Acts 27:4
And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
Original Language Analysis
ἀναχθέντες
when we had launched
G321
ἀναχθέντες
when we had launched
Strong's:
G321
Word #:
2 of 11
to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
6 of 11
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Cyprus lay roughly 60 miles off the Phoenician coast. Ships typically sailed Cyprus's south side with favorable summer winds. Late-season departure (this was approaching winter, v. 9) meant unpredictable weather. The westerly Mediterranean winds (Etesian winds) blow May-September; their continuation into autumn indicated dangerous conditions ahead. Ancient navigation lacked instruments—sailors read stars, coastlines, and wind patterns.
Questions for Reflection
- How do "contrary winds" in your life potentially serve God's larger purposes even while frustrating immediate plans?
- What does the sailors' adaptation to adverse conditions teach about faithful persistence amid obstacles?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
When we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. The phrase hypepelausamen (ὑπεπλεύσαμεν, "sailed under") means navigating Cyprus's leeward (east/south) side for protection from prevailing westerly winds. The winds were contrary (tous anemous enanious, τοὺς ἀνέμους ἐναντίους)—literally "opposing winds"—forced the longer, sheltered route rather than direct westward course. Ancient ships with square-rigged sails couldn't sail into wind, requiring favorable conditions or coastal tacking.
This detail introduces the chapter's dominant theme: creation's forces obeying and opposing divine purposes. The "contrary winds" foreshadow the coming storm yet ultimately serve God's plan—the shipwreck at Malta enables ministry there (Acts 28:1-10). Reformed theology sees providence in natural events: wind, waves, and weather aren't impersonal forces but instruments of God's will, both testing faith and accomplishing purposes. Paul's earlier vision assured Roman arrival (Acts 23:11); these obstacles couldn't thwart God's decree.