Bible Meaning: Shaggy
Strong's Concordance #G2996
Lasea is only mentioned in relation to the Apostle Paul's fourth missionary journey where he is escorted, as prisoner, to Rome. The vessel that takes him to the empire's capital has 276 people on board (Acts 27:37).
On the ship with Paul is a man named Aristarchus from Thessalonica who was also likely a Christian prisoner bound for Rome (Philemon 1:24, Colossians 4:10). The gospel writer Luke is also accompanying the apostle on the journey.
Lasea was a small town located near the open harbor of Fair Havens on the southern side of Crete. Ships that harbored at Fair Havens were protected from Mediterranean Sea winds that came from the north or northwest.
Paul's ship anchored at Fair Havens, next to Lasea, for an unknown period in 60 A.D. In spite of his warnings that it was dangerous to sail after the Day of Atonement, which fell on September 24, his admonishments were rejected (Acts 27:7 - 11). Although His argument for staying in the harbor was valid, the location was "not commodious to winter in" (Acts 27:12).
The vessel leaves Fair Havens and Lasea, sailing west in the hope of reaching Crete's port of Phoenix located on the western side of the island.
Important Verses
Acts 27:7 - 11
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; and, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens: nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, and said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.