And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;
When we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us—the Greek bradyplountes (βραδυπλοοῦντες, "sailing slowly") and molis genomenoi (μόλις γενόμενοι, "with difficulty arriving") emphasize laborious progress. The phrase the wind not suffering us (mē prosiōntos hēmas tou anemou, μὴ προσιόντος ἡμᾶς τοῦ ἀνέμου, literally "the wind not permitting us") shows nature's resistance. Unable to sail directly west to Italy, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone—taking Crete's leeward (south) side for wind protection.
The cumulative obstacles—contrary winds (v. 4), slow progress, forced detours—build narrative tension while demonstrating creation's role in God's purposes. These weren't random meteorological events but providential delays positioning the ship for the coming crisis where Paul's witness would shine. The detailed sailing log proves Luke's eyewitness presence and provides historical verification. Theologically, the passage illustrates that God's assured promises (Paul will reach Rome, v. 24) don't eliminate difficulties but guarantee ultimate outcomes despite obstacles.
Historical Context
Cnidus was a prominent cape on Asia Minor's southwest tip, about 130 miles from Myra. Ancient ships attempting Italy from the east aimed for Cnidus, then sailed directly west. Contrary winds forced southward detour to Crete, adding hundreds of miles. Salmone was Crete's eastern cape. The ship's struggle here occurred in late September or early October (before the Day of Atonement, v. 9), when Mediterranean sailing became increasingly dangerous. Ancient mariners feared autumn's unpredictable storms.
Questions for Reflection
How do delays and difficulties in reaching God's promised destinations test faith's endurance?
What does the 'wind not suffering us' teach about creation's role as both obstacle and instrument in divine plans?
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Analysis & Commentary
When we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us—the Greek bradyplountes (βραδυπλοοῦντες, "sailing slowly") and molis genomenoi (μόλις γενόμενοι, "with difficulty arriving") emphasize laborious progress. The phrase the wind not suffering us (mē prosiōntos hēmas tou anemou, μὴ προσιόντος ἡμᾶς τοῦ ἀνέμου, literally "the wind not permitting us") shows nature's resistance. Unable to sail directly west to Italy, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone—taking Crete's leeward (south) side for wind protection.
The cumulative obstacles—contrary winds (v. 4), slow progress, forced detours—build narrative tension while demonstrating creation's role in God's purposes. These weren't random meteorological events but providential delays positioning the ship for the coming crisis where Paul's witness would shine. The detailed sailing log proves Luke's eyewitness presence and provides historical verification. Theologically, the passage illustrates that God's assured promises (Paul will reach Rome, v. 24) don't eliminate difficulties but guarantee ultimate outcomes despite obstacles.