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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 27:19 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Acts 27:19, which reads "And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship," refers to an action taken by Paul and others aboard a ship caught in a violent storm while traveling to Rome.

The 'tackling of the ship' refers to the various equipment and gear used on the vessel.

Casting it out implies that, in an attempt to lighten the ship's load and thus save it from sinking, the passengers and crew threw this gear overboard.

The phrase "with our own hands" underscores the dire situation they faced, as it indicates that even non-sailors helped in this desperate action.

This verse highlights a moment of crisis and collective effort for survival.

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Historical Context

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke, is a historical account of the early Christian Church.

This particular event occurred in the first century AD, during Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner to stand trial.

The ancient Mediterranean was notorious for its unpredictable and often treacherous weather conditions, and shipwrecks were common.

Maritime travel was a risky affair, and the measures taken in Acts 27:19 were consistent with the practices of the time when a ship faced a life-threatening storm.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse conveys the theme of humility and human dependence on God, even in our efforts.

Despite taking practical measures to save the ship, the passengers' actions can also be seen as an acknowledgment of their limitations and the recognition that their fate ultimately lay in God's hands.

It underscores a theme recurrent in Acts and Paul's letters: the power of faith and the importance of God's will in the midst of human tribulation.

Practical Applications

In a practical application, Acts 27:19 teaches about the importance of taking decisive action in times of crisis and working collaboratively when facing common threats.

It serves as a metaphor for situations where individuals may need to let go of their material possessions or comfort for the greater good and survival.

This action can also be seen as an exercise in discerning what is truly necessary and what can be sacrificed in a time of need.

Cross-References

Jonah 1:5 – "Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them.

But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep."

Hebrews 12:1 – "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."

Language Study

The phrase "the tackling of the ship" is derived from ancient Greek.

The original Greek term used for 'tackling' is "σκεύη" (skeuē), which can be translated as 'gear,' 'tackle,' or 'equipment.' The verb "cast out" in Greek is "ἐκβάλλω" (ekballō), meaning to throw or thrust out.

This language reveals that the act was not just getting rid of unnecessary items, but was deliberate and forceful, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The casting of ship tackle into the sea to save those on board can be compared with numerous other cultural and religious narratives.

In many myths and religions, the sea is viewed as a powerful and sometimes malevolent force that must be appeased or overcome.

For instance, in the story of Jonah, also referenced in the Bible, sailors cast lots and eventually throw Jonah overboard to calm a storm, which shows a similar interaction between humans and the maritime elements.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the act of casting heavy gear overboard would decrease the draught of the ship, increasing its buoyancy and potentially making it easier to handle in a storm.

It reflects an intuitive understanding of physics and marine dynamics, though the decision is made out of desperation rather than calculated nautical strategy.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse typically highlight the significance of the passengers' and crew's extreme measures in response to the storm.

It is often noted that the throwing of their gear into the sea acts as a physical manifestation of their dire circumstances.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the readiness of those aboard the ship to part with their belongings as a way of securing their lives, which is seen as a wise and just measure.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible remarks on the unity and collective effort shown by everyone aboard, regardless of their usual roles or positions.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:19 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 27:19 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?