27:4-6
The route followed was the normal route for ships, especially with the winds that were common at that time of year, hence seeking shelter from Cyprus. Myra was a very important port for grain ships, so, as proved to be the case, was best for finding a larger ship for later parts of the journey. Rome imported upto a third of its grain from Egypt, and this was given out free to its citizens. At the same time there was much starvation in Egypt. Economic imbalances and exploitation are nothing new.
27:7,8
The winds were strong and sailing conditions difficult. Luke recounts more details of the way the ship sought protection from the winds. All these details are of limited theological relevance, but they add to the authenticity of the account. The events of the Bible are not esoteric, or the musing of some mystic, but events grounded in reality.
27:9-12
The most dangerous time for storms ran from mid November to early March. Paul told the ships men that the voyage would end in disaster. Note that he does not say God told him that this would be so. The helmsman and ships owner were determined to carry on, no doubt being swayed by economic matters. So they looked at things in the best possible light and decided to carry on. Also, the alternative would be to spend several months in the harbour, and it was not the best place to spend this amount of time. So they set sail.
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