Acts 27:9
Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
Original Language Analysis
Ἱκανοῦ
when much
G2425
Ἱκανοῦ
when much
Strong's:
G2425
Word #:
1 of 20
competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)
χρόνου
time
G5550
χρόνου
time
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
3 of 20
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
because
G1223
διὰ
because
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νηστείαν
the fast
G3521
νηστείαν
the fast
Strong's:
G3521
Word #:
15 of 20
abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary and religious); specially, the fast of the day of atonement
παρεληλυθέναι
past
G3928
παρεληλυθέναι
past
Strong's:
G3928
Word #:
17 of 20
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert
παρῄνει
admonished
G3867
παρῄνει
admonished
Strong's:
G3867
Word #:
18 of 20
to mispraise, i.e., recommend or advise (a different course)
Historical Context
This occurred around late September/early October AD 59 during Paul's voyage to Rome as a prisoner. Ancient sailors avoided Mediterranean travel after the Day of Atonement until spring due to violent autumn and winter storms. The grain ship was traveling from Myra (in Lycia) toward Italy, carrying Paul and other prisoners under centurion Julius.
Questions for Reflection
- When has God given you spiritual discernment that contradicted conventional wisdom or expert opinion?
- How do you respond when God's warning through his servants conflicts with practical or economic considerations?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When much time was spent and sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past—The 'fast' (νηστεία, nesteia) refers to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), occurring in late September/early October. Ancient Mediterranean navigation ceased from mid-September to mid-March due to seasonal storms and poor visibility. Luke's nautical precision shows the journey's peril began with poor timing. Paul admonished them (παρῄνει, parēnei)—a strong verb meaning 'warned earnestly.' Though a prisoner, Paul's spiritual discernment and previous shipwreck experiences (2 Cor 11:25) gave him prophetic authority the centurion would later regret ignoring.