Cnidus in the Bible
A coastal city near which Paul's ship struggled against the wind on the voyage to Rome.
Cnidus was a port city at the southwestern tip of Asia Minor. Paul's ship passed near it during his voyage to Rome but could not make progress against contrary winds, forcing them south toward Crete — beginning the chain of events that led to shipwreck.
Modern Location
Datça Peninsula, southwestern Turkey
Key Biblical Events
- 1Paul's ship struggles near Cnidus (Acts 27:7)
- 2Contrary winds force the ship south toward Crete (Acts 27:7)
Key KJV Scriptures
"And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete."
Spiritual Significance
Cnidus is a reminder that contrary winds do not mean God has abandoned the journey. Paul's voyage was storm-tossed but God-directed — every detour served His purpose.
Why Cnidus Matters
Cnidus holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands in the regions where the early church spread the gospel across the Roman world. With 2 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Paul linked to its story — Cnidus is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Cnidus 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. Cnidus is a reminder that contrary winds do not mean God has abandoned the journey. Paul's voyage was storm-tossed but God-directed — every detour served His purpose.
For today's believer, studying Cnidus 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 Cnidus, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Paul encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Why couldn't the ship pass Cnidus?
Strong northwesterly winds (common in the autumn Mediterranean) prevented the ship from making headway, forcing it to change course southward toward Crete.
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