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Now while he judged to set sail us to the Italy, both to deliver the Paul and certain ones, others (of a different kind), prisoners, to a centurion, by name Julius of a military cohort of Sebastos. Now setting foot in the ship of Adramyttium, being about to sail to the places along the Asia (minor), we departed. Being with us Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Now when it was decided that we should sail away to Italy, they handed over both Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan Regiment.

And having boarded a ship of Adramyttium, scheduled to sail to the ports along the Asian coasts, we put to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) And when it was determined that he should sail into Italy and that Paul, with the other prisoners, should be delivered to a centurion, named Julius, of the band Augusta,

Going on board a ship of Adrumetum, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia, Aristarchus, the Macedonian of Thessalonica, continuing with us.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        And Phihstus {Festus} commanded concerning him that he should be sent unto Qasar {Caesar}; unto Italia {Italy}. And he delivered Paulus {Paul} and another prisoner with him, unto a certain gabra {man}, a Qentruna {a Centurion/a Captain of a hundred} from the Sebaste Troop, whose name was Yulius {Julius}.

And when it was, that we were to journey, we went down unto a ship which was from Adramnatus {Adramyttium} city, and we were going unto the region of Asia {i.e. Asia-minor}. And Aristarkus entered the ship with us, a Maqedunia {Macedonian} who was from Thesaluniqi {Thessalonica} city.

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And Festus commanded, respecting him, that he should be sent to Italy, unto Caesar. And he delivered Paul, and other prisoners with him, to a certain man, a centurion of the Augustan cohort, whose name was Julius.

And when we were to depart, we embarked in a ship which was from the city of Adramyttium, and was going to the country of Asia. And there embarked with us in the ship, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of the city of Thessalonica.

Original Aramaic NT              And Festus commanded concerning him to be sent to Caesar to Italia and he delivered Paulus and the other prisoners with him to a certain Centurion from the regiment, Sebasta, whose name was Julius.

And when it was time for us to journey, we boarded a ship, which was from the city Adramantius and it was going to the region of Asia, and Aristarkaus, a Macedonian, entered the ship with us who was from the city Thessaloniqa.

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             And when the decision had been made that we were to go by sea to Italy, they gave Paul and certain other prisoners into the care of a captain named Julius, of the Augustan band. 

And we went to sea in a ship of Adramyttium which was sailing to the sea towns of Asia, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

Bible in Worldwide English     It was planned that we would go by boat to Italy. An officer named Julius was put in charge of Paul and some other prisoners. Julius was an army captain in the Augustan group.

We got on a boat which was from the city of Adramyttium. This boat was going along the coast of Asia Minor. And so we went out to sea. A man named Aristarchus from the city of Thessalonica in Macedonia came with us also.

Easy English                          Soldiers take Paul to Rome

Some time after that, Festus decided that we should sail to Italy. So he commanded a soldier called Julius to guard Paul and some other prisoners. Julius was an officer in the Roman army. He had authority over 100 soldiers in a group called ‘The Emperor Augustus Group’.

We went onto a ship that had come from Adramyttium. This ship was ready to leave. It would sail to the towns on the coast of Asia region. A man called Aristarchus also sailed with us. He came from a city in Macedonia called Thessalonica.

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  It was decided that we would sail for Italy. An army officer named Julius, who served in the emperor's special army, was put in charge of guarding Paul and some other prisoners on the trip.

We got on a ship from the city of Adramyttium that was ready to sail to different places in Asia. Aristarchus, a man from Thessalonica in Macedonia, went with us.

God’s Word™                         When it was decided that we should sail to Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were turned over to an army officer. His name was Julius, and he belonged to the emperor's division.

We set sail on a ship from the city of Adramyttium. The ship was going to stop at ports on the coast of the province of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from the city of Thessalonica, went with us.

Good News Bible (TEV)         When it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they handed Paul and some other prisoners over to Julius, an officer in the Roman army regiment called "The Emperor's Regiment."

We went aboard a ship from Adramyttium, which was ready to leave for the seaports of the province of Asia, and we sailed away. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.

J. B. Phillips                           The last journey begins

As soon as it was decided that we should sail away to Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were put in charge of a centurion named Julius, of the emperor’s own regiment. We embarked on a ship hailing from Adramyttium, bound for the Asian ports, and set sail. Among our company was Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.

The Message                         A Storm at Sea

As soon as arrangements were complete for our sailing to Italy, Paul and a few other prisoners were placed under the supervision of a centurion named Julius, a member of an elite guard. We boarded a ship from Adramyttium that was bound for Ephesus and ports west. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, went with us.

NIRV                                      Paul Sails for Rome

It was decided that we would sail for Italy. Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a Roman commander named Julius. He belonged to the Imperial Guard. We boarded a ship from Adramyttium. It was about to sail for ports along the coast of Asia Minor. We headed out to sea. Aristarchus was with us. He was a Macedonian from Thessalonica.

New Life Version                    Paul Is Sent to Rome

It was decided that we should go to the country of Italy by ship. Then they put Paul and some other men in chains. Julius, a captain of Caesar’s army, was to watch them. We went on a ship that was from the city of Adramyttian. It was going to stop at the towns along the sea-shore of Asia. Aristarchus was with us. He was a man from the city of Thessalonica in the country of Macedonia.

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              ACTS 27

VOYAGE TO ROME, SHIPWRECK AHEAD

PAUL SAILS AWAY, WITH ARMED ESCORT

When the decision was made to sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a Roman officer [1] named Julius. He served in the Augustan Battalion. [2] We boarded a ship from the home port of Adramyttium. [3] The ship was planning to sail north along the coast of Asia, [4] stopping in ports along the way. Traveling with us was a Macedonian man from the city of Thessalonica. His name was Aristarchus.

¹27:1Literally a centurion, a commander of a unit of about 100 soldiers.

²27:1Literally a cohort, a unit of about 500 soldiers. Archaeologists have found two inscriptions referring to this cohort. It was stationed in Syria. Many of the soldiers there would have been Syrians, not Romans.

³27:2Adramyttium was a city along the west coast of what is now Turkey, more than 100 miles (160 km) north of Ephesus. Today the city is called Edremit.

⁴27:2Asia was a Roman province in what is now western Turkey.

Contemporary English V.       When it was time for us to sail to Rome, Captain Julius from the Emperor's special troops was put in charge of Paul and the other prisoners.

We went aboard a ship from Adramyttium that was about to sail to some ports along the coast of Asia. Aristarchus from Thessalonica in Macedonia sailed on the ship with us.

The Living Bible                     Arrangements were finally made to start us on our way to Rome by ship; so Paul and several other prisoners were placed in the custody of an officer named Julius, a member of the imperial guard. We left on a boat^[a] that was scheduled to make several stops along the Turkish coast. I should add that Aristarchus, a Greek from Thessalonica, was with us.

[a] a boat, literally, “a ship of Adramyttium.” the Turkish coast, literally, “the coast of Asia.” Aristarchus, see 19:29; 20:4; Philemon 1:24.

New Berkeley Version           .

The Passion Translation        When it was decided that we were to sail for Italy, Festus handed over Paul and a number of other prisoners to the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a member of the imperial guard. 

We went on board a ship from the port of Adramyttium that was planning to stop at various ports along the coast of southwestern Turkey. We put out to sea and were accompanied by Aristarchus from Thessalonica in Macedonia.

Plain English Version             The Romans started to take Paul to Caesar, their biggest boss

Later on, Festus, the government boss over that country, reckoned it was time for Paul to go to Rome, in Italy country. So he took Paul and some other prisoners to Julius. Julius was the boss over a mob of soldiers that were called the Augustus Mob. Festus told him, “Take all these prisoners to Rome.” And they let me, Luke, go with them.

So we got on a ship that came from a town called Adramitium. It was going to sail to some of the towns along the coast of Asia country. Another one of Paul’s friends came with us too. His name was Aristarkus. A portion of v. 2 is placed with the next passage for context.

Radiant New Testament        Paul Sails for Rome

Since it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a Roman commander named Julius. He belonged to the Imperial Guard and led 100 men. We boarded a ship from Adramyttium that was about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia. When we headed out to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, came with us.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  When the Governor decided that we should sail for Italy, he put Paul and some other prisoners into the control of an army captain whose name was Julius. He held the rank of centurion and was part of a large number of soldiers who were under the direct command of the emperor.  

We boarded a ship from the city of Adramyttium in Asia. The ship was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia. In this way we went to sea. Aristarchus, from Thessalonica in Macedonia, went with us.

Williams’ New Testament      When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they turned over Paul and some other prisoners to a colonel of the imperial regiment, named Julius.

After going on board an Adramyttian ship bound for the ports of Asia, we set sail. On board with us was Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          Well, since it had been decided that we had to sail away to Italy, they handed Paul (along with some other prisoners) over to a centurion named Julius, who was [a soldier] of the Augustus Division.

So we boarded a ship along with AristArchus (a Macedonian from ThesSalonica). A portion of v. 2 is placed with the next passage for context.

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            As soon as it was decided of the "to be sailing us off to Italy" question, they were turning both Paul and some different prisoners over to a lieutenant with the name Julius of the worshipped one's regiment.

After he climbed up on board an Adramyttium boat that was going to be sailing to the places along Western Turkey, we took off, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being together with us.

Common English Bible           Paul’s voyage to Rome

When it was determined that we were to sail to Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were placed in the custody of a centurion named Julius of the Imperial Company. [Or cohort (approximately six hundred soldiers)] We boarded a ship from Adramyttium that was about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia. So we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, came with us.

Len Gane Paraphrase           After it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they handed Paul and certain other prisoner over to Julius, a centurion of the Emperor's Regiment.

Entering a ship of Adramyttium, we set sail with intention to sail near the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, Macedonian from Thessalonica was with us.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles And as it \was determined that we should set sail into Italy, they delivered Paul, and some other prisoners, to a centurions of the Augustan Band, whose name was Julius.

And going on board a ship of Adramyttis, we weighed anchor, intending to sail by the coasts of Asia; Aristarchus, a Macedonian, of Thessalonica, being with us.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       And now word was given for the voyage to Italy, Paul being handed over, with some other prisoners, to a centurion called Julius, who belonged to the Augustan cohort. We embarked on a boat from Adrumetum which was bound for the Asiatic ports, and set sail; the Macedonian, Aristarchus, from Thessalonica, was with us.

NT for Everyone                     All at sea

When it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they handed Paul over, along with some other prisoners, to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Cohort. They got into a ship from Adramyttium, which was intending to sail to various places along the coast of Asia. So off we set. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, came too.

20^th Century New Testament As it was decided that we were to sail to Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were put in charge of a Captain of the Augustan Guard, named Julius.

We went on board a ship from Adramyttium, which was on the point of sailing to the ports along the coast of Roman Asia, and put to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, went with us.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Christian Standard Bible        Sailing for Rome

When it was decided that we were to sail to Italy, they handed over Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Imperial Regiment. [Or Augustan Cohort] When we had boarded a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, intending to sail to ports along the coast of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us.

Conservapedia Translation    When it was decided that we must sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and several other prisoners to an officer named Julius, a centurion of the Imperial cohort. After boarding a ship from Adramyttium, we launched, the plan being to sail near the coasts of Asia Province. A man named Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                The Voyage to Rome.

Then, as it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul, as well as some other prisoners, to a Captain named Julius, of the Augustan regiment.

And embarking in an Adramyttium vessel, which was about to sail to some ports along the coast of Asia. Minor, we weighed anchor, taking with us Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica.

Free Bible Version                 When the time came for us to sail to Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion called Julius of the Imperial Regiment.

We boarded a ship based in Adramyttium that was headed to the coastal ports of the province of Asia, and we set sail. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, went with us.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           When it was concluded that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, an undercaptain of Cesars soldiers. And we entered into a ship of Adramicium, and loosed from land, appointed to sail by the coasts of Asia, one Aristarcus out of Macedonia, of the country of Thessalia, being with us.

Montgomery NT                     When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they proceeded to hand over Paul and a few other prisoners to the custody of Julius, a centurion of the Imperial Regiment.

We embarked in a ship of Adramyttium which was about to sail to the ports of the province of Asia, and put to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, accompanied us.

Riverside New Testament      WHEN it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they committed Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of an imperial battalion.

Going on board a ship of Adramyttium which was about to sail to the places along the coast of Asia we put to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us.

Urim-Thummim Version         And when it was determined that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' legion. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

Weymouth New Testament    Now when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they handed over Paul and a few other prisoners into the custody of Julius, a Captain of the Augustan battalion; and going on board a ship of Adramyttium which was about to sail to the ports of the province of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, the Macedonian, from Thessalonica, forming one of our party.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     Departure for Rome

• When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they handed over Paul and the other prisoners into the care of an officer of the Augustan battalion, named Julius. We board ed a ship of Adra myttium bound for the Asian coasts, and we left accompanied by Aris tarchus, a Macedonian from the city of Thessalonica.

19:29; 20:4

The footnote for the Christian Community Bible Acts 27:1 is in the Addendum.

The Heritage Bible                          And in this way it having been judged for us to set sail into Italy, they gave over Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius of the troops of Augustus.

And walking on board an Adramyttium ship about to sail to the coasts of Asia, we sailed away, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

New American Bible (2011)   Departure for Rome.

* When it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they handed Paul and some other prisoners over to a centurion named Julius of the Cohort Augusta.*

We went on board a ship from Adramyttium bound for ports in the province of Asia and set sail. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.^a

* [27:1–28:16] Here Luke has written a stirring account of adventure on the high seas, incidental to his main purpose of showing how well Paul got along with his captors and how his prophetic influence saved the lives of all on board. The recital also establishes the existence of Christian communities in Puteoli and Rome. This account of the voyage and shipwreck also constitutes the final “we-section” in Acts (see note on Acts 16:10–17).

* [27:1] Cohort Augusta: the presence of a Cohort Augusta in Syria during the first century A.D. is attested in inscriptions. Whatever the historical background to this information given by Luke may be, the name Augusta serves to increase the prominence and prestige of the prisoner Paul whose custodians bear so important a Roman name.

a. [27:2] 19:29; 20:4.

New Catholic Bible                 The Journey to Rome^[a]

Chapter 27

Paul’s Voyage toward Rome. When it was decided that we^[b] should sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to Julius, a centurion of the Augustan cohort. We embarked on a ship from Adramyttium^[c] that was about to sail to ports in the province of Asia, and we put out to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.

[a] Acts 27:1 A journey full of vicissitudes. For 15 days, the ship will drift from the coast of Crete to the island of Malta, without any planned direction because the mariners cannot rely on the stars or the sun, which supplied the only way of determining direction at that time (Acts 27:20). Paul very calmly takes control of the situation; he is used to the sea and has already experienced three shipwrecks (see 2 Cor 11:25).

Paul evidently cannot think of founding a community on Malta, since it is a mere stopover, but he does effect cures. There are three more stopovers: Syracuse, Rhegium, and Puteoli. In the last-named place Paul has the joy of finding some brothers (Acts 28:13-14). In Rome, he finds a community of Christians of whose origin we know nothing, but which has already received from him the great Letter on salvation in Jesus Christ; the members of this community go to meet Paul at a place over 30 miles from the City (at the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns, north of Terracina: Acts 28:15-16). He was, therefore, known and expected.

[b] Acts 27:1 This begins the final “we-section” in Acts (see note on Acts 16:9-15). Augustan cohort: a name identifying the Roman legion to which the centurion belonged.

[c] Acts 27:2 Adramyttium: a harbor on the west coast of the province of Asia.

Revised English Bible–1989   Paul's journey to Rome

WHEN it was decided that we should sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan Cohort.

We embarked in a ship of Adramyttium, bound for ports in the province of Asia, and put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, came with us.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           Once it had been decided that we should set sail for Italy, they handed Sha’ul and some other prisoners over to an officer of the Emperor’s Regiment named Julius. We embarked in a ship from Adramyttium which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and put out to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.

Hebraic Roots Bible               And Festus commanded that he should be sent to Italy unto Caesar. They delivered up both Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of a cohort of Augustus.

And when we were to depart, we embarked in a ship which was from the city of Adramyttium, and was going to Asia Minor. And there embarked with us in the ship, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of the city of Thessalonica.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    It was decided that we would sail for Italy. A Roman officer named Julius guarded Paul and some other prisoners. Julius served in the Emperor’s regiment. We went aboard a ship which was from the city of Adramyttium. It was ready to sail for ports along the coast of Asia. Then we set sail. Aristarchus went with us. He was a man from the city of Thessalonica in Macedonia.

The Scriptures 2009              And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Sha’ul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a captain of the Augustan regiment. 

And having embarked in a ship from Adramyttium, about to sail along the coasts of Asia, did set sail. Aristarchos, a Makedonian of Thessalonike, was with us.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...as but is judged the+ to sail us to the italy [They] gave (over) the also paul and (some) ones other prisoners [to] centurion [by] name julius [of] cohort imperial Arriving but [to] boat adramyttian intending to sail to the in the asia places [We] are led (up) being with us aristarchus macedonian thessalonian...

Awful Scroll Bible                   And as to it being resolved for us to sail-out for Italy, they were giving-over-before both Paul and some other prisoners, to one named Julius, a commander-of-a-hundred, of the detachment of Augustus.

Moreover, stepping-upon the ship of Adramyttium, we are being led-out, meaning to sail along the places of Asia, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica being with us.

exeGeses companion Bible   ON TO ROME

And when they judge us to sail to Italy,

they deliver Paulos and some other prisoners

to one named Julius

- a centurion of the venerable squad.

And embarking in a sailer of Adramyttium,

we embark, about to sail by the places of Asia;

one Aristarchus - a Macedonian - a Thessalonikee

being with us.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           And when it was decided that we set sail to Italy, they were handing over both Rav Sha'ul and some other prisoners to a centurion, Julius by name, of the Imperial Cohort.

And having embarked in an oniyah of Adramyttium about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we set sail, Aristarchus a Macedonian of Thessalonica being with us.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B                    .        § 45. Paul’s Voyage and Shipwreck.

Chapter 27.

Now <when it was determined that we should sail for Italy> they proceeded to deliver Paulˎ and certain otherʹ prisonersˎ unto a centurion by name Julius, of an Augustan band. And <going on board a ship of Adramittiumˎ about to sail unto the places along the coast of Asia> we put to sea, there being with usˎ Aristarchusˎ a Macedonian of Thessalonica;...

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                Paul Is Sent to Rome

Now when it was determined that ^[a]we (including Luke) would sail for Italy, they turned Paul and some other prisoners over to a centurion of the Augustan Regiment named Julius. And going aboard a ship from Adramyttian which was about to sail for the ports along the [west] coast [province] of Asia [Minor], we put out to sea; and Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, accompanied us.

[a] Luke apparently stayed nearby, so that he could visit and assist Paul during the two years of his imprisonment.

An Understandable Version   And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they transferred Paul and certain other prisoners to the custody of a military officer named Julius, of the Augustan battalion. We boarded a ship [originating] from Adramyttium which was ready to sail [from here in Caesarea], heading out to sea for parts of the coast of [the province of] Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, went with us.

The Expanded Bible              Paul Sails for Rome

It was decided that we would sail for Italy. An ·officer [centurion] named Julius, who served in the ·emperor’s army [Imperial/Augustan regiment; C a military unit directly under Caesar], ·guarded [took charge of] Paul and some other prisoners. We got on a ship that was from the city of Adramyttium [^C a seaport on the northwest coast of Asia Minor] and was about to sail to different ports in Asia [^C a Roman province, in present-day Turkey]. Aristarchus [19:29; 20:4; Col. 4:10; Philem. 24], a man from the city of Thessalonica [17:1] in Macedonia [16:9], went with us.

Jonathan Mitchell NT             Now as it was decided for us to be presently sailing off into Italy, they handed over Paul, besides also some different prisoners (= folks who were prisoners for reasons different than for Paul), to a centurion (Roman officer normally in charge of 100 soldiers) named Julius, who was a part of an Augustan military cohort (or: [the] Imperial regiment or squadron).

So after stepping on [board] the boat (or: ship) [on its way from the seaport] in Adramyttium [which was] presently about to continuing sailing into the places down along the [province of] Asia, we were put out [to sea] – there being with us Aristarchus, a Macedonian man from Thessalonica.

Syndein/Thieme                     {Verses 1-13 itinerary of Paul's first leg of his trip to Rome - from Caesarea to Malta}

And when he {Festus} determined {a political decision} that we should depart by ship into Italy, they took from prison and brought Paul and certain other prisoners {Paul, Luke and others} unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

{Note: This is the wrong time of the year to sail to Rome and Festus instructed them to take the most dangerous route. Apparently he did not want Paul, Paul's letter of indictment, or Julius and the other soldiers in the group to survive the trip. Determined was ' krino' which is a political decision. Boulami would have been used for a sound decision.}

And having gone aboard a ship of Adramyttium {poor ships made here - a coaster and a leaky tub}, being about to sail along the coast of Asia we put to sea . . . and one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us {the third believer and part of Paul's traveling team}

Translation for Translators              Paul and other prisoners sailed from Caesarea to Crete.

Acts 27:1-8

When the Governor and those who advised him decided that it was time for us (exc) to get on a ship and go to Italy, they put Paul and some other prisoners into the hands/care of an army captain whose name was Julius. He was the one who would guard us on the journey. Julius was an officer in charge of a group of 100 soldiers that people called ‘the Emperor Augustus Group’. So we got on a ship that had come from Adramyttium city in Asia province. The ship was going to return there, stopping at cities along the coast of Asia province. Aristarchus, a fellow believer who was from Thessalonica city in Macedonia province, went with us.

The Voice                               The date was set for us to depart for Rome, and Paul and some other prisoners were transferred to the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a member of the Augustan Division. I, Luke, was permitted to join Paul for his journey to Rome, along with Aristarchus, a Macedonian brother from Thessalonica. We boarded a ship from Adramyttium that was stopping in ports along the coast of Asia.

Bible Translations with a Lot of Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Paul and His Associates Sail for Rome

And when it was decided that we would sail away to Italy, they handed over Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named [Literally “by name”] Julius of the Augustan [The meaning and significance of the title “Augustan” is highly debated, as is the precise identification of this military unit; it may be an honorary unit designation given to auxiliary or provincial troops] Cohort.

And we went aboard a ship from Adramyttium that was about to sail to the places along the coast [*The word “coast ” is not in the Greek text but is implied] of Asia [A reference to the Roman province of Asia (modern Asia Minor)] and [*Here “and ” is supplied because the previous participle (“went aboard”) has been translated as a finite verb] put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.

NET Bible®                             Paul and Company Sail for Rome

When it was decided we¹ would sail to Italy,² they handed over Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion³ of the Augustan Cohort⁴ named Julius. We went on board⁵ a ship from Adramyttium⁶ that was about to sail to various ports⁷ along the coast of the province of Asia⁸ and put out to sea,⁹ accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian¹⁰ from Thessalonica.¹¹

^1sn The last “we” section in Acts begins here and extends to 28:16 (the previous one ended at 21:18).

^2sn Sail to Italy. This voyage with its difficulty serves to show how God protected Paul on his long journey to Rome. From the perspective of someone in Palestine, this may well picture “the end of the earth” quite literally (cf. Acts 1:8).

^3sn See the note on the word centurion in 10:1.

^4tn According to BDAG 917 s.v. σεβαστός, “In σπερα Σεβαστή 27:1 (cp. OGI 421) Σεβαστή is likew. an exact transl. of Lat. Augusta, an honorary title freq. given to auxiliary troops (Ptolem. renders it Σεβαστή in connection w. three legions that bore it: 2, 3, 30; 2, 9, 18; 4, 3, 30) imperial cohort.” According to W. Foerster (TDNT 7:175), “In Ac. 27:1 the σπερα Σεβαστή is an expression also found elsewhere for ‘auxiliary troops.’” In no case would this refer to a special imperial bodyguard, and to translate “imperial regiment” or “imperial cohort” might give this impression. There is some archaeological evidence for a Cohors Augusta I stationed in Syria during the time of Augustus, but whether this is the same unit is very debatable.

^sn The Augustan Cohort. A cohort was a Roman military unit of about 600 soldiers, one-tenth of a legion. There is considerable debate over the identification of this particular cohort and the meaning of the title Augustan mentioned here. These may well have been auxiliary (provincial) troops given the honorary title.

^5tn Grk “Going on board.” The participle ἐπιβάντες (epibantes) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.

^6sn Adramyttium was a seaport in Mysia on the western coast of Asia Minor.

^7tn Grk “places.”

^8tn Grk “Asia”; in the NT this always refers to the Roman province of Asia, made up of about one-third of the west and southwest end of modern Asia Minor. Asia lay to the west of the region of Phrygia and Galatia. The words “the province of” are supplied to indicate to the modern reader that this does not refer to the continent of Asia.

^9tn BDAG 62 s.v. ἀνάγω 4 states, “as a nautical t.t. (ἀ. τὴν να ν put a ship to sea), mid. or pass. ἀνάγεσθαι to begin to go by boat, put out to sea.”

^sn Although not explicitly stated, the ship put out to sea from the port of Caesarea (where the previous events had taken place (cf. 25:13) and then sailed along the Asiatic coast (the first stop was Sidon, v. 3).

^10sn A Macedonian. The city of Thessalonica (modern Salonica) was in the Roman province of Macedonia in Greece.

^11map For location see JP1-C1; JP2-C1; JP3-C1; JP4-C1.

The Spoken English NT         Paul Sails for Rome
Finally^a the decision was made for us to sail to Italy. Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a Roman officer of the Imperial Regiment^b named Julius.

We boarded a ship from Adramyttium^c that was about to sail for places in Asia. We set sail, and Aristarchus^d the Macedonian^e from Thessalonica^f was with us.

a.Lit. “When.”

b.Lit. “to a centurion of the Augustian cohort.”

c.Prn. add-ra-mitt-ee-um.

d.Prn. er-i-stark-us.

e.Prn. mass-a-doe-nee-an.

f.Prn. thess-a-lo-nye-ka.

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Paul sent to Rome
Now when it was decided that we¹ should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the imperial cohort.

So we embarked in a ship of Atramytium, being about to sail to points along the Asian coast, and we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us.

(1) I take it that Luke has been around all the time.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

Analytical-Literal Translation  Now when it was decided [for] us to set sail for Italy, they were handing over both Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion by name Julius, of the garrison [of soldiers] of His Majesty the Emperor [or, of the Imperial Regiment].

So having boarded an Adramyttium ship about to be sailing to the places [or, ports] along [the coast of] Asia, we set sail, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Now, when it was decided [as a consequence of the legal process] that we would be sent by ship to Italy, they delivered both Paul and certain other of a different kind of prisoners [guilty, not Christian, non-Jewish] to a centurion named Julius, belonging to the Augustan cohort [600-man military delegation].

And after boarding a ship from the seaport of Adramyttium which was about to sail to destinations along the coast of Asia, we set sail, there being with us Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica .

Green’s Literal Translation    And when it was decided for us to sail to Italy, they delivered up both Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of a cohort of Augustus.

And boarding a ship of Adramyttium which was about to sail alongside Asian places, we set sail, Aristarchus a Macedonian of Thessalonica being with us.

Modern Literal Version 2020  {Aug. 21 - Nov. 1, 61 AD. Mediterranean Sea. The voyage to Rome.}

Now as it was decided for us to sail toward Italy, and they were giving to a centurion, Julius by name, of the Emperor’s cohort, Paul and some other prisoners.

Now having stepped onto it, in an Adramyttium ship, which is about to sail throughout the places along Asia, we did set-sail, also being together-with us was Aristarchus, a Macedonian, a Thessalonian.

New European Version          .

New Matthew Bible                When it was concluded that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of Caesar’s soldiers. And we entered into a ship of Adramyttium and put out from land, appointed to sail by the coasts of Asia. One Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.

Niobi Study Bible                   Paul's Voyage to Rome (Begins)

And when it was determined that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

And entering into a ship from Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia, one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

Revised Geneva Translation  Now when it was decided that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a Centurion from the band of Augustus named Julius.

And we boarded a ship of Adramyttium, intending to sail along the coasts of Asia, and launched forth, and had Aristarchus of Macedonia (a Thessalonian) with us.

The gist of this passage:     Next, Paul is being taken to Rome by ship. Paul and other prisoners were given over to a centurion named Julius.

1-2

Translation: When it was determined for us to set sail to Italy,...

A number of things had to come together at the same time. I would guess a messenger would have first gone to Rome and explained who and what was coming. Security for this trip had to be arranged. Transportation had to be arranged and paid for.

There is something else which may be at play here. Festus does not want Paul to end up in Rome. This could mean the end of his governorship. He really screwed this up. This leads me to ask the question, was he intentionally sending this ship out during a period of time when storms were common? Just how ship-shape was this boat they are all on?

People throughout the book of Acts have agendas and we are not always informed of what these agendas are (you will recall discussing this with regards to Agrippa in the previous chapter).

Who made this decision? Logically, it was Festus. Festus knows what a jackpot he has stepped into, and he only has himself to blame. Does it make sense that he would want to somehow change things? Would it be better for him if Paul never arrived? There is no doubt about that.

Translation: ...Paul and certain other prisoners were delivered to a centurion...

There were several prisoners going to Rome, although we have no idea why. Had they appealed as well? Were they determined to be the enemies of Rome?

Could there have been a number of prisoners with problematic cases left behind my Felix? Given that he wanted a bribe from Paul, yes, it would seem very likely. Have all these men appealed to Cæsar? We don’t know that, but why else are they all going to Rome?

Translation: ...[whose] name [was] Julius [and he was] of the Augustan regiment.

The centurion in charge was named Julius and he belonged to the Augustan regiment.

Cambridge Greek Testament: In the time of Octavianus Augustus there were some legions to which the title Σεβαστός = Augustus was given, as being specially the Imperial troops, and that perhaps among the soldiers in Cæsarea there was a detachment of these legions. But as Cæsarea was itself called ‘Sebaste’ it seems more likely that the soldiers were Samaritan troops belonging to Cæsarea itself. And Josephus (Wars, II. 12. 5) makes mention of troops which had their name, Sebasteni, from this city Cæsarea Sebaste.

Acts 27:1 When it was determined for us to set sail to Italy, Paul and certain other prisoners were delivered to a centurion [whose] name [was] Julius [and he was] of the Augustan regiment. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Translation: Having set foot in the ship of Adramyttium,...

According to R. B. Thieme, Jr., the ships from Adramyttium had a reputation of being poorly built. Such ships were designed to remain near to the coast, in case or problems, and to have some protection of bad weather.

Storms out on the seas can be extremely dangerous, as they have nothing to stop them from moving along and gathering up force. However, once a storm makes landfall, it begins to weaken and to be scattered because of the topography that it hits. The greater the land, the more dramatic the storm can be reduced in size and power.

Translation: ...[and] being about to set sail to [various] ports along Asia Minor, we departed.

This is how the ship would sail. It was to go from port to port, staying as close to the shore as possible. These kinds of ships required that kind of care.

I have suggested that Festus may have had the intention of keeping Paul from reaching Rome. Every time they stop at a port, there is the chance for escape. Was this part of his plan?

Translation: Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us.

Although there are several men in the New Testament with this name, this appears to be the only time that this man is named. It is very likely that this man was of some help to Paul—enough to where he is actually named in the Scriptures.

Acts 27:2 Having set foot in the ship of Adramyttium, [and] being about to set sail to [various] ports along Asia Minor, we departed. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Acts 27:1–2 When it was determined for us to set sail to Italy, Paul and certain other prisoners were delivered to a centurion [whose] name [was] Julius [and he was] of the Augustan regiment. Having set foot in the ship of Adramyttium, [and] being about to set sail to [various] ports along Asia Minor, we departed. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. (Kukis mostly literal translation)

Acts 27:1–2 When it was finally set for us to set sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were delivered over to a centurion named Julius. He belonged to the Augustan regiment. We boarded the ship of Adramyttium and were about to set sail to the various ports along the coast of Asia Minor. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us when we departed. (Kukis paraphrase)

——————————

Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    And the other [of a different kind] brought [the vessel] into Sidon; and [also] humanly the Julius to the Paulos was acting. He permitted face to face with the friends/associates departing, attention to secure.

Complete Apostles Bible        And the next day we put in to harbor at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly, and permitted him to go to his friends to find care.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) And the day following, we came to Sidon. And Julius, treating Paul courteously, permitted him to go to his friends and to take care of himself.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        And the next day, we came unto Tsaydan {Sidon}. And the Qentruna {the Centurion/the Captain of a hundred} treated Paulus {Paul} with mercy, and permitted that he could go unto his friends and be refreshed.

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And the next day, we arrived at Zidon. And the centurion treated Paul with kindness, and permitted him to visit his friends and be refreshed.

Original Aramaic NT              The next day we came to Sidon and the Centurion treated Paulus with compassion and allowed him to go to his friends and be refreshed.

Significant differences: 

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             And on the day after, we came to Sidon; and Julius was kind to Paul, and let him go to see his friends and take a rest.

Bible in Worldwide English     The next day we stopped at the city of Sidon. Julius was kind to Paul. He allowed him to go to see his friends so they could care for him.

Easy English                          The next day after we left Caesarea, we arrived at Sidon. Julius was kind to Paul. He said, ‘Paul, you can go and visit your friends here. They can give you anything that you need.’

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  The next day we came to the city of Sidon. Julius was very good to Paul and gave him freedom to go visit his friends there, who gave him whatever he needed.

God’s Word™                         The next day we arrived at the city of Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed him to visit his friends and receive any care he needed.

Good News Bible (TEV)         The next day we arrived at Sidon. Julius was kind to Paul and allowed him to go and see his friends, to be given what he needed.

J. B. Phillips                           On the following day we put in at Sidon, where Julius treated Paul most considerately by allowing him to visit his friends and accept their hospitality.

The Message                          The next day we put in at Sidon. Julius treated Paul most decently—let him get off the ship and enjoy the hospitality of his friends there.

NIRV                                       The next day we landed at Sidon. There Julius was kind to Paul. He let Paul visit his friends so they could give him what he needed.

New Life Version                    The next day we stopped in the city of Sidon. Julius was kind to Paul. He let him visit friends who cared for him.

New Simplified Bible              The next day we landed at Sidon. Julius treated Paul in a kind way and gave him liberty to go to his friends to refresh himself..

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              We left and then arrived the next day in the port at the city of Sidon. Julius was kind to Paul. He let Paul stay with friends Paul had there in Sidon. [5] Those friends took good care of Paul while he was with them.

⁵27:3Sidon was about 75 miles (120 km) north of Caesarea.

Contemporary English V.       The next day we came to shore at Sidon. Captain Julius was very kind to Paul. He even let him visit his friends, so they could give him whatever he needed.

The Living Bible                     The next day when we docked at Sidon, Julius was very kind to Paul and let him go ashore to visit with friends and receive their hospitality.

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           The next day when we docked at Sidon, Julius was very kind to Paul and let him go ashore to visit with friends so they could provide for his needs.

The Passion Translation        The next day we docked at Sidon, and Julius, being considerate of Paul, allowed him to disembark and be refreshed by his friends living there.

Plain English Version             We all started sailing on that ship, and 3the next day, we stopped at the town called Sidon. Julius was good to Paul, and he let him go and see his friends there, so they could give him anything he needed. Then Paul came back to the ship. A portion of v. 2 is included for context.

Radiant New Testament        The next day we landed at Sidon. There Julius kindly let Paul visit his friends so they could give him things he needed.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  The next day we arrived at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him permission to go see his friends, who would care for him.

William's New Testament       The next day we landed at Sidon, and Julius kindly permitted Paul to visit his friends and enjoy their attentions.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          Now, the ship had come from AdraMyttium, and it was sailing to places along the coast of the [province of] Asia. So the next day, when we landed at Sidon, Julius treated Paul very kindly by allowing him to visit friends that cared for his needs.

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            And on the different day, we landed at Sidon. And when Julius behaved benevolently to Paul, he gave him permission to obtain care after traveling to his friends.

Len Gane Paraphrase           The next day we landed at Sidon. Julius treated Paul humanely and gave him freedom to go to his friends so he could have what he needed.

20^th Century New Testament The next day we put in to Sidon, where Julius treated Paul in a friendly manner, and allowed him to go to see his friends and receive their hospitality.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  We accordingly arrived at Sidon upon the following day, when Julius, treating Paul with much consideration, granted him permission to visit his friends to enjoy their attentions.

Free Bible Version                 The next day we had a brief stop at Sidon, and Julius was kind enough to let Paul go ashore and visit his friends so they could provide what he needed.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           And the next day we came to Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends, and to refresh himself.

Montgomery NT                     The next day we touched at Sidon. There Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him leave to visit his friends and refresh himself.

Riverside New Testament      On the next day we reached Sidon, where Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed him to go to see his friends and enjoy their attentions.

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      And going on board of a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places in Asia, we set sail, Aristarchus a Macedonian of Thessalonica being with us; and on the next day we came to Sidon, and Julius treating Paul with humanity allowed him to go to his friends, and receive attention. V. 2 is included for context.

Weymouth New Testament    The next day we put in at Sidon. There Julius treated Paul with thoughtful kindness and allowed him to visit his friends and profit by their generous care.

Worsley’s New Testament    And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius treating Paul with great humanity, permitted him to go to his friends to get proper supplies.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

The Heritage Bible                 And the following day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly, and allowed him to go to his friends to attain attentiveness.

New American Bible (2011)   On the next day, we landed at Sidon,^[d] and Julius was considerate enough to allow Paul to visit his friends there and be cared for by them.

[d] Sidon: a city 70 miles north of Caesarea.

New Jerusalem Bible             Next day we put in at Sidon, and Julius was considerate enough to allow Paul to go to his friends to be looked after.

Revised English Bible–1989   Next day we landed at Sidon, and Julius very considerately allowed Paul to go to his friends to be cared for.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           The next day, we landed at Tzidon; and Julius considerately allowed Sha’ul to go visit his friends and receive what he needed.

Hebraic Roots Bible               And on the next day we landed at Sidon. And treating Paul kindly, Julius allowed him to go to his friends to receive care.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    The next day we came to the city of Sidon. Julius was very kind to Paul. He gave Paul freedom to go visit Paulfriends who took care of his needs.

The Scriptures 2009              And on the next day we landed at Tsion. And Julius treated Sha’ul kindly and allowed him to go to his friends to receive attention.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...[on] the also another [one] [We] are led to sidon humanely also The Julius the paul Treating allows to the [men] liked [him] going care to obtain...

Alpha & Omega Bible            THE NEXT DAY WE PUT IN AT SIDON; AND JULIUS TREATED PAULOS (Paul) WITH CONSIDERATION AND ALLOWED HIM TO GO TO HIS FRIENDS AND RECEIVE CARE.

Awful Scroll Bible                   So on the next day, we are being led-along-down to Sidon. Julius mankind-lovingly handling Paul, gives-turn-upon him, proceeding with regards to his friends, to attain care-over.

Concordant Literal Version    Now, on another day, we were led down to Sidon. Besides, Julius, using Paul humanely, permits him to go to friends for casual care."

exeGeses companion Bible   And on another we moor in Sidon.

And Julius supplies philantrophy to Paulos

and allows him to go to his friends to obtain their care.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           The next day, we put in at a harbor in Tzidon; and Julius treated Rav Sha'ul with kindness, permitting him to be cared for by his chaverim.

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, treating Paul with [thoughtful] consideration, allowed him to go to his friends there and be cared for and refreshed.

An Understandable Version   The next day we stopped at Sidon [i.e., a seaport on the northwest coast of Palestine]. Julius treated Paul with kindness, [even] giving him the opportunity to meet his friends [there] and receive help [from them].

The Expanded Bible              The next day we ·came to [landed at] Sidon [12:20]. Julius was very ·good [kind; considerate] to Paul and gave him freedom to go visit his friends, who took care of his needs.

Jonathan Mitchell NT             After this, on a different [day], we were put in at (or: led down [from the high sea] into) Sidon. With this, Julius, dealing kindly and being helpful and humane to Paul, permitted [him] to obtain and enjoy casual care and attention which hit the spot after [his] going on his way [to visit] the friends (= either personal acquaintances who had affection for him, or, fellow believers who were referred to in this way).

Syndein/Thieme                     And the next day we touched at Sidon {1 day - 70 miles}. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, having permitted him to go face to face with his friends and there to receive refreshment {not only food and drink but fellowship to strengthen Paul}.

{Note: Julius was picked by Festus to get rid of him yet he was a great pick for Paul. This man recognized Paul's integrity and put him on his honor to have liberty and return.}.

Translation for Translators     The day after the ship sailed, we arrived at Sidon city. Julius kindly told Paul that he could go and see his friends who lived there, so that they could give him whatever he might need. So Paul visited the believers there.

The Voice                               We stopped the next day at Sidon, and Julius kindly allowed Paul to visit friends and be taken care of by them.

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         And on the next day , we put in at Sidon. And Julius, treating Paul kindly, allowed him [*Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation] to go to his [*Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun] friends to be cared for. [Literally “to experience care”]

NET Bible®                             The next day we put in¹² at Sidon,¹³ and Julius, treating Paul kindly,¹⁴ allowed him to go to his friends so they could provide him with what he needed.¹⁵

^12tn BDAG 516 s.v. κατάγω states, “Hence the pass., in act. sense, of ships and seafarers put in εἴς τι at a harbor…εἰς Σιδνα Ac 27:3.”

^13sn Sidon is another seaport 75 mi (120 km) north of Caesarea.

^map For location see Map1-A1; JP3-F3; JP4-F3.

^14tn BDAG 1056 s.v. φιλανθρπως states, “benevolently, kindly φιλανθρπως χρσθαί (τινι) treat someone in kindly fashion…Ac 27:3.”

^sn Treating Paul kindly. Paul’s treatment followed the pattern of the earlier imprisonment (cf. Acts 24:23).

^15tn Grk “to go to his friends to be cared for.” The scene is an indication of Christian hospitality.

The Spoken English NT         The next day we landed at Sidon.^g Julius was kind to Paul, and let him visit his friends so they could take care of him.

^g.Prn. sye-din.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly, allowing him to go to his friends to refresh himself.

Analytical-Literal Translation  And the next [day] we docked at Sidon, and Julius having treated Paul considerately, permitted [him], having gone to his friends, to receive care.

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       And on the next day, we landed in Sidon, and Julius [the centurion], treating Paul kindly, permitted him to be taken face-to-face to friends for the purpose of obtaining care and attention .

Bond Slave Version               And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go to his friends to refresh himself.

Charles Thomson NT             And on the next day we touched at Sidon, where Julius, who treated Paul with great humanity, suffered him to go to his friends and enjoy the benefit of their care.

Context Group Version          And the next day we touched at Sidon: and Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him leave to go to his confidants and refresh himself.

Far Above All Translation       On the next day we put in at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul in a kindly way, and permitted him to go to his friends to receive their care.

Literal Standard Version        And when our sailing to Italy was determined, they were delivering up both Paul and certain others, prisoners, to a centurion, by name Julius, of the band of Sebastus,

and having embarked in a ship of Adramyttium, we, being about to sail by the coasts of Asia, set sail, there being with us Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica,

on the next [day] also we touched at Sidon, and Julius, courteously treating Paul, permitted [him], having gone on to friends, to receive [their] care. Vv. 1–2 are included for context.

Modern Literal Version 2020  And we brought* the ship into Sidon in another day and Julius treated Paul humanely and permitted* him to obtain care, traveling to his friends.

New European Version          .

New Matthew Bible                And the next day we came to Sidon. And Julius treated Paul graciously, and gave him liberty to go to his friends and to refresh himself.

Revised Geneva Translation  And the next day we arrived at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends, so that they might refresh him.

Webster’s Translation           And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously treated Paul, and gave him liberty to go to his friends to refresh himself.

The gist of this passage:     Julius gave Paul great freedom where they stopped and allowed him to visit friends there in Sidon.

Translation: Another [man] brought [the ship] into Sidon.

Although we have been given the names of several people on this ship, one of them not named or mentioned yet is the captain of the ship. He is the other man who docks the ship at Sidon.