JOURNEY TO ROME

MJ4-002

⛵ Myra — The Alexandrian Ship

The voyage has begun, but the Mediterranean is already resisting the travelers. Contrary winds force the ship to seek shelter beneath Cyprus and continue along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia.

At Myra in Lycia, Julius finds another vessel: an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy. Paul and the other prisoners are transferred aboard.

“There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board.” — Acts 27:6, NKJV

FEATURED MUSEUM ARTWORK

Myra — Transfer to the Alexandrian Ship

Museum reconstruction of Paul and the prisoners transferring at Myra to a large Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy — **Artist's Reconstruction — Acts 27:4–6** This artwork presents Paul's arrival at Myra and transfer to an Alexandrian ship. The harbor, vessels, cargo, soldiers, sailors, prisoners, clothing, and expressions are interpretive, while Acts records the voyage under the shelter of Cyprus, the passage off Cilicia and Pamphylia, arrival at Myra in Lycia, and Julius placing the travelers aboard a ship bound for Italy.

Museum Collection: Journey to Rome Exhibit: MJ4-002 Praise Aflame™ Biblical Museum Studio

The Praise Aflame™ Biblical Museum & Resource Centre

Journey to Rome Permanent Collection

The Alexandrian Ship

Acts 27:4–6

ExhibitMJ4-002

LocationMyra in Lycia

Voyage ChangeTransfer to an Alexandrian ship

DestinationItaly

Biblical Significance: At Myra the voyage changes scale. Julius transfers the prisoners from the coastal vessel to an Alexandrian ship sailing toward Italy. This is the ship that will carry them into the dangerous waters and great storm later described in Acts 27.

CONTRARY WINDS

The Route Is Already Becoming Difficult

After leaving Sidon, the vessel cannot simply take a direct western course. Luke says they sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were contrary.

“When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.”
Acts 27:4, NKJV

ALONG THE COAST

Cilicia and Pamphylia

The travelers cross the sea off Cilicia and Pamphylia before arriving at Myra in Lycia.

ANCIENT TRAVEL PERSPECTIVE

Ancient sailing routes depended heavily on winds, coastal shelter, seasonal conditions, and available commercial vessels. Weather and geography were already shaping Paul's route toward Rome.

MYRA IN LYCIA

A Strategic Transfer Point

At Myra, Julius finds an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy. Paul, Luke, Aristarchus, the other prisoners, and the Roman guard are transferred aboard.

THE VOYAGE CHANGES HERE

The first ship was moving along the coast of Asia. The Alexandrian vessel is part of a much longer westward voyage toward Italy.

THE ALEXANDRIAN SHIP

A Larger Mediterranean Vessel

From Alexandria

Acts identifies the ship by its Alexandrian origin and states that it was sailing to Italy.

Toward Italy

The transfer brings Paul one stage closer to Rome, but difficult winds and dangerous weather lie ahead.

THE HEART OF THE EXHIBIT

Still a Prisoner, Still Moving Forward

Paul does not choose the ship, command the route, or control the weather. Yet every transfer and every mile continues carrying him toward Rome.

MUSEUM REFLECTION

God's purpose does not depend on our control of every circumstance. Paul is being transported by others, yet the larger direction of his life remains in God's hands.

MJ4-002 AT A GLANCE

Eight Details from the Passage

01

Sidon Behind

The company leaves Sidon and continues westward.

02

Contrary Winds

The weather immediately complicates the route.

03

Cyprus

The ship sails under the island's shelter.

04

Cilicia

The voyage continues off the southern coast of Asia Minor.

05

Pamphylia

The travelers cross the sea off Pamphylia.

06

Myra

The first major transfer point of the voyage.

07

New Ship

Julius finds an Alexandrian vessel sailing for Italy.

08

Rome Ahead

The company boards and continues westward.

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE...

Progress Becomes Slow

The Alexandrian ship leaves Myra, but the winds remain difficult.

Acts says the vessel sails slowly for many days, struggles near Cnidus, and eventually reaches the shelter of Crete.

At Fair Havens, Paul will warn that continuing the voyage has become dangerous.

CONTINUE THE JOURNEY TO ROME

Next: Fair Havens — Paul's Warning

You have completed Exhibit MJ4-002 — Myra: The Alexandrian Ship.

CARRY THE WORD WITH YOU

“There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board.”
Acts 27:6, NKJV