Acts 28:11
What does Acts 28:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 28:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 28:11 means
After three months—likely the wintering period—the party sails on an Alexandrian ship that had wintered there, marked by the figurehead The Twin Brothers (Castor and Pollux). Luke’s detail situates the account in the rhythms of ancient seafaring and reminds us that God’s providence works through ordinary means: seasons, ships, and winds. The pagan emblem on the prow does not hinder the Lord’s plans; He can use even vessels bearing idols to carry His servant toward Rome. The note also indicates that conditions are now favorable for travel, and the long, storm-battered delay gives way to steady, purposeful movement toward the promised destination.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And after three months we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was The Twin Brothers.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And after three months we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was The Twin Brothers.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And after three months we went to sea in a ship of Alexandria sailing under the sign of the Dioscuri, which had been at the island for the winter.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And after three months, we set sail in a ship (that had wintered in the isle) of Alexandria, with the sign Dioscuri,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And after three months, we sailed in a ship of Alexandria, that had wintered in the island, whose sign was the Castors.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And after three months we sailed in a ship which had wintered in the island, an Alexandrian, with [the] Dioscuri for its ensign.
Context
Verse 11 concludes the Melita episode and initiates the final approach to Italy. The narrative will list successive ports—Syracuse (v. 12), Rhegium (v. 13), and Puteoli (v. 13)—culminating in the approach to Rome. These travel notes show progress under God’s hand and prepare for the joyful encounters with believers in Italy (vv. 14–15) and Paul’s settled condition under guard upon arrival (v. 16).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 6:9
But there arose certain of them that were of the synagogue calledthe synagogueof the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen.
- Jonah 1:16
Then the men feared Jehovah exceedingly; and they offered a sacrifice unto Jehovah, and made vows.
- Isaiah 45:20
Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that carry the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save.
- 1 Corinthians 8:4
Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no God but one.
- Jonah 1:5
Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god; and they cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it unto them. But Jonah was gone down into the innermost parts of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.
- Acts 27:6
And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy; and he put us therein.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 28
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 28.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…