Acts 27:9 - When much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, because the Fast had now already gone by, Paul admonished them,

Generated Verse: Acts 27:9

What does "Acts 27:9" mean?


Let's break down Acts 27:9:

"When much time had passed": This refers to the period after their initial departure. They had been sailing for a considerable amount of time and had likely faced delays due to unfavorable winds or other maritime challenges.

"and the voyage was now dangerous": As time progressed into the late sailing season, conditions on the Mediterranean Sea became increasingly perilous. Autumn and winter brought storms and unpredictable weather patterns that made navigation extremely risky.

"because the Fast had now already gone by": "The Fast" refers to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), a significant Jewish religious holiday that falls in late September or early October. In this context, it's being used as a temporal marker. The Day of Atonement served as a practical marker indicating the end of the safe sailing season on the Mediterranean. After this date, the risk of storms and shipwrecks dramatically increased.

"Paul admonished them": Paul, despite being a prisoner, recognized the danger and warned the ship's crew and officers. "Admonished" implies that Paul was giving advice, likely urging them to stay in a safe harbor and postpone further travel until conditions improved.

In short, Acts 27:9 sets the stage for a perilous voyage. The verse emphasizes the lateness of the season and the increased danger of sailing. Paul's warning highlights his concern and wisdom in recognizing the risks involved. This ultimately foreshadows the shipwreck that follows in the remainder of Acts 27.