Acts 27:6
And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 14
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 #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐνεβίβασεν
and he put
G1688
ἐνεβίβασεν
and he put
Strong's:
G1688
Word #:
11 of 14
to place on, i.e., transfer (aboard a vessel)
Historical Context
Alexandria, Egypt's greatest city (founded 331 BC by Alexander), was the empire's second city after Rome. Its port shipped grain via massive vessels—some 180 feet long, capable of carrying 1,000 tons. These ships navigated by coastline and stars, vulnerable to weather. The grain fleet's annual schedule was crucial—delayed shipments meant Roman hunger and political instability. Autumn voyages risked disaster but economic pressure drove captains to attempt late-season crossings.
Questions for Reflection
- How do seemingly ordinary decisions (boarding one ship versus another) operate within God's sovereign purposes?
- What does the grain ship's vital role feeding Rome teach about God using secular economic systems for His purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. Alexandrian grain ships were the empire's largest vessels, vital for feeding Rome's million inhabitants. Egypt provided one-third of Rome's grain supply, transported in fleets of massive ships (this vessel carried 276 people plus cargo, v. 37). The Greek heuron (εὗρον, "found") suggests providential availability rather than guaranteed connection—Julius located suitable transport. He put us therein (enebibesen, ἐνεβίβασεν) indicates official transfer of prisoners and escort.
This ship change proves significant: the larger Alexandrian vessel could attempt direct Italy crossing but proved vulnerable to autumn storms. God's sovereignty appears in seemingly mundane details—which ship, which captain, which route. The vessel's size and passenger count set the stage for Paul's dramatic testimony during crisis (vv. 21-26, 33-36). Reformed theology recognizes that casual decisions (boarding this ship rather than another) operate within God's comprehensive plan, arranging circumstances to accomplish redemptive purposes.