Acts 27:4

Modern

After putting out from there, we sailed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us.

Traditional

And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

Literal

And having set sail from there, we sailed under Cyprus because of the winds being contrary.

Latin

Et inde cum sustulissemus, subnavigavimus Cyprum, propterea quod essent venti contrarii.

Greek

English

After putting out from there, we sailed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us.

Luke gives a detailed description of the sea journey. The ship traveled north and then west along the southern coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).
Myra was an important stop. Ships from Egypt carrying grain (food crops like wheat) to Italy regularly stopped there.

The graphic language describing sailing in the story of Paul's journey to Rome provides one of the best accounts of an ancient sea journey.
This is the last "we" section in Acts (see also 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18). During Paul's two years of imprisonment, Luke probably researched his gospel throughout Judea and Galilee. Here, as part of Paul's sailing group, he had a personal witness of the dangers at sea.

Theme notes and profiles

Acts 4:36
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),
Mark 6:48
He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them,
Acts 27:7
After sailing slowly for many days, we arrived off Cnidus. When the wind impeded us, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone.
Acts 21:3
After sighting Cyprus and passing south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo.
Acts 15:39
Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,
Acts 13:4
So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.
Acts 21:16
Some of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us, and they took us to stay at the home of Mnason the Cypriot, an early disciple.
Acts 11:19–20
Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews.
Matthew 14:24
…but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Cyprus: Island in the Mediterranean Sea; early Christian community