Travel in the Ancient World Was Dangerous and Difficult
Paul is now being sent to Rome, to stand trial before Caesar Nero. Luke is obviously a firsthand witness to these events—note the “we” pronouns—and this passage just reminds me how dangerous and difficult were sea voyages in the ancient world. Because it is getting along in the fall and winter is approaching (note the remark about Yom Kippur, which is always in the fall of the year), they need to take that into account when it comes to planning their travels. Unfortunately, as we will see, shipwreck was a constant threat.