PrevActs 27:23Next

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 27:23 mean?

Explanation

Acts 27:23 provides an account of the Apostle Paul speaking to the crew of a ship caught in a storm. He reassures them by reporting a divine visitation he received.

The verse captures the spiritual experience of Paul, affirming his relationship with God and his commitment to serving Him.

It reflects Paul's conviction that his life's events are under divine supervision, and this particular assurance is meant to provide hope and comfort not only to Paul but also to those around him during a time of crisis.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of the narrative in the Book of Acts, which details the spread of Christianity in the early years following Christ's death and resurrection.

Paul, a key figure in the growth of the early Church, is on his way to Rome as a prisoner to stand trial before Caesar.

The journey by sea takes a perilous turn when the ship encounters a violent storm.

Paul's vision of the angel occurs during this chaotic event, providing a pivotal moment where faith confronts fear and uncertainty.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 27:23 is rich with themes of divine providence, angelology, and personal vocation. It reflects the Christian belief that God actively intervenes in human affairs through messengers like angels.

The verse also points to vocation, with Paul's mention of "whom I serve," suggesting that each Christian has a unique role or mission assigned by God.

This event illustrates the concept that believers can experience God's guidance and encouragement through various means, including angelic visitations.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Acts 27:23 could be seen as an encouragement to trust in divine guidance during times of adversity.

It serves as a reminder that individuals are not alone in their struggles and that they can be reassured of their purpose and calling even amidst turmoil.

For modern believers, the verse can be an invitation to reflect on their relationship with God and to remain steadfast in their commitment to follow and serve Him, regardless of external circumstances.

Cross-References

Acts 23:11 - "And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome."
Psalm 91:11 - "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
Daniel 6:22 - "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me..."
Hebrews 1:14 - "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Acts 27:23, key words and their meanings include:

"Angel" (ἄγγελος, angelos) - A messenger, typically from God.
"God" (θεοῦ, theou) - The Supreme Being, the deity worshipped in Christianity.
"Whose I am" (ὧν ἐγώ εἰμι, hon ego eimi) - Indicating possession, belonging to God.
"Whom I serve" (λατρεύω, latreuo) - To serve, worship, or perform religious rites; emphasizes devotion and service to God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as Greco-Roman or Egyptian mythology, divine beings often communicated with humans, especially in periods of crisis.

Such visitations could be interpreted as signs of favor or messages from the gods.

In Christian theology, however, the notion of an angelic visitation is not merely a myth but a reality that is part of God's interaction with humanity.

It is also more personal, focusing on God's care and purpose for an individual, rather than a capricious act of a deity.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific community generally does not weigh in on supernatural aspects of religious texts such as angelic visitations due to their nature beyond empirical investigation.

However, psychological perspectives might suggest that in times of great stress, individuals could experience visions that provide comfort and reassurance. Yet, from a scientific standpoint, these experiences are subjective and cannot be externally validated.

Commentaries

Commentators on the Book of Acts provide various insights into Acts 27:23:

John Calvin noted the reassurance that Paul received from God through the angel, exemplifying the care God has for His people.
Matthew Henry highlighted the calmness and courage Paul exhibited, attributed to his confidence in God's promise delivered through the angel.
William Barclay emphasized the dual aspects of divine ownership (“whose I am”) and service (“whom I serve”), demonstrating Paul's total commitment to God.

These perspectives underscore the themes of divine intervention, courage in the face of adversity, and Paul's dedication to his divine calling.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:23 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 27:23 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?