Note 1 at Acts 27:1: Paul now begins his eventful trip to Rome. He had already been imprisoned over two years (Acts 24:27) and would remain in prison for at least another two years in Rome (Acts 28:30). This trip took at least six months so Paul was under arrest about five years.

Note 2 at Acts 27:1: Italy originally designated only a small district in what we now call Italy. As the Roman empire gained strength, this name began to be applied to all the geographical area in the famous "boot" peninsula of the Mediterranean Sea and northward to the Alps.

Note 3 at Acts 27:1: Paul was only one of many prisoners on the ship, but before the trip was over, he had risen to the greatest place of importance because of his faith in God.

Note 4 at Acts 27:1: Julius was a centurion of Augustus' band who had Paul committed to his trust for safe conduct to Rome. He was a considerate man as can be seen in his actions when he allowed Paul to go ashore at Sidon and visit his friends (v. 3). He rejected Paul's counsel as to where to spend the winter (vv. 10-11), but after Paul's prediction came true, he heeded Paul's instructions completely (vv. 31-32).

When the ship they were traveling on wrecked and the other Romans wanted to kill the prisoners, Julius forbade them specifically desiring to save Paul's life. It is possible that Julius might have been instrumental in granting Paul private quarters and special treatments during his imprisonment in Rome.