Location
Overview
Crete is the large island south of the Aegean, along whose coast Paul's prison-ship struggled on the voyage to Rome, and where a church was later established under Titus.
The voyage along Crete
Sailing "under Crete," the ship reached a harbour called "The fair havens." Paul warned against sailing on, foreseeing "hurt and much damage," but they pressed on and were caught by the tempest Euroclydon (Acts 27:7–14).
Titus left in Crete
Paul wrote to Titus, "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city" (Titus 1:5).
A blunt proverb
Paul even quoted a Cretan poet about the islanders' reputation — "The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies" — urging Titus to "rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith" (Titus 1:12–13).
Events Here
Paul’s ship shelters along Crete at Fair Havens
Scripture References
8 versesActs5 verses
Acts 2:11
Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
Acts 27:7
And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; Crete: or, Candy
Acts 27:12
And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
Acts 27:13
And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
Acts 27:21
But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
Titus3 verses
Titus 1:5
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: wanting: or, left undone
Titus 1:12
One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
Titus 3:15
All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.
Archaeology & History
Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, was the heart of the ancient Minoan civilisation and remained a populous Roman province. Its long southern coast, with anchorages like Fair Havens, framed the dramatic sea-voyage of Acts 27, and a Christian community there received the pastoral letter to Titus.
People who appear here
Frequently asked about Crete
Where is Crete today?
Today, Crete corresponds to Crete, Greece.
What happened at Crete in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Crete include paul’s ship shelters along crete at fair havens.
Where is Crete first mentioned in the Bible?
Crete is first mentioned in Acts 2:11.
How often is Crete mentioned in the Bible?
Crete is mentioned in 8 verses across 2 books: Acts, Titus.
What is Crete’s role in the Bible?
Paul’s ship sheltered along its coast on the way to Rome (Acts 27), and Paul later left Titus there to appoint elders and set the churches in order (Titus 1:5).
What did Paul say about the Cretans?
He quoted a Cretan poet’s harsh proverb about their dishonesty and urged Titus to rebuke them sharply so they would be "sound in the faith."