Acts 27:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →At Sidon, the centurion Julius kindly permits Paul to visit friends and be cared for.
What Does Acts 27:3 Mean?
A day's sail north brings them to Sidon on the Phoenician coast. Julius, the Roman officer, treats his prisoner with unusual courtesy, allowing Paul to go ashore and be refreshed by fellow believers in the city.
The kindness of Julius is no small mercy. God can incline the hearts even of those who hold us captive, granting favor where we have no claim to it. 'When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him' (Proverbs 16:7). The Lord tends to His servant through the friendship of the saints and the goodwill of a Gentile soldier alike.
Acts 27:3 in the Original Language
philanthropos (φιλανθρώπως), 'courteously' -- with kindness toward a fellow human being; the root of our word 'philanthropy.'
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 27:3
What does Acts 27:3 mean?
At Sidon, the centurion Julius kindly permits Paul to visit friends and be cared for.