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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 27:2 mean?

Explanation

Acts 27:2 describes the beginning of Paul’s voyage to Rome, where he was to stand trial before Caesar. The reference to "a ship of Adramyttium" indicates the origin of the ship, Adramyttium being an ancient city in Mysia, Asia Minor, along the coast now part of modern-day Turkey.

The phrase "we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia" suggests that their route was planned along the coastline of Asia Minor.

The individual named "Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica" accompanying the narrative's author (traditionally considered to be Luke) and Paul is worth noting. Aristarchus' presence signifies a partnership and close relationship, likely as a fellow missionary or assistant to Paul.

The verse can be read as a simple historical account of travel logistics, but it also illustrates the themes of companionship and the shared journey of early Christian missionaries.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is set during the first century CE, in the early period of Christianity. Paul, a pivotal figure in the Christian church, was being transported to Rome under guard after having been accused of crimes by Jewish authorities in Jerusalem.

The voyage elucidated in Acts 27 is well-detailed, showing Luke's interest in accurate historical reporting.

The choice of a coastal route reflects common maritime practice of the time to stay within sight of land due to navigation techniques and safety considerations.

This journey's details have been corroborated by historians as consistent with Roman seafaring practices.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 27:2 introduces themes such as divine providence and the missionary journey.

Some theologians may interpret this journey as part of God’s plan for Paul to witness in Rome, despite being a prisoner. The inclusion of specific geographical and personal details reinforces the historicity and the providential hand in the spread of the gospel.

Aristarchus’ presence indicates a theological point about Christian fellowship and support in times of hardship, suggesting that believers are called to accompany and support each other in their missions, even amidst trials.

Practical Applications

Acts 27:2 offers several practical takeaways:

The value of companionship in difficult journeys, both literally and metaphorically.
The importance of being steadfast in one's mission regardless of the circumstances.
The idea that loyalty and support for fellow believers is crucial in Christian life.

The verse encourages believers today to be steadfast in their faith and to provide support to fellow community members, reflecting the early Christian community's spirit.

Cross-References

Acts 19:29 - "And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre."
Acts 20:4 - "And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus."
Romans 16:3-4 - "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the term "Adramyttium" (Ἀδραμυττήνων) directly refers to the place of origin of the vessel.

The phrase "meaning to sail" (μέλλοντες πλεῖν) implies an intention or purpose, reinforcing that the journey was planned and deliberate.

"Macedonian" (Μακεδόνα) specifies Aristarchus' regional origin and "Thessalonica" (Θεσσαλονικέα) his city, which is notable in that Macedonia was a significant region that played a substantial role in early Christian history.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

During this period, voyages such as the one described were common in the Mediterranean for trade, military, and personal travel.

Religiously, journeys play a significant role in various traditions; for example, the concept of a pilgrimage is central in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

Aristarchus' companionship can be compared to figures in other religious traditions who accompany and support leading figures, such as the disciples of Jesus or the sahaba (companions) of the Prophet Muhammad in Islam.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse provides evidence for understanding ancient maritime practices and the capabilities of ships of that era.

Archaeological findings of ancient shipwrecks and maritime artifacts from this period support the kind of coastal sailing described in the verse.

Modern-day geography can trace the route that would have been taken by a ship from Adramyttium sailing by the coasts of Asia Minor, aligning biblical accounts with historical maps and understanding of regional trade winds and currents.

Commentaries

Biblical commentaries often focus on the historical accuracy of the Acts account.

Scholars like F.F. Bruce and I. Howard Marshall have analyzed the nautical details in Acts 27 to affirm Luke's reliability as a historian.

Others, such as John Stott, point out the significance of Aristarchus' companionship as a demonstration of Christian fellowship , he was a "fellow worker" willing to share in Paul's troubles.

Many commentaries also point out that despite being a prisoner, Paul's journey becomes a mission, with the significance that the gospel reaches to the heart of the Roman Empire, as intended by divine purpose, with every stop along the way being an opportunity to witness.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:2 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 27:2 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?