And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

ACTS 28:13KJV
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Acts 28:13 (KJV)

What does Acts 28:13 mean?

Acts 28:13 describes part of Paul’s sea journey toward Rome, noting that after sailing a circuitous route, Paul and his companions arrived at Rhegium, and then, with the help of a favorable south wind, reached Puteoli the next day. This verse highlights the practical details of their travel and the conditions that affected their progress.

Luke, the author of Acts, is narrating the journey as an eyewitness, describing how the group navigated the coast of southern Italy. The mention of specific places—Rhegium and Puteoli—shows the route taken and sets the stage for Paul’s final approach to Rome. The detail about the south wind blowing suggests that weather played a key role in their timely arrival.

The Greek behind Acts 28:13

  • ἐκεῖθεν (ekeithen; "thence"): This word means "from there," marking the starting point of this leg of the journey and emphasizing the sequence of travel.
  • περιελθόντες (perielthontes; "fetched a compass"): This Greek word literally means "having gone around" or "circled around," suggesting that the ship took a winding or indirect route, possibly due to navigation needs or coastal geography.
  • ἦλθομεν (ēlthomen; "came"): This is a common word for "we came" or "we arrived," marking the arrival at Rhegium and then at Puteoli.
  • νότος (notos; "south wind"): The mention of the "south wind" is significant because such a wind would have been favorable for sailing north along the Italian coast, explaining how they made such good progress.

Why Acts 28:13 matters

  • Acts 28:13 helps readers visualize the real, historical journey Paul took, grounding the story in specific geography and travel conditions.
  • The verse shows how natural factors like wind direction played a crucial role in ancient travel, reminding readers that even biblical journeys depended on everyday realities.
  • By mentioning these locations, Acts 28:13 connects Paul’s journey to well-known Roman ports, highlighting the spread of the gospel into the heart of the Roman Empire.

Where else these words appear

“compass” Greek G4022 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 19:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
  • 1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
  • Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

“wind” Greek G3558 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 12:42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
  • Luke 12:55 And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.
  • Acts 27:13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

“came” Greek G2658 · used in 13 verses

  • Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
  • Acts 21:7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

“thence” Greek G3606 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 12:44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
  • Luke 11:24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.
  • Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.