Acts 27:3

next day we touched at Sidon--To reach this ancient and celebrated Mediterranean port, about seventy miles north from CÃ&brvbrsarea, in one day, they must have had a fair wind. Julius courteously--(See on Act 27:1). gave him liberty to go to his friends--no doubt disciples, gained, it would seem, by degrees, all along the PhÅ“nician coast since the first preaching there (see on Act 11:19 and Act 21:4). to refresh himself--which after his long confinement would not be unnecessary. Such small personal details are in this case extremely interesting.

This whole chapter is taken up with an account of Paul's voyage towards Rome, when he was sent thither a prisoner by Festus the governor, upon his appeal to Caesar. I. The beginning of the voyage was well enough, it was calm and prosperous (Act 27:1-8). II. Paul gave them notice of a storm coming, but could not prevail with them to lie by (Act 27:9-11). III. As they pursued their voyage, they met with a great deal of tempestuous weather, which reduced them to such extremity that they counted upon nothing but being cast away (Act 27:12-20). IV. Paul assured them that though they would not be advised by him to prevent their coming into this danger, yet, by the good providence of God, they should be brought safely through it, and none of them should be lost (Act 27:21-26). V. At length they were at midnight thrown upon an island, which proved to be Malta, and then they were in the utmost danger imaginable, but were assisted by Paul's counsel to keep the mariners in the ship, and encouraged by his comforts to eat their meat, and have a good heart on it (Act 27:27-36). VI. Their narrow escape with their lives, when they came to shore, when the ship was wrecked, but all the persons wonderfully preserved (Act 27:37-44).

27:3 Sidon, on the coast about 70 miles (110 km) north of Caesarea, was the first port of call. Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed his local Christian friends to care for him.