Acts 27:1-2 1And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius of the Sebastian Cohort. 2And embarking in a ship named Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we set sail, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.
Apparently, Festus wasted no time in sending Paul to Rome. These verses give a brief summary of the beginning of this long journey, from the western shore of Judea, where Caesarea was located, across the Mediterranean to Rome. The whole journey was around 1,200 miles, which was a daunting amount at that time of year and with the types of ships used. Paul had traveled many times by ship and was no stranger to difficult journeys, as indicated by his reference in 2 Corinthians 11:25, where he mentions being shipwrecked three times; this reference was written before his last journey to Rome.
Chapter 27 shifts back to the first-person plural we, which has been interpreted to mean that Luke, the writer of Acts, joined Paul on his journey. Luke goes into quite detail about the places traveled on this journey to Rome. This account adds validity to the entire book of Acts by demonstrating Luke’s careful attention to detail. It shows his literary genius and builds suspense leading to the end of the book. He was present with Paul and witnessed all that happened on this journey. The details of this chapter also show how God was with Paul, even through rough seas and another shipwreck. The journey was highly memorable for Luke and, no doubt, for Paul. Big trips where something goes wrong often leave a big impression on a person. Luke may have included the details as evidence of not only Paul’s fortitude under pressure but of God’s providential and protective grace. Even in the difficult challenges, Paul did not fold under pressure but continued to witness to the gospel.
The Augustan or Imperial Cohort was well known in ancient history, having been mentioned by Josephus (Antiquities 19.9.2.365–66; War 2.3.4.52). It consisted of 500 to 1,000 soldiers, who were stationed in Syria and at Batanea during the reign of Agrippa II. The centurion tasked with escorting Paul was named Julius. Luke must have gotten to know this soldier to some degree since his name is mentioned and since he showed kindness to Paul. With three of the great early church leaders on board, no doubt this soldier heard the gospel and may have shown interest in it. Other prisoners were taken along with Paul.
How Luke was able to join the group is unknown, but it is possible that the ship was open to such passengers and may have been a private vessel that was conveniently available for official use. Since Paul was basically acknowledged as innocent by Agrippa and the others who heard him, he may also have had more leeway than other prisoners, and so having a close friend accompany him may have been possible. Luke mentions that Aristarchus joined them. Aristarchus is mentioned five times in the New Testament (Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24). The last reference suggests that he went all the way to Rome with Paul and Luke and became a help there. Even under arrest and through suffering, God was watching over Paul and providing assistance each step. God was not finished with Paul’s witness yet. More lives needed to be touched with the hope of Jesus.