Acts 27:1
And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.
Original Language Analysis
Ὡς
when
G5613
Ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 22
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρεδίδουν
they delivered
G3860
παρεδίδουν
they delivered
Strong's:
G3860
Word #:
10 of 22
to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit
τόν
G3588
τόν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλον
Paul
G3972
Παῦλον
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
13 of 22
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
καί
and
G2532
καί
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὀνόματι
unto one named
G3686
ὀνόματι
unto one named
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
19 of 22
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Cross References
Acts 25:25But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.Acts 25:12Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.Acts 10:1There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,Acts 27:11Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.Acts 18:2And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
Historical Context
This voyage began around AD 59 from Caesarea after Paul's two-year imprisonment (Acts 24:27). The "Augustan cohort" may have been an auxiliary unit tasked with official communications and prisoner transport. Sea travel dominated Mediterranean commerce and military movement. Autumn sailing (this departed late in the season, v. 9) was notoriously dangerous—ancient ships lacked compasses, relied on coastal navigation, and feared winter storms.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's arrival in Rome as a prisoner rather than a free missionary challenge your expectations of how God answers prayers?
- What does God's use of Roman imperial structures to advance the gospel teach about His sovereignty over earthly powers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When it was determined that we should sail into Italy—Luke's "we" marks his personal presence on Paul's journey to Rome. The Greek ekrithē (ἐκρίθη, "it was determined") indicates official Roman decision, yet reveals divine sovereignty directing Paul's long-anticipated Roman ministry. They delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. The title speira Sebastē (σπείρα Σεβαστή, "Augustan cohort") was an elite imperial unit. Julius's later kindness to Paul (vv. 3, 43) suggests God providentially placed a sympathetic officer in charge.
Paul's prisoner status fulfilled Christ's prophecy: "thou must bear witness also at Rome" (Acts 23:11). What appeared to be defeat—chains, trial, custody—actually advanced gospel purposes. Reformed theology emphasizes God's sovereignty over human affairs: Roman imperial machinery unknowingly served divine ends, transporting the gospel's greatest missionary to empire's heart at state expense. Paul's arrival in Rome would fulfill his long-cherished desire (Romans 1:10-15, 15:22-29), though not as envisioned.