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Acts 27

And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

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.

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.

And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;

And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

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.

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;

And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

What does Acts 27:1 mean?

Explanation

Acts 27:1 refers to a moment in the New Testament of the Christian Bible when the apostle Paul, under Roman custody, is set to travel to Italy.

The verse details the handover of Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, belonging to the 'Augustus' band' or regiment.

The Augustan regiment implies a division of the Roman army named after the emperor Augustus, suggesting it was a prestigious unit.

This passage commences the recounting of Paul's journey by sea from Caesarea to Rome, where he is to stand trial before Caesar.

While the surface level of this verse is informational, indicating a transition in Paul's journey, it also sets the stage for the narrative of trust in God's providence, steadfast faith in the face of danger, and the spreading of the gospel through Paul's trials.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, traditionally ascribed to Luke the Evangelist, was likely written between AD 70 and 100.

It serves as both a history and a second volume to the Gospel of Luke.

Acts 27:1 is situated within a broader context of the early Christian church's spread and the missionary journeys of Paul.

During this era, Rome's legal system allowed a Roman citizen, which Paul was, to appeal to Caesar.

In a broader sense, the Roman Empire's infrastructure facilitated the swift movement of officials and soldiers across the Mediterranean, which in this case, inadvertently assisted the dissemination of Christianity as Paul's voyage allowed him to preach and witness to different peoples.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse introduces a narrative that is replete with divine guidance and intervention.

Paul's journey to Rome can be seen as part of God's plan, with his eventual trials and testimonies in the heart of the Roman Empire helping to establish the Christian faith on a more global stage.

From a Christian perspective, God's providence is a dominant theme, as is the idea that true faith can withstand adversity.

The verse suggests that, despite his imprisonment, Paul's journey is under the direction and protection of God, and the mission of spreading the Christian message is paramount, irrespective of personal suffering or hardship.

Practical Applications

The practical applications that can be derived from this passage revolve around resilience and trust in adversity.

It teaches believers to have faith in God's overarching plan for their lives and to remain steadfast in their mission or purpose, even when under difficult circumstances.

For modern readers, it implies that while one may not control their situation, they can control their response and attitude towards it, trusting in a higher purpose or calling.

Additionally, it suggests the importance of bearing witness to one's beliefs despite challenges and opposition.

Cross-References

Acts 23:11 - "And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome."
Acts 25:12 - "Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go."
Acts 28:16 - "And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him."
Philippians 1:12-14 - "But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;"

Language Study

The key phrase "Augustus' band" references the elite status of the troops in Julius's command.

The Greek term used for 'band' could be "speira," often translated as 'cohort', a tenth of a Roman legion comprising about 600 men.

Julius's role as a centurion (Greek: "kentyrion") indicates he was an officer in charge of a centuria, which would typically be around 80 men.

Such language underscores the considerable authority and responsibility of Julius and the importance Romans placed on the handling and transfer of prisoners.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The mention of Augustus' band in the Acts of the Apostles might be contrasted with how elite military units are depicted in other ancient texts.

In Greco-Roman tradition, such bands were often depicted as the protectors of significant figures and played prominent roles in political power plays.

Comparatively, in the Jewish tradition, there was a strong sensitivity to Roman authority and occupation, and the presence of centurions and Roman soldiers was a point of contention.

Furthermore, this narrative can be compared to other religious interpretations where figures of authority, such as Egyptian or Babylonian captors, become instruments in the narrative of divine providence and the fulfillment of a higher purpose in religious texts.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific insight to be drawn from this specific verse, as it deals with a historical narrative.

However, the scientific study of archaeology can provide context to the Roman military system and the nature of sea travel in the ancient world.

Acts 27 later describes a shipwreck in detail; such accounts can be subjected to scientific examination to understand ancient navigation techniques, ship construction, and meteorological conditions of the Mediterranean region during the first century CE.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have offered interpretations of Acts 27:1.

John Calvin, for instance, notes the irony that Paul, who was bound for preaching the liberty of the gospel, was now physically in chains.

Matthew Henry's Commentary highlights God's providence, suggesting that God arranged for Paul to be sent to Rome because it was part of His divine plan.

Adam Clarke's Commentary details the Roman military system and Julius's likely significant status.

These and other commentaries often acknowledge the verse's historical nature while simultaneously drawing out deeper spiritual and theological significance.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 27:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?