508-509 : Pauls Journey To Rome
THEN it was decided that Paul should sail to ltaly,
they delivered him and certain other prisoners to one named Julius,
a centurion of Augustus's forces.
Boarding a ship of Adramyttium, they launched forth, meaning to sail along the coast of Asia.
The next day, they touched at Sidon and Julius courteously gave Paul liberty to go to his friends to refresh himself.
When they left there, they sailed along the coast of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
They came to Myra, a city of Lycia,
where the centurion found a ship from Alexandria sailing to Italy, and he put his prisoners on it.
When they had sailed slowly many days, without favourable winds,
they came to a place which is called 'The Fair Havens,' near the city of Lasea.
Much time had passed and seafaring was now dangerous, for the winter had nearly come.
Paul warned them, "Sirs, I foresee that this voyage will bring damage and loss,
not only of the cargo and ship, but also of our lives."
TEMPEST AT SEA
Nevertheless the centurion believed the captain and the owner of the ship more than Paul.
And because the harbour was not well suited to winter in,
most people advised departure, in order,
if it were at all possible, to reach Phoenix, which is a harbour of Crete, and winter there.
When the south wind blew softly, thinking that they could reach their goal,
they untied and set sail close to Crete.
But very soon there arose a mighty gale.
The ship was caught and could not face into the wind, so they let it run before it.
And running behind a small island called Clauda, they had much work in making fast the ship's boat. When the boat had beep taken up, they ran ropes under the ship to secure it.
Then, fearing that they might run on to the sand, they struck the sails and let the ship drift.
Being greatly tossed about by the tempest, the next day they lightened the ship.
And the following day with their own hands, they threw out the ship's tackle.
But when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and the great storm still raged,
all hope of being saved was given up.
But after going without food for a long time,Paul stood up in the midst of them and said, "Sirs, you should have listened to me and not have loosed from Crete.
But now I exhort you to be of good cheer, for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you,
but only the ship.
For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve,
saying, 'Fear not, Paul.
You must be brought before Caesar and, lo, God has put under your protection all them that sail with you.'
Therefore, sirs, be of good cheer; For I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
However, we must be cast upon a certain island."
( Link to free online Bible to view where this event takes place in the Bible )
