Acts 27:8

And hardly passing it, came vnto a place which is called the Faire hauens, nigh whereunto was the citie of Lasea. Acts 27:8 (KJV)

The verse is part of the narrative of the Apostle Paul’s journey as a prisoner aboard a ship bound for Rome, where he was to stand trial before Caesar. Luke, the author of Acts, records the ship’s progress through the Mediterranean Sea, noting that the vessel, with Paul and other prisoners aboard, had encountered unfavorable weather conditions. The phrase “hardly passing it” refers to the island of Crete, specifically the area near Salmone, as the preceding verse indicates that they sailed “over against Salmone.” After navigating past the islands, the ship came to a place called Fair Havens, a safe and well‑protected harbour on the southern coast of Crete. The text adds that they were “nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea,” indicating that Lasea (also rendered Lasa) was a small settlement close to the harbour. This proximity would have allowed the travelers to obtain provisions or other resources needed for the continuation of their voyage.

The geographical and historical details supplied by the verse set the stage for the challenges that follow. By anchoring at Fair Havens, the crew sought shelter from the contrary wind that had been driving them. The location’s reputation for safety underscores the precariousness of their situation and foreshadows the subsequent trials the ship and its passengers would endure as they pressed onward toward Rome. Understanding the context of this brief but vivid description enriches the reader’s appreciation of the logistical and spiritual hurdles faced by Paul and his companions on this perilous journey.