Cauda (Clauda) in the Bible
A small island south of Crete where Paul's ship briefly found shelter during the storm at sea.
Cauda (also called Clauda) was a small island south of Crete. During Paul's voyage to Rome, a fierce storm drove the ship near Cauda, where the crew briefly found enough shelter to secure the ship's lifeboat and undergird the hull.
Modern Location
Gavdos Island, south of Crete, Greece
Key Biblical Events
- 1Paul's ship passes Cauda in the storm (Acts 27:16)
- 2Crew secures the lifeboat in Cauda's lee (Acts 27:16–17)
- 3They undergird the ship with ropes (Acts 27:17)
Key KJV Scriptures
"And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat."
Spiritual Significance
Cauda reminds us that God provides temporary shelters in the midst of ongoing storms. The brief respite allowed the crew to prepare for what was ahead — sometimes partial relief is God's provision for the next challenge.
Why Cauda (Clauda) Matters
Cauda (Clauda) holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands in the regions where the early church spread the gospel across the Roman world. With 3 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Paul linked to its story — Cauda (Clauda) is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Cauda (Clauda) gains its primary significance in the New Testament era, where 1 key scriptures illuminate its role in the unfolding story of Christ and the early church. Cauda reminds us that God provides temporary shelters in the midst of ongoing storms. The brief respite allowed the crew to prepare for what was ahead — sometimes partial relief is God's provision for the next challenge.
For today's believer, studying Cauda (Clauda) is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Cauda (Clauda), you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Paul encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Cauda?
Paul's storm-tossed ship passed the small island's southern side, gaining enough shelter from the wind to secure the lifeboat and reinforce the ship's hull before continuing into the open sea.
Where is Cauda today?
It is identified as Gavdos Island, the southernmost point of Greece, about 26 miles south of Crete.
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