Acts 27:3
And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
at
G1519
εἰς
at
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
φιλανθρώπως
courteously
G5364
φιλανθρώπως
courteously
Strong's:
G5364
Word #:
7 of 19
fondly to man ("philanthropically"), i.e., humanely
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παύλῳ
Paul
G3972
Παύλῳ
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
12 of 19
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
χρησάμενος
entreated
G5530
χρησάμενος
entreated
Strong's:
G5530
Word #:
13 of 19
to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow
ἐπέτρεψεν
and gave him liberty
G2010
ἐπέτρεψεν
and gave him liberty
Strong's:
G2010
Word #:
14 of 19
to turn over (transfer), i.e., allow
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
15 of 19
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
φίλους
friends
G5384
φίλους
friends
Strong's:
G5384
Word #:
16 of 19
actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)
πορευθέντα
to go
G4198
πορευθέντα
to go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
17 of 19
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
ἐπιμελείας
G1958
Cross References
Acts 24:23And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.Acts 28:16And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.Acts 27:43But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
Historical Context
Sidon (modern Saida, Lebanon) was an ancient Phoenician city, 25 miles north of Tyre. A Christian community existed there from early post-Pentecost expansion (Acts 11:19). Jesus had ministered in Tyre and Sidon's region (Mark 7:24-31). The city's harbor made it a natural first stop on northbound coastal routes. Roman centurions had considerable discretion over prisoners, especially those not yet convicted.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Paul's character and testimony earn a pagan centurion's extraordinary trust?
- What does the Sidon church's readiness to receive and refresh Paul teach about practical Christian hospitality?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. The centurion's kindness (philanthrōpōs, φιλανθρώπως, "humanely, courteously") shows Paul's earned respect despite prisoner status. Epetrepsen (ἐπέτρεψεν, "gave liberty") means officially permitted—risky generosity trusting Paul's honor. To go unto his friends (τοὺς φίλους) indicates established Christian community in Sidon, 70 miles north of Caesarea. To refresh himself (epimeleias tychein, ἐπιμελείας τυχεῖν, "to receive care") suggests practical provisions—food, clothing, encouragement—for the arduous journey ahead.
This scene illustrates gospel's social impact: Paul, though prisoner, commanded such dignity that a Roman officer trusted him unsupervised. Christian hospitality networks spanned the empire, providing mutual aid. The brief Sidon stopover prefigures Romans 15:24's vision of church-supported mission. Paul's freedom to fellowship demonstrates that even in chains, believers maintain spiritual liberty (Philippians 1:12-14).