Fair Havens is a location mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Acts. It is a harbor on the southern coast of the island of Crete, which played a significant role in the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to Fair Havens is found in Acts 27:8-12. The passage describes the journey of Paul as he was being transported to Rome under Roman guard. The ship, having set sail from Myra in Lycia, encountered difficulties due to adverse winds and eventually arrived at Fair Havens:

"With difficulty we moved along the coast and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea." (Acts 27:8)

Historical and Geographical Context:

Fair Havens is located on the southern coast of Crete, near the ancient town of Lasea. The harbor, while providing some shelter, was not considered ideal for wintering due to its exposure to the open sea. This geographical detail is crucial in understanding the decision-making process of the ship's crew and passengers.

Significance in Paul's Journey:

The narrative in Acts 27 highlights the challenges faced by Paul and his companions during their voyage. Upon reaching Fair Havens, Paul advised the crew against continuing the journey, warning of potential disaster:

"Men, I can see that our voyage is going to end in disaster and great loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also of our lives." (Acts 27:10)

Despite Paul's warning, the centurion in charge of the prisoners chose to heed the advice of the pilot and the owner of the ship, who preferred to seek a more suitable harbor for wintering. They aimed to reach Phoenix, a harbor further along the coast of Crete, which was considered safer.

Theological Implications:

The account of Fair Havens serves as a testament to Paul's prophetic insight and the divine guidance he received. It underscores the theme of divine providence and protection, as later events in the chapter reveal that, despite the shipwreck that followed, all aboard were ultimately saved, fulfilling God's promise to Paul.

Cultural and Spiritual Lessons:

The account of Fair Havens offers several lessons for believers. It illustrates the importance of heeding godly counsel and the potential consequences of relying solely on human wisdom. It also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the midst of trials and uncertainties.

In summary, Fair Havens is more than just a geographical location; it is a pivotal point in the narrative of Paul's journey to Rome, rich with spiritual insights and lessons for the Christian faith.Fair-Havens

A roadstead or small bay, near the town of Lasea, midway on the southern coast of Crete, where Paul wished to winter when on the voyage to Rome, Acts 27:8. The sailors preferred Phenice as safer, and were wrecked in consequence. It still retains nearly its old name.

2568. Kaloi Limenes -- Fair Havens, a harbor in Crete
... Fair Havens, a harbor in Crete. Transliteration: Kaloi Limenes Phonetic Spelling:
(kal-oy' lee-men'-es) Short Definition: Havens. Word Origin pl. ... fair havens. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2568.htm - 6k

The Voyage and Shipwreck
... Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;
and, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called the Fair Havens.". ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 42 the voyage and.htm

Acts XXVII
... us, and sailed under the lee of Crete, over against Salmone; (8) and coasting along
it with difficulty, we came into a place called Fair Havens, near which was ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm

A Last Look-Out
... cutting from the mooring is at hand; I shall soon be launched upon my voyage." And
he knew right well where that voyage would end, in the fair havens of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/a last look-out.htm

Acts xxvi. 30-32
... wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; and, hardly
passing it, came unto a place which is called the fair havens; nigh whereunto ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm

Paul's Shipwreck
... against us we sailed under the lee of Crete, opposite Cape Salmone, and after coasting
along with great difficulty came to a place called Fair Havens, near the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/pauls shipwreck.htm

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
... (2) From Myra to the Island of Malta. On this voyage they touched at Fair Havens,
tried to reach Phenice and had fourteen days of storm. ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xx from antioch to.htm

Whither Goest Thou?
... ruin. You may put on all steam and forge ahead in the teeth of the wind;
but all in vain: you will never reach the Fair Havens. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/whither goest thou.htm

"Am Ia Sea, or a Whale?"
... The Lord bless sailors! May we all meet in the Fair Havens! May the flag of your
Society bless every sea, because God blesses its missionaries! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/am i a sea or.htm

"Bought with a Price"
... by fortuitous circumstances; but there is a hand upon our helm; we have on board
a pilot who owns us, and will surely steer us into the Fair Havens of eternal ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/bought with a price.htm

The Acts of the Apostles.
... of a ship, and all of them most appropriately; and he is strictly correct in the
description of the localities at Crete, Salmone, Fair Havens, Cauda, Lasea and ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 85 the acts of.htm

What happened between Paul's third and fourth missionary journeys? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian view the #metoo movement? | GotQuestions.org

Is the phoenix mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus