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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 27:32 mean?

Explanation

[Acts 27:32] is part of the narrative describing the shipwreck experienced by the Apostle Paul and other passengers on their voyage to Rome.

In the immediate context of this verse, the ship is in danger of running aground.

The soldiers, in a bid to prevent escape by the prisoners, cut off the ropes of the ship's lifeboat and let it fall away.

The action signifies that the soldiers are now committed to the ship and its fate, abandoning any hope to save themselves independently.

Literally, this verse tells us of their decision to cut loose the boat, but metaphorically, it speaks to the dire circumstances they were facing and their resolve to face them head on.

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Historical Context

Acts 27 describes a journey circa AD 59-60, where the centurion Julius is escorting a group of prisoners, including Paul, to Rome to stand trial. This period was marked by the Pax Romana when Rome had well-established maritime routes across the Mediterranean.

However, safety at sea was not guaranteed. Sea voyages were particularly dangerous before the winter season, and this journey was undertaken at such a precarious time. Navigational and weather forecasting tools were rudimentary, contributing to the peril faced by ancient mariners.

Theological Insights

The passage has inspired theological reflection on God's providence and sovereignty. Paul, amidst the chaos, has total faith that God's will shall be done as he has been assured of the safety of all on board. It demonstrates the theme of divine intervention and salvation.

Some view it as a demonstration of Paul's leadership, in the face of impending disaster, he shows faith and gives reassurance based on his trust in God.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse can be related to the critical moments in life when one must let go of their contingency plans and place their trust in a higher power or in the solidarity of the community.

It speaks to the need for commitment and resolve when facing life's storms.

In modern times, this can translate into encouraging solidarity and cohesion, especially in crisis situations.

Cross-References

Acts 27:31 - "Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved."
Acts 27:22 - "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."
Acts 27:44 - "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."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as "cut off" is "apokopto," which means to cut away or sever completely.

This implies a decisive and irreversible action.

The term "ropes" is translated from "schoinion," meaning a small cord or rope, specifically the type used for securing the ship's boat.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many cultures and religions, the sea is a metaphor for chaos and tumult, and the overcoming of such represents divine providence or the triumph of the human spirit.

Similar themes of trust in divine aid in the face of peril are found in other religious texts, such as the story of Noah's Ark in Judaism and Islam, and the Hindu epic of the Ramayana, where the divine characters face perils in the oceanic journey.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific angle, the understanding of sea travel risks and meteorological conditions of the Mediterranean has improved immensely since Paul's time.

Ship design, navigational instruments, and safety equipment have also evolved, ensuring better preparation and response to sea voyages and any crises that might arise.

Commentaries

Biblical commentators have provided various perspectives on this verse.

Classical commentators like John Chrysostom highlighted the trust in divine promise as shown by Paul and his companions' actions.

Modern commentators focus on the literary structure of the narrative and its place in the broader story of Acts, viewing this episode as a theological illustration of faith and divine salvation.

The decision to cut the ropes of the boat signifies a point of no return, often aligned in commentaries with a call for unwavering faith and the abandonment of one's own plans to the will of God.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:32 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 27:32 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?