Acts 27:3

“And the next day we touched at Sidon, etc.] This was a famous city in Phoenicia, upon the northern border of the land of Israel; it was a maritime place, and noted for trade and navigation; Mela f1239 calls it rich Sidon, and the chief of the maritime cities; Jerom f1240 calls it the ancient city Sidon; and Curtius says f1241 it was renowned for the antiquity and fame of its founders; it is thought to be built by Sidon, the firstborn of Canaan, (<011015>Genesis 10:15) from whom it took its name; so Josephus f1242 affirms, that Sidonius, as he calls him, built a city in Phoenicia after his own name, and it is called by the Greeks Sidon; some say it was built by Sidus the son of Aegyptus, and…”

“next day we touched at Sidon--To reach this ancient and celebrated Mediterranean port, about seventy miles north from CÃ&brvbrsarea, in one day, they must have had a fair wind. Julius courteously--(See on Act 27:1). gave him liberty to go to his friends--no doubt disciples, gained, it would seem, by degrees, all along the PhÅ“nician coast since the first preaching there (see on Act 11:19 and Act 21:4). to refresh himself--which after his long confinement would not be unnecessary. Such small personal details are in this case extremely interesting.”

“We touched at Sidon - See the notes on Matthew 11:21. Sidon was about 67 miles north of Caesarea, and the passage could be easily accomplished, under favorable circumstances, in 24 hours. It is probable that the vessel, being a “coaster,” put in there for purposes of trade. Sidon is the last city on the Phoenician coast in which the presence of the apostle can be traced. And Julius courteously entreated Paul - Treated him kindly or humanely. And gave him liberty ... - The same thing had been done by Felix, Acts 24:23. Unto his friends - In Sidon. Paul had frequently traveled in that direction in going to and returning from Jerusalem, and it is not improbable, therefore, that he had friends…”

“Julius treating Paul courteously - Perhaps he had heard him make his defence. Acts 27:4”

“27:3 Sidon, on the coast about 70 miles (110 km) north of Caesarea, was the first port of call. Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed his local Christian friends to care for him.”

“Sidon: Act 12:20; Gen 10:15, Gen 49:13; Isa 23:2-4, Isa 23:12; Zac 9:2 Julius: Act 24:23, Act 27:1, Act 27:3, Act 28:16 Acts 27:4”