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Acts 6:9
Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is calledthe synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Acts 27:6
And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

whose.

Isaiah 45:20
Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, yethat are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a godthat cannot save.

Jonah 1:5,16
Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares thatwere in the ship into the sea, to lightenit of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep…

1 Corinthians 8:4
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idolis nothing in the world, and thatthere is none other God but one.

we set sail
The decision to set sail marks the continuation of Paul's journey to Rome, where he was to stand trial. This journey is significant as it fulfills God's promise to Paul that he would testify in Rome (Acts 23:11). The act of setting sail also demonstrates the resilience and determination of Paul and his companions to complete their mission despite previous hardships.

in an Alexandrian ship
Alexandrian ships were large grain ships that transported wheat from Egypt to Rome, a crucial part of the Roman economy. These ships were known for their size and sturdiness, making them suitable for long voyages. The mention of an Alexandrian ship highlights the providence of God in providing a reliable means of transportation for Paul and his companions.

that had wintered in the island
The ship had stayed in Malta during the winter months, which was a common practice to avoid the dangerous Mediterranean storms. This detail underscores the strategic location of Malta as a safe harbor and the practical considerations of ancient maritime travel.

It had the Twin Brothers as a figurehead
The Twin Brothers, Castor and Pollux, were figures from Roman and Greek mythology, considered protectors of sailors. Their presence as a figurehead on the ship reflects the cultural and religious beliefs of the time, where such symbols were thought to bring good fortune and safety. This detail contrasts with Paul's reliance on the one true God for protection and guidance, highlighting the difference between pagan practices and Christian faith.

- Luke notes, “After three months” (Acts 28:11), marking the full winter season spent on Malta.

- During those three months God used Paul to heal “the father of Publius, who was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery” (Acts 28:8), and “the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured” (Acts 28:9).

- The islanders “honored us in many ways, and when we were ready to sail, they supplied us with the provisions we needed” (Acts 28:10), showing God’s favor and the fruit of faithful ministry even in detours.

- The time frame also highlights God’s perfect timing: Paul’s forced delay could have seemed like a setback, yet it became a season of evangelism and mercy.

- Luke’s simple phrase signals a fresh stage in the journey to Rome.

- God had already promised, “As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11). Paul’s departure fulfills that promise step by step.

- Earlier, Paul had declared his desire: “After I have been there, I must also see Rome” (Acts 19:21). Every new launch reinforces the certainty of God’s plan despite storms, shipwrecks, and delays.

- Bullet reminders:

• The mission moves forward when God says “go.”

• Delays are not denials.

• Obedience involves both waiting and moving.

- Alexandria supplied much of Rome’s grain, so its ships were large, sturdy cargo vessels—ideal for carrying passengers as well (Acts 27:6).

- God provided exactly the right transport at the right moment, underscoring His provision (Philippians 4:19).

- Practical takeaway: the Lord often supplies common, everyday means (a commercial ship) to advance His uncommon purposes (the spread of the gospel).

- The ship’s captain had wisely sought safe harbor rather than risk winter seas, paralleling the earlier intention of Paul’s wrecked vessel to find “a harbor in Crete to winter in” (Acts 27:12).

- Navigation facts verify Luke’s historical precision, strengthening confidence that Scripture records real events (Luke 1:3–4).

- Spiritually, the pause reminds us:

• Seasons of enforced rest can protect and prepare us.

• God synchronizes circumstances—Paul, crew, and ship all ready at the same moment.

- “The Twin Brothers” refers to Castor and Pollux, considered patron deities of sailors. Luke notes the detail without approving the idolatry.

- Paul willingly rides aboard a vessel bearing pagan symbols, reflecting his freedom in Christ (1 Corinthians 8:4) while remaining uncompromised in worship (Exodus 20:3).

- Similar scenario: at Lystra, people tried to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods, but the apostles urged, “Turn from these worthless things to the living God” (Acts 14:15).

- Key lessons:

• God’s servants move through a pagan world without adopting its idols.

• The gospel is not hindered by surrounding superstition; instead, God’s supremacy is displayed when He carries His people safely despite it (Psalm 121:8).

Acts 28:11 shows God’s faithful, detailed orchestration: after three months of fruitful ministry on Malta, Paul boards a grain ship—complete with pagan figurehead—perfectly positioned from wintering on the island. The verse confirms historical accuracy, underscores divine timing, and illustrates how the Lord uses ordinary means amid an idolatrous culture to advance His unstoppable purpose of getting the gospel to Rome.

Whose sign was Castor and Pollux.--Literally,the Dioscuri,the two sons of Zeus and Leda, who were regarded as the guardian deities of sailors. So Horace (Od. i. 3, 2) speaks of the"fratres Helen?, lucida sidera" ("brothers of Helen, beaming stars"), and (Od. i. 12, 25) of the "puerosque Ledce" ("the children of Leda"), whose bright star shines propitiously on sailors. In Greek mythology, Zeus had rewarded their brotherly devotion by placing them among the stars as theGemini,which were connected with the month of May in the signs of the Zodiac, and Poseidon (= Neptune) had given them power over the winds and waves that they might assist the shipwrecked. So in theHelena of Euripides they appear, in 1550?60, as promising a fair wind and a safe voyage. The figure-heads of the Greek and Roman ships were commonly placed both at the prow and the stern.