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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 27:35 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Acts 27:35, depicts a scene where Paul, a central figure in the Christian New Testament, demonstrates gratitude and faith in the midst of a dire situation.

The verse literally describes Paul taking bread, giving thanks to God openly in front of everyone present, breaking the bread, and beginning to eat.

Metaphorically, this act symbolizes the importance of thanksgiving and reliance on divine provision, even in times of crisis.

Paul's actions may also be meant to encourage those around him, showing faith and composure under pressure.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 27 recounts Paul's journey as a prisoner on a ship headed to Rome, which encounters a severe storm.

The passage describes how all onboard lost hope of survival.

Acts 27:35 is part of the narrative describing Paul's leadership during this frightening time.

This event takes place in the first century AD, during which sea travel was perilous and shipwrecks were common.

The cultural context includes a strong belief in divine intervention and the power of prayer and thanksgiving.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse exemplifies the Christian practice of Eucharist or Communion, albeit in a non-liturgical setting.

Paul's act of breaking bread and giving thanks is reminiscent of Jesus' Last Supper and conveys the message of God's sustenance.

Different Christian traditions may interpret this act within their theological frameworks, with some focusing on the Eucharistic parallels and others emphasizing Paul's demonstration of faith and leadership.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire individuals to maintain gratitude and faith during challenging times.

The act of breaking bread and giving thanks can be seen as a metaphor for sharing resources and hope with others.

Practically, it encourages believers to exhibit calm and trust in God's provision, to act as sources of encouragement in their communities, and to retain rituals that instill hope and togetherness.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Matthew 14:19 - "And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude." 3.

Luke 22:19 - "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me."

Language Study

The key words in this verse are:

"Took" (ἐλαβεν, elaben): To receive or take up in one's hands.
"Bread" (ἄρτον, arton): Commonly refers to bread, a staple in the diet of the time and a symbol of sustenance.
"Gave thanks" (εὐχαριστήσας, eucharistesas): The act of expressing gratitude, from which the term "Eucharist" is derived.
"Broken" (κλάσας, klasas): To break or divide, a term commonly used in reference to the breaking of bread in Christian contexts.

These terms highlight the ritualistic importance of the action, showing parallels with the Eucharistic tradition in Christianity and emphasizing themes of provision and gratitude.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Paul's breaking of bread and giving thanks has parallels in various cultural and religious practices.

In Jewish tradition, the blessing of the bread, known as the 'Hamotzi', is an important part of meals.

In broader Hellenistic culture, meals often began with an act of thanksgiving or offering to the gods.

This verse thus intersects with widespread religious and cultural customs of blessing and sharing food.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, this verse doesn't directly intersect with scientific concepts.

However, the act of sharing food and exhibiting leadership in crisis has been studied within the field of psychology, noting the importance of ritual and communal support in coping with stress and fostering group cohesion, particularly during difficult circumstances.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentators have provided interpretations of Acts 27:35.

Matthew Henry highlights the simplicity and sincerity of Paul's thanksgiving, even in a time of distress.

The Pulpit Commentary discusses the deep impression Paul's action would have made on the others present, as a manifestation of his faith and as an encouragement to them.

Meanwhile, John Gill's Exposition of the Bible links this act of breaking bread to the Lord's Supper, though differing from it in being a common meal.

These commentaries collectively underscore the significance of Paul's demeanor and actions as reflective of his Christian faith and leadership.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:35 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 27:35 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?