Acts 28:11

And after three moneths wee departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the Ile, whose signe was Castor and Pollux. Acts 28:11 (KJV)

Acts 28 concludes the narrative of the early church, recording the events that followed the ascension of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In this final chapter the apostle Paul, accompanied by other believers, is being taken as a prisoner to Rome to stand trial before Caesar.

Prior to the verse, Paul and his companions had been ship‑wrecked on the island of Malta because of a violent storm. The Maltese people received them graciously, and Paul performed several miracles of healing among the islanders. After three months of rest and ministry on Malta, the group prepared to resume their journey toward Rome.

Acts 28:11 notes that they departed on a ship from Alexandria. Alexandria, a great port city in Egypt, was renowned for its seafaring vessels and served as a major hub of trade, linking many parts of the Roman Empire. The ship’s origin underscores the extensive maritime networks that facilitated the spread of the gospel.

The passage also records that the ship had wintered on the island, which is not explicitly mentioned in the verse itself. Historical research, however, points to Malta as the likely location where the vessel sought shelter during the winter months, avoiding the perils of the Mediterranean sea.

The ship bore the sign or emblem of Castor and Pollux. These twin brothers, known as the Dioscuri in Greek and Roman mythology, were revered as patrons of sailors and were often invoked for protection on voyages.

The reference to the sign of Castor and Pollux is not intended to endorse pagan belief; rather, it provides a historical detail that situates the narrative in its cultural context. The primary focus remains Paul’s journey and his eventual arrival in Rome, where he would continue to proclaim the gospel to the world.