PrevActs 27:36Next

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 27:36 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 27:36 ["Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat."] is part of the narrative of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome, where he is to stand trial before Caesar.

In the preceding context, Paul, along with other passengers and crew, is aboard a ship caught in a violent storm, having not eaten for many days due to the severity of the situation.

Paul stands up among them, encourages them, and urges them to eat for their survival.

The phrase "good cheer" suggests a renewed sense of hope and encouragement among the people on board.

"Took some meat" is a reference to them finally eating food, following Paul's advice, as a necessary step for their physical sustenance.

The verse conveys a message of comfort in distress and the importance of physical sustenance along with spiritual strength in trying times.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 27 describes Paul's perilous sea journey as a prisoner to Rome.

The book of Acts is traditionally attributed to Luke, a traveling companion of Paul.

The journey occurred in the first century AD, at a time when sea travel was highly dangerous, especially during the stormy season.

The Roman Empire, with its vast territories, required a network of sea routes for communication, trade, and governance, but these voyages were fraught with dangers like piracy and natural disasters.

Paul's experiences reflect typical hardships faced by travelers of his time.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, the verse Acts 27:36 resonates with themes of divine providence and faith.

Christians may interpret Paul's demeanor and the subsequent reaction of the crew as a testimony to the presence and guidance of God through crises.

Moreover, Paul's role as a source of comfort and leadership can be seen as a model of Christian leadership and service to others.

Practical Applications

Acts 27:36 can be applied in daily life as an encouragement to maintain hope and uplift others during difficult times. It serves as a reminder that providing practical help, such as attending to someone's physical needs, is a significant part of caregiving.

Furthermore, the verse supports the idea that leading by example and fostering a positive atmosphere can be instrumental in helping others through their struggles.

Cross-References

Acts 27:25: "Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me."
Acts 27:33-34: "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."

Philippians 4:6-7: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words to analyze include "εὐθυμέω" (euthymeō) translated as "of good cheer," which can mean to be of good spirit or courage, and "τροφή" (trophē) translated as "meat," which refers to food or nourishment in general, not specifically to flesh as the modern English usage implies.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures and religions, themes similar to Acts 27:36 often emphasize the importance of maintaining hope and the need for communal support in times of collective stress.

For example, Stoic philosophy would advocate the maintenance of equanimity in the face of adversity, much as Paul maintains his composure and encourages others in this narrative.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understanding appreciates the critical role of nutrition and morale in survival scenarios.

The advice Paul gives to eat (take some meat) is consistent with what would be suggested today to maintain strength, especially when operating under extreme stress like that of a ship at sea during a storm.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 27:36 generally reflect on Paul's leadership and the transformation of the ship's company's attitude following his reassurance.

William Barclay notes that the shared meal becomes a symbol of fellowship and hope.

John Calvin comments on the restoration of strength and comfort among the passengers and crew.

Matthew Henry emphasizes the practical wisdom in Paul's advice to eat for their sustenance, alongside his prior spiritual assurances that they would be saved.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:36 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 27:36 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?