The beloved physician Luke wrote how he, Paul and others were sailing to Rome, and “when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, and said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse twelve of the book of Acts Luke shared what was done, “because the haven was not commodious to winter in” where we read:
And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart there also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lies toward the south west and north west.
The verse begins, “And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart there also, ...” Luke began with the words, “and because the haven” which means “and since and on account that the harbor” “was not commodious to winter in” or “was not well set, commodious and inconvenient in which to pass or spend the winter time”, “the more part” which means “the greater number of people” “advised to depart there also” or “counseled with will and purpose to even so and indeed leave and go forth from the harbor”. Luke shared how the “harbor” at “The fair havens” near to the city of “Lasea” was not a convenient place to spend the winter time.
The verse continues, “... if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, ...” Luke added the words, “if by any means” which means “whether and in case indeed and after all” “they might attain to Phenice” or “the people sailing the ship would be capable, strong and powerful enough to reach Phenice whose name means palm tree and was the name of a haven in Crete on the south coast”, “and there to winter” which means “and within Phenice they would spend the winter time”; “which is an haven of Crete” or “that was a harbor located in Crete which means fleshly and was the largest and most fertile island of the Mediterranean archipelago or Aegean Sea, now the modern Candia”. Luke shared how the captain and others who were in charge of the ship hoped to reach the city of “Phenice” which was a harbor in “Crete”, and there they could spend the winter.
Finally the verse says, “and lies toward the south west and north west.” Luke ended the verse with the words, “and lies toward the south west” or “and is perceived and discovered along the southwest exposure” “and north west” which refers to “the northwest exposure”. Luke shared how the city of “Phenice” was located in an area that had “only a southwest and northwest exposure”.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the master, owner and others on the ship wanted to leave “The fair havens” and attempt to sail to “Phenice” where a harbor was located that would be a more convenient place to spend the winter. We shall see how this works out for them, but let us keep in mind that “Paul” warned them about losing their cargo and possible the ship and their lives if they set sail. God had His plan to have “Paul” reach the city of “Rome” to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people there. God was intentional in His efforts through “Paul”, and He is also purposed to give to anyone who yields to Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord” forgiveness sins and everlasting life. Those who are wise carefully consider the travels of “Paul” and realize his mission was fulfilling God's will to reach all the world with His good news.
Next time Luke shares how, “they sailed close by Crete”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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