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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 27:4 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Acts 27:4, describes part of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner.

"And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary." This verse specifically narrates the strategy taken by the ship's crew in response to adverse winds.

To "sail under Cyprus" meant they went to the lee (sheltered) side of the island to avoid the strong headwinds that were making their intended route difficult.

On a deeper level, this verse shows the practical challenges faced by Paul and those with him during their maritime travels.

It is a reflection of the unpredictability of life, and a reminder of the need for adaptation and persistence in the face of obstacles.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The historical context of Acts 27:4 is the first century A.D., during the Roman Empire's control over the Mediterranean. Paul was under Roman guard, set to appear before Caesar. Cyprus was a significant island in the Mediterranean, well known to sailors of that time.

It was under Roman rule and acted as a natural landmark and waypoint for maritime travel. The details here are an accurate reflection of ancient sailing conditions and the strategies used by mariners to navigate the treacherous Mediterranean Sea.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, some might view this verse as symbolic of the Christian's journey through life.

The "contrary winds" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations that believers face, and the act of sailing under Cyprus as an example of God guiding and providing a way through difficulties.

Theologically, it also resonates with the idea that human efforts are needed alongside divine guidance , the sailors worked with the elements and geography to find the safest path forward.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse can be applied to daily life by encouraging individuals to be resilient and resourceful when they encounter difficulties. It teaches that when facing challenges, sometimes one must adjust plans and strategies rather than giving up.

The verse encourages finding alternative ways to reach one's goals when direct paths are blocked.

Cross-References

Acts 27:7: "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;"
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

James 1:2-4: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word used for "sailed under" is "ὑπεπλεύσαμεν" (hupepleusamen), which comes from "ὑποπλέω" (hypopleō), meaning to sail under or sail by the lee of an island.

The term "contrary" translates from "ἐναντίος" (enantios), implying opposition, adversity, or being against something. This language reflects the navigational tactics used against the challenging weather conditions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, in several ancient myths and religions, the sea is often depicted as a place of chaos and danger, requiring the intervention of gods or the skill of heroes to navigate.

For instance, in Greek mythology, Odysseus' journey is filled with perilous maritime encounters, reflecting the ancient perception of the treacherous nature of sea voyages.

In Acts, the journey reflects the same ancient understanding but is couched in a monotheistic context where trust in the one true God is paramount.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, the verse underscores an understanding of ancient maritime navigation which would have been subject to the whims of weather patterns and seasonal winds.

Today, meteorology could explain the "contrary winds" as part of the regional climatic conditions that sailors must consider.

Knowledge of protecting islands and how landmasses affect local wind patterns would be aligned with the actions taken by the ship's crew in Acts.

Commentaries

Contemporary biblical scholars and theologians often focus on the historical accuracy and real-life details presented in Acts. For instance, according to the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary, this verse is noted for its precise description of the navigation technique.

It suggests Luke's (the presumed author of Acts) attention to detail in documenting the voyage indicates a keen observation and first-hand account.

Matthew Henry's Commentary discusses the providence of God in the happenings of the voyage, indicating that the seemingly arbitrary details, such as the direction of the wind, fall under God's sovereign control.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:4 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 27:4 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?