1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band. 2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. 3 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. (Acts 27:1-3 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
The time being now come for the fulfilment of God’s purpose and determinate counsel concerning Apostle Paul, recorded Be of good cheer, Paul, as thou hast testified of me at Jerusalem, so shalt thou bear witness also at Rome. Ac 23:11
Pursuant to this purpose of God, the Roman governor Festus delivers the apostle and his associates, Luke, Timothy, and Aristarchus, to Julius, in order to send them and several other prisoners who probably were great malefactors to the city and court of Rome, where all appeals made to the Roman emperor were heard and determined before himself.
Now here we have observable, 1. The person whom the apostle was delivered to: Julius, a very polite person to the apostle who allowed him to see and receive the civilities from his friends. Therefore God raises up friends for his people in the midst of their sufferings, and when persecutors send his saints to prison, he will provide keepers for their turn. Julius, a heathen soldier, was kinder to him than his own countrymen the Jews.
Observe, 2. The villainous company of malefactors and prisoners that the innocent apostle was packed with, delivered Paul, and certain other prisoners, to Julius. Saints and sinners, good and bad, innocent and nocent, share together in the same outward miseries: but though they be thus jumbled together in this world, (where all things come alike to all,) yet the righteous Judge will make a difference between them in the other world, according to their works.
Observe, 3. Though the apostle was thus yoked with malefactors and criminals in the ship, yet God favoured him with some companions who were according to his heart’s desire; namely, his dear associates, St. Luke, Timothy, and Aristarchus. It is a great comfort to the afflicted to have good companions in their afflictions; Optimum Solatium est Sodalitium.
But above all, it was the happiness of the apostle that he enjoyed the presence of God with him in so comfortable a manner, in and under all his sufferings, according to his promise, I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee. Ac 18:10
The gracious special presence of God with his children and people is a sure and sufficient support to them in and under all the difficulties and trials, which his wisdom sees fit to exercise and try them with.
Observe, 4. What an additional favour it was from God, that St. Paul found friends in Sidon, such saints as he could comfortably converse with, and received refreshments from, even needful accommodations for his tedious voyage.
Learn hence, That God’s care of, his compassion towards, and provision for, his children and people is universal and unending at all times and in all places.