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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 27:10 mean?

Explanation

Acts 27:10 is a passage from the Christian New Testament in which the central figure, Paul, warns the officers and crew of a ship about the impending danger should they proceed with their voyage.

Paul, at this point, perceived or sensed that the journey they were about to undertake would result in significant loss, including damage to the cargo and the ship, and potentially a loss of life.

The verse underlines Paul's prophetic insight and hints at his spiritual discernment concerning future events. It reflects a moment where human plans are brought into question by divine revelation.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The verse comes from the book of Acts, which is the fifth book of the New Testament and primarily deals with the early history of the Christian church after Jesus Christ's ascension.

This particular event takes place during Paul's journey to Rome, where he was to stand trial before Caesar.

Paul, as a prisoner for his preaching, was being transported along with other prisoners under the care of a centurion named Julius.

The journey takes place in the Mediterranean Sea and the narrative provides the context of the time of year, mentioning that it was after the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), suggesting it was late in the year when sailing conditions were dangerous.

Theological Insights

This verse presents a moment where the spiritual understanding of Paul challenges the conventional wisdom of the sailors and the centurion.

Different theological perspectives may offer insights such as the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and the belief that He can reveal future events to His followers.

Some may see this as a testament to the divine inspiration and guidance that can be bestowed upon individuals.

For the Christian faith, it emphasizes the importance of heeding warnings and guidance that may come from God through prayer and spiritual discernment.

It also showcases Paul's role as God’s messenger and his obedience in conveying God's warnings to others.

Practical Applications

In practical life, this verse can be seen as a stalwart example of exercising caution and wisdom when making decisions.

It communicates the value of taking heed of advice, especially when it comes from a place of experience or spiritual understanding.

It demonstrates the need for listening to divergent opinions and being open to altering one's course based on new information, which may be indicative of God’s guidance.

This verse can also be an encouragement to those who feel led to offer guidance to others, to do so with courage, even if the advice goes against the general consensus.

Cross-References

Acts 27:22-25: Paul reassures the crew after the storm that they will be safe but will lose the ship.
Acts 23:11: The Lord standing by Paul, comforting him that he must also bear witness in Rome.
Jonah 1:4-12: Jonah warns the sailors of the storm caused by his fleeing from God's command, similar to Paul’s warning about the storm.
Proverbs 22:3: "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished."

Language Study

In Acts 27:10, the key phrase "I perceive" is translated from the Greek word "θεωρῶ" (theōrō), which implies careful observation or contemplation. This reflects not just a casual opinion, but a conviction born from deeper observation or revelation.

"With hurt and much damage" comes from "ἔσται...μετὰ ὕβρεως καὶ πολλῆς ζημίας" (estai...meta hybreōs kai pollēs zēmias), suggesting not just physical damage but carrying connotations of insult or injury, indicative of severe and potentially catastrophic loss.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, voyages were often linked with omens and divinations.

For example, in the ancient Greek epic 'The Odyssey,' Odysseus faces numerous trials at sea, with the gods both hindering and helping him.

Such tales often included signs or warnings that were ignored by mortals to their detriment.

In the context of other ancient religions, prophetic insight was often attributed to figures in close contact with the divine, much like Paul's perceived connection to the Christian God.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, seasoned sailors like the crew Paul was with would have understood the times of year when sailing the Mediterranean was treacherous.

Paul's warning accorded with such understanding but was given a divine significance as a prophecy.

Modern meteorology might explain the dangerous conditions that would arise during certain seasons, which could give a scientific basis for the dangers Paul foresaw.

Commentaries

Various expert commentaries have remarked on Paul's warning in Acts 27:10.

Some suggest that Paul had practical sea-faring knowledge that informed his opinion, while others assert that his warning was solely divine revelation.

Matthew Henry's Commentary outlines that Paul's advice was disregarded because he was a prisoner and not a sailor, which has practical implications for modern readers about the nature of authority and expertise.

The Pulpit Commentary considers the spiritual stature of Paul and his commitment to God's message – aligning his insight closely with divine prophecy.

Meanwhile, John Gill's Exposition of the Bible suggests that Paul's admonition came from the Spirit of God, providing him with special prophetic foresight into the dangers they would face.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:10 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 27:10 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?