JOURNEY TO ROME

MJ4-003

⚠️ Fair Havens — Paul's Warning

The Alexandrian ship has left Myra, but progress is painfully slow.

After struggling against difficult winds, the vessel reaches the southern coast of Crete and comes to a place called Fair Havens. There Paul gives a warning: continuing the voyage now will bring serious loss and danger.

“Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss...” — Acts 27:10, NKJV

FEATURED MUSEUM ARTWORK

Fair Havens — The Decision to Sail On

Museum reconstruction of Paul warning Julius, the pilot, and the shipowner at Fair Havens on Crete — **Artist's Reconstruction — Acts 27:7–12** This museum artwork presents the decision at Fair Havens. The harbor, coastline, ship, sailors, Roman guards, clothing, weather, maps, and individual expressions are interpretive, while Acts records slow and difficult sailing, arrival near Salmone and Fair Havens, Paul's warning of disaster and loss, the centurion listening instead to the pilot and shipowner, and the majority deciding to continue toward Phoenix.

Museum Collection: Journey to Rome Exhibit: MJ4-003 Praise Aflame™ Biblical Museum Studio

The Praise Aflame™ Biblical Museum & Resource Centre

Journey to Rome Permanent Collection

Paul's Warning at Fair Havens

Acts 27:7–12

ExhibitMJ4-003

LocationFair Havens, Crete

Key DecisionWhether to remain or sail on

WarningDisaster, cargo loss and danger

Biblical Significance: Fair Havens marks a decisive moment in the voyage. Paul warns that the season has become dangerous, but the centurion is persuaded by the professional judgment of the pilot and shipowner. The majority chooses to continue, setting the stage for the violent storm to come.

SLOW PROGRESS

Many Days of Difficult Sailing

Luke describes the voyage from Myra as slow and difficult.

After many days, the ship reaches the area near Cnidus, but the wind does not allow them to continue as intended.

“When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed...”
Acts 27:7, NKJV

CRETE

Seeking Shelter Near Salmone

The ship turns toward the shelter of Crete and passes near Salmone.

Even then, the sailing remains difficult as they make their way along the island's southern coast.

GEOGRAPHY MATTERS

The crew is not simply choosing a destination. They are trying to survive seasonal winds by using the island itself as protection.

FAIR HAVENS

A Harbor That Was Not Ideal for Winter

The vessel finally reaches Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.

The harbor provides a temporary refuge, but it is not considered suitable for spending the winter.

THE DILEMMA

Stay in a less desirable harbor, or risk sailing farther in dangerous conditions to reach a better winter anchorage.

PAUL SPEAKS

“This Voyage Will End with Disaster”

Paul gives a direct warning about continuing the voyage.

He foresees serious loss, not only to cargo and ship, but danger to human life as well.

“Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.”
Acts 27:10, NKJV

THE OTHER VOICES

The Pilot and the Shipowner

The Pilot

The centurion gives greater weight to the judgment of the man responsible for navigating the vessel.

The Shipowner

The owner also favors continuing the voyage, likely hoping to reach a more suitable harbor before winter conditions worsen.

THE DECISION

The Majority Chooses to Sail

Because Fair Havens is not ideal for wintering, most of those involved favor leaving.

Their goal is Phoenix, another harbor of Crete, where they hope to spend the winter.

TURNING POINT

The storm has not begun yet. The critical decision comes first.

MJ4-003 AT A GLANCE

Eight Moments at Fair Havens

01

Slow Sailing

The Alexandrian ship struggles westward for many days.

02

Cnidus

The wind prevents the intended course.

03

Crete

The vessel seeks shelter along the island.

04

Fair Havens

The ship reaches a temporary safe harbor.

05

Paul Warns

He predicts disaster and major loss if they continue.

06

Centurion Decides

Julius listens to the pilot and shipowner.

07

Majority Agrees

Most favor leaving Fair Havens.

08

Phoenix Ahead

The crew hopes to winter at another Cretan harbor.

THE HEART OF THE EXHIBIT

Not Every Favorable Opinion Is a Safe Direction

At Fair Havens, the majority view, professional experience, and practical convenience all point toward sailing on.

Paul points the other way.

MUSEUM REFLECTION

Wisdom is not always found in the loudest voice, the majority opinion, or the most convenient choice. Discernment may require listening carefully before circumstances force the lesson upon us.

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE...

A Gentle South Wind Begins to Blow

The next moment appears to confirm their decision.

A gentle south wind begins to blow, and the sailors believe they have obtained the conditions they wanted.

But not long afterward, everything will change.

CONTINUE THE JOURNEY TO ROME

Next: Euroclydon — The Storm

You have completed Exhibit MJ4-003 — Fair Havens: Paul's Warning.

CARRY THE WORD WITH YOU

“Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss...”
Acts 27:10, NKJV