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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 27:21 mean?

Explanation

Acts 27:21 depicts a scene during a voyage in which the Apostle Paul, now a prisoner en route to Rome to stand trial before Caesar, takes a moment to address his fellow shipmates following a lengthy period without food.

The ship is caught in a tempestuous storm, creating a dire situation for all on board.

Paul's words are both a gentle I-told-you-so and an encouragement.

He reminds them that they should have followed his advice to not set sail from Crete, which would have spared them the harm and loss they were currently experiencing.

His message insinuates that his advice was not merely pragmatic but perhaps divinely inspired, given Paul's status as an apostle with insight from God.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This event took place during Paul's voyage to Rome, where he was to be tried as a criminal in Caesar's court.

The historical context is the first century Mediterranean world, where sea travel was common but risky, particularly during certain periods of the year known for treacherous storms.

Crete was an island that provided a last stop before ships would travel across the open sea towards Italy.

Paul's journey was likely taking place around AD 59-62.

His warning and the subsequent shipwreck are events that occurred in this maritime setting, governed by ancient sailing and navigation practices.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse underscores the belief in divine providence and the wisdom of adhering to spiritual discernment.

From a Christian perspective, it reaffirms the role of Paul as not just a missionary but a prophet, able to offer wisdom that, if heeded, could have prevented disaster.

Paul's subsequent actions and words after this moment are often viewed as a demonstration of his faith in God's protection and guidance, even amidst life-threatening circumstances.

Moreover, it highlights the significance of obedience to God's servants, which can have practical, life-saving implications.

Practical Applications

On a practical level, the teachings of this verse can be applied to the importance of wisdom and discernment in decision-making.

It suggests that prudence, and sometimes caution, should prevail over haste or societal pressures. It also demonstrates the value of humility in leadership, recognizing when to listen to wise counsel, even from unexpected sources.

In a broader sense, it teaches about the virtues of patience and foresight, encouraging individuals to consider the potential long-term consequences of their actions.

Cross-References

Acts 27:9-11: Paul's earlier warning about the voyage.
Proverbs 12:15: "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."
Proverbs 19:20: "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end."

Language Study

The phrase "long abstinence" is derived from the Greek word ἀσιτίας (asitias), meaning fasting or refraining from food.

"Stood forth" comes from the Greek word σταθείς (statheis), which means to stand up or arise, often conveying a sense of making a declaration. Paul uses formal address ("Sirs") which in the Greek is ἄνδρες (andres), signifying respect towards his audience.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, sea journeys were often seen as metaphors for life's trials and journeys.

The story of Paul's shipwreck bears resemblance to some seafaring myths like those in the Odyssey, where Odysseus must navigate perils at sea.

Comparatively, in both situations, the protagonists face divine foresight and must cope with the consequences of choices made.

Religious interpretations typically see the account of Paul in Acts as historical rather than myth, highlighting the real-world implications and lessons of the narrative.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern understanding of meteorology may provide insight into the types of storms that Paul and his shipmates could have encountered in the Mediterranean Sea, known as "northeasters," similar to the "Euraquilo" mentioned in Acts 27:14.

Knowledge of ship construction and sailing techniques from the period can also shed light on why Paul's advice may have been sound from a safety standpoint, considering the limitations and risks associated with ancient maritime travel.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries reflect on Paul's role and the nature of his advice.

Some suggest that Paul, while not a seafarer by trade, might have had a degree of experience or divine insight into the situation that made his counsel noteworthy. Others note the conjunction of that insight with practical wisdom and concern for his fellow travelers.

Commentators often contrast the initial disregard of Paul's warning to his later prominence as a source of leadership and spiritual certainty during the ensuing events on the ship.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:21 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 27:21 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?