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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 27:34 mean?

Explanation

Acts 27:34, found in the New Testament of the Bible, occurs during a perilous journey by sea.

In this verse, the apostle Paul is addressing the crew and passengers of a ship caught in a storm.

He urges them to take food, reassuring them it is for their survival and that God has assured their physical safety – not a single person would lose a hair from their head.

Here, Paul is both addressing the immediate need for physical sustenance and providing a figurative assurance of God's protection.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is a part of the narrative of Paul's voyage to Rome, where he is to face trial.

Acts 27 describes a dire situation where the ship, battered by a tempestuous storm, is adrift in the Adriatic Sea.

The passengers are under extreme stress, having gone without food for a long period while struggling to survive.

Paul's words in this verse are meant to encourage and strengthen the resolve of those on board by blending practical advice with divine promise.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 27:34 highlights a few key themes:

Divine Providence: The assurance that not a hair would perish underscores God's control over life and death and His intimate involvement in the lives of His followers.
Faith in Crisis: Paul's confidence is a testament to faith amidst adversity, showing that trust in God’s promises can provide peace and guidance during trials.
The Importance of Practical Care: The exhortation to take food indicates the balance between trusting in God's care and attending to practical needs.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse are manifold:

In times of crisis, it's vital to tend to physical needs and encourage self-care among those we are supporting.
Believers can demonstrate their faith by remaining calm and offering reassurances based on God’s promises.
It's a reminder for leaders and caregivers to address both the spiritual and physical wellbeing of those in their charge.

Cross-References

Matthew 10:30: "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."
Luke 21:18: "But there shall not an hair of your head perish."
Philippians 4:6: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

Language Study

"Take some meat": The term "meat" (τροφῆς in Greek) broadly refers to food.
"For your health": The Greek word "σωτηρίας" translates to "salvation" or "preservation," indicating welfare or health in this context.
"For not a hair from the head of any of you shall perish": This is a figure of speech suggesting complete safety, common in Jewish writings to denote divine care in totality.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various cultures and religious traditions, hair is symbolically significant and can represent vital energy or divine protection.

The guarantee that not a single hair would be lost may be likened to assurances of divine guardianship found in other ancient texts or religious belief systems, serving to comfort and instill hope in followers.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the instruction to eat for survival reflects knowledge of human physiology: in times of extended stress and starvation, the body requires nourishment to maintain strength and vital functions.

Paul's advice demonstrates an understanding of the basics of human needs for survival in taxing circumstances.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries provide insight into Acts 27:34:

Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes that Paul’s demeanor and faith serve to revive the spirits and hopes of all on the ship, while his instruction to eat is an act of prudence, ensuring their survival.
The Expositor's Bible Commentary highlights that despite the assurance of safety, Paul deems it necessary to eat for the preservation of their strength, bridging divine promise with human action.
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible touches on the providential care of God for His people, emphasizing that the preservation promised is both a spiritual and physical one.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:34 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 27:34 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?