From the shelter of Crete to Fair Havens

“There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy, and he put us aboard it.” (1) The centurion found a ship bound for Italy at the port of Myra. This was a large ship based in Alexandria. Alexandria was the capital of Egypt. (2) This ship was a large grain-carrying vessel (v 38). The typical size of a large ship at that time was approximately 177 ft (54 m) in length, 49 ft (15 m) in width, and 43 ft (13 m) in height. Egypt was the largest exporter of grain to the Roman world. During that period, large Egyptian ships frequently sailed along the coasts of Israel, Syria, and Asia Minor. (3) This ship carried at least 276 people (v 37). At that time, there were no passenger ships, so travelers journeyed on cargo ships. (4) The centurion put Paul and the other prisoners on board this ship. With this, their journey toward Italy was set. “When we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone; and with difficulty sailing past it, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.” (1) This ship was hindered by northwesterly winds. For several days, its progress was slow. (2) It says that they “arrived off Cnidus.” Cnidus was a maritime region located at the southwestern edge of the province of Asia, marking the boundary between the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. It was about 106 miles (170 km) south of Ephesus. (3) They “sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone.” Since northwesterly winds were blowing, the ship navigated along the eastern and southern sides of Crete, which lay to the southwest. (4) “With difficulty sailing past it, we came to a place called Fair Havens.” This port was likely the modern-day Limenas Kalous. Near this location was the town of Lasea.

Comparing Jesus and Paul

Let us study the contrast between Jesus and Paul. (1) The points of emphasis in the Gospel of Luke are as follows: (a) Jesus’ journey toward Jerusalem. (b) The final week in Jerusalem. (c) Through this, the impact of Jesus’ death and resurrection is emphasized. (2) The points of emphasis in Paul’s journey are as follows: (a) Paul’s journey toward Rome. (b) Overcoming numerous hardships and the stormy sea to reach Rome. (c) Through this, the impact of Gentile evangelism in Rome is emphasized. From the above comparison, let us learn two truths: (1) God’s promises will surely be fulfilled. (2) For that to happen, human effort and perseverance are necessary.