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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 27:37 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 27:37, taken from the King James Version of the Bible, refers to a specific moment during the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome, where he was to stand trial. The passage recounts a perilous sea voyage that Paul and other individuals experienced.

The phrase "two hundred threescore and sixteen souls" denotes the exact number of people aboard the ship , 276 in total.

The term "souls" in this context represents living persons.

The reference to the specific number underlines the detailed and eyewitness-like nature of the account.

The mention of the exact number may serve not only to reflect the historical accuracy but also to highlight the value of every single life in the sight of God.

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Historical Context

The verse is part of the larger narrative in Acts 27, which gives an account of Paul's journey as a prisoner from Caesarea to Rome, and the shipwreck that occurs along the way.

During the first century A.D., sea voyages were common for trade, military, and transportation purposes within the Roman Empire.

Acts 27 details the trials and disasters faced by Paul and his companions on this journey, including storms and eventual shipwreck on the island of Malta.

This particular verse is noteworthy as it provides a specific number of individuals onboard, attesting to the historical detail included by the author.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the verse reinforces several core Christian principles.

One such principle is the providence of God.

Despite the danger faced by all those on board, it can be interpreted that it was by God's providence that they all survived.

Each "soul" mattered and was accounted for, which also resonates with the Christian belief in the sanctity of life and the idea that God is intimately concerned with the fate of every individual.

Practical Applications

In practical application, this verse can remind individuals of the importance of every person in a community, stressing that in times of crisis, unity and valuing each life is crucial.

It also teaches the value of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity.

Despite the dire situation, the passage recounts that everyone survived, suggesting that faith and resilience can carry people through difficult times.

Cross-References

Acts 27:22-25: Paul reassures the crew and passengers that none will lose their lives in the imminent shipwreck, a message given to him by an angel of God.
Genesis 8:18: The number of souls is detailed in the account of Noah and his family leaving the ark, signifying the preservation of human life.
Matthew 10:29-31: Jesus teaches that not even a sparrow falls to the ground outside God's care, emphasizing the value of every life to God.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, "ψυχαί" (psychai) is the word used for "souls," which literally means "lives" or "persons." The numbering system "two hundred threescore and sixteen" translates to "διακόσιαι εβδομήκοντα ἕξ" (diakosiai hebdomekonta hex), specifying the exact count.

These linguistic choices reflect the historical approach of Luke, the traditionally attributed author, often emphasizing specific details to give credibility to his account.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to other ancient texts, the writers of the Bible frequently provided detailed records of historical events, including the number of people involved in certain occurrences.

This reflects a broader cultural trend in placing importance on the accuracy of such details.

In the context of religious interpretation, the emphasis on every individual can be compared to other religions that view every life as having intrinsic value.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the number of people on the ship has implications for the study of ancient maritime practices, including the sizes and capacities of ships at the time.

It also offers insights into the social structure and organization required for sailing and surviving long voyages.

Modern archaeological findings of shipwrecks help to give credence to such biblical accounts by illustrating the plausibility of these ancient narratives.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have various views on this verse.

Some focus on the accuracy of Luke's account, suggesting that the detail provided helps to establish him as a credible historian.

Others look at the broader narrative, seeing this moment as an example of God's deliverance and care for His people.

Theological commentators may explore the symbolism of the number of people and the idea of the church as a ship navigating through the 'stormy seas' of life, with Christ as the guiding force.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:37 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 27:37 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?