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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 27:29 mean?

Explanation

Acts 27:29 recounts a moment of crisis during a sea journey undergone by Paul, the Apostle, and other passengers as they sailed towards Rome.

The ship faced a violent storm, and in an attempt to stabilize it and prevent a shipwreck, the crew cast four anchors from the stern.

The act of casting anchors is a practical measure to prevent the ship from running aground or being dashed against rocks or reef.

The mention of "wished for the day" reflects the anxiety and desperate hope for daylight to improve visibility and the potential for rescue or a safer resolution to their predicament.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of the narrative in the Book of Acts, which details the early history of the Christian Church.

Acts 27 describes Paul's voyage to Rome as a prisoner to stand trial before Caesar.

The events occur in the first century AD, during which sea travel was hazardous, and storms were particularly feared.

The ship they were aboard was likely a typical grain ship of the time used for trade across the Mediterranean Sea.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse demonstrates the human response to imminent danger, taking practical steps while also clinging to hope and prayer.

Christian readers often see Paul's journey and the subsequent shipwreck as symbolic of the trials and tribulations faced by believers and the church at large. The action of casting anchors can be seen as a metaphor for the need to hold fast to faith during trying times.

Practical Applications

The verse can have several practical applications, including the importance of taking sensible actions in the face of danger while also maintaining hope and faith.

In life's stormy circumstances, individuals are encouraged to do what is within their power to secure safety and to wait with anticipation for deliverance and a new dawn.

Cross-References

Hebrews 6:19: "Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;"
Psalm 107:28-30: "Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.

Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, "fallen upon rocks" (περιπέσωμεν ἐπὶ τὰς σύρτεις) might refer specifically to sandbars or shoals, which are shallow water hazards.

"Cast four anchors" (ῥίψαντες ἄγκυρας) literally means throwing overboard the anchors. The use of "four" anchors suggests a complete and robust attempt at stabilizing the ship.

"Wished" (εὐχόμενοι) conveys a more profound sense of longing or praying for the daybreak.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The casting of anchors in the face of a storm can also be seen in other cultural and religious contexts as a symbol of seeking stability and refuge.

In ancient mythology, gods associated with the sea, such as Poseidon in Greek mythology, often played a role in the safety of seafarers.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science understands the use of anchors to stabilize ships in storms as a practical maritime procedure. Evaluating this verse from a scientific perspective appreciates the ancients' knowledge of sea travel and their methods for attempting to manage the unpredictability and power of nature.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse focus on various aspects of the account.

Some emphasize the historical and maritime accuracy of Luke's description of events, affirming his credibility as a historian.

Others focus more on the spiritual lessons to be drawn from the incident, such as the need for both prayer and action in times of crisis.

The casting of the anchors is seen as an expression of hope and practical wisdom, while awaiting God's providential care and rescue is seen as reflective of spiritual trust.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:29 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 27:29 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?