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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 27:22 mean?

Explanation

Acts 27:22 is a part of the narrative describing the Apostle Paul's journey by sea to Rome as a prisoner to stand trial before Caesar.

Paul is speaking to his shipmates during a tempestuous and dangerous sea voyage, where they are facing a severe storm that threatens to sink their ship.

As morale among the crew and passengers sinks, Paul stands up and encourages them to be of good cheer, promising them that although the ship will be lost, none of their lives will be taken.

Here, Paul is expressing a confidence that transcends the physical danger they are encountering.

The deeper meaning is about trust in divine protection and the assurance that, in the midst of seemingly lethal circumstances, life can be preserved.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

When this verse was written, sea travel was perilous, especially during the stormy season.

The account takes place during Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner around AD 59-60.

During this time, Rome was the center of the Empire, and Paul, as a Roman citizen, had appealed to stand trial before the emperor.

The journey covered in Acts 27 was near the end, and the ship encountered a northeaster, a violent type of storm in the Mediterranean, referred to as "Euroclydon."

Theological Insights

This verse provides insights into divine providence from a Christian theological perspective.

Providence refers to God's foreknowing care and guardianship of His creation.

In this instance, Paul's assurance of safety despite the storm can be interpreted as stemming from a divine revelation or an angelic visitation mentioned later in the same chapter (Acts 27:23-24).

It demonstrates a belief in the sovereignty of God over natural events and the assurance of God's promise to save and protect.

Practical Applications

This verse can be a source of encouragement during times of adversity or uncertainty.

It suggests that one should maintain hope and confidence despite physical or emotional storms present in life.

Applied practically, it is a call for individuals to be positive and reassuring to others in difficult circumstances, just as Paul was on the ship.

People can put their faith into action, believing that even when situations seem bleak, there is a possibility for a positive outcome.

Cross-References

Acts 27:24 - "Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee."
Philippians 4:6-7 - "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

2 Corinthians 1:10 - "Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;"

Language Study

The key words from the original Greek text in this verse include:

Paraino (παραινέω) meaning "I exhort" or "advise," which is understood as Paul giving counsel or encouragement.
Euthumeo (εὔθυμος) translated as "be of good cheer" implies being courageous or keeping one's spirits up.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparision with other ancient cultural narratives, many involve stories of divine intervention or protection during life-threatening events.

For instance, the Epic of Gilgamesh has themes of divine interaction in human endeavors.

The story of Noah in the Hebrew Bible also presents a divine promise of protection and salvation during a great flood, which parallels other ancient flood narratives.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of meteorology can explain the mechanics of Mediterranean storms like the one faced by Paul and his shipmates.

However, Paul's assured prediction of the outcome goes beyond what meteorological science can forecast, entering the realm of personal conviction or spiritual belief which is not within the scope of scientific analysis.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians provide various interpretations of Acts 27:22:

John Calvin sees Paul's courage and firmness as an example of Christian steadfastness and assurance of God's providential care.
Matthew Henry acknowledges this event as an instance where Paul's faith becomes an encouragement to those around him, proving the practical value of faith in crisis.
The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary underscores the divine nature of Paul's assurance, giving credit to the intervention and promise of God conveyed in the midst of the storm.

These commentaries highlight the interplay of natural circumstances and supernatural belief that is central to the understanding of this verse.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:22 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 27:22 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?