Acts 28:11
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
Original Language Analysis
Μετὰ
after
G3326
Μετὰ
after
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
ἀνήχθημεν
we departed
G321
ἀνήχθημεν
we departed
Strong's:
G321
Word #:
5 of 14
to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away
παρακεχειμακότι
which had wintered
G3914
παρακεχειμακότι
which had wintered
Strong's:
G3914
Word #:
8 of 14
to winter near, i.e., stay with over the rainy season
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Ancient ships displayed carved figureheads (parasēmois) representing protective deities. Castor and Pollux (Greek Dioskouroi, 'sons of Zeus') were especially popular among sailors, believed to appear as St. Elmo's fire during storms. Alexandria's grain fleet was Rome's economic lifeline, with massive vessels carrying Egyptian wheat to feed the empire's capital.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain Christian witness while navigating secular cultural symbols?
- Where do you see God's providence working through ordinary, even pagan, circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
After three months we departed—winter storms (November-February) prevented navigation, requiring this extended stay. In a ship of Alexandria—another grain vessel from Egypt's port, part of Rome's grain fleet. Which had wintered in the isle (παρακεχειμακότι)—the perfect participle indicating it spent the entire winter harbored safely. Whose sign was Castor and Pollux (παρασήμῳ Διοσκούροις)—the ship's figurehead depicted these twin gods, patron deities of sailors in Greco-Roman mythology. Luke matter-of-factly records this detail without endorsing paganism, showing how Christians navigate pagan culture. Ironically, Paul travels under 'protection' of false gods while the true God orchestrates every detail to bring him safely to Rome for gospel proclamation.