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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 27:40 mean?

Explanation

This verse from the Book of Acts describes a tense moment during the Apostle Paul's sea journey to Rome as a prisoner, which was beset by a perilous storm. After struggling for survival for many days, the sailors decide to run the ship aground to save themselves.

The phrase "taken up the anchors" indicates that they lifted their anchors onboard, an action signifying their commitment to steer the ship towards shore instead of trying to anchor and stay at sea.

"Committing themselves unto the sea" underscores a trust or resolve in the hands of providence or fate as they face the uncertainty of rough waters. Next, "loosed the rudder bands" refers to the release of ropes that tied up the steering paddles or rudders, enabling them to steer the vessel.

"Hoised up the mainsail to the wind" means they raised the main sail to catch the wind, a move necessary to give the ship speed and direction. Lastly, "made toward shore" suggests their goal was to reach land, likely in an attempt to save all aboard.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Written by Luke, the Book of Acts in the New Testament documents the early Church's history, including the spread of Christianity and missionary journeys. Acts 27 accounts for Paul's voyage to Rome, where he is to stand trial before Caesar.

Historically, the means of travel would have been a Roman merchant ship, which was at the mercy of the wind and sea.

Ships during this period heavily relied on the wind for movement, and anchors were crucial for stability in storms.

Maritime practices of the time were informed by a combination of skill, experience, and astrology.

Theological Insights

This passage can be interpreted in various theological ways.

From a Christian perspective, it demonstrates God's providence and care even in dire circumstances.

In the broader narrative, Paul had assured his shipmates of their survival based on a divine message he received, indicating God's control over natural events and human destiny.

Others might see it as a metaphor for faith, when faced with trials, one must 'lift their anchors' and trust in God's guidance rather than rely on their strength or conventional wisdom.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, Acts 27:40 can offer several practical life applications.

It could be seen as encouragement to face difficult decisions boldly and to be willing to "set sail" out of our comfort zones when necessary.

The process of "loosing the rudder bands" might symbolize letting go of what holds us back and trusting in a higher power or the journey ahead.

This verse can inspire individuals to take action despite the uncertainties ahead.

Cross-References

Acts 27:31 – "Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved."
Hebrews 6:19 – "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;"

Language Study

The Greek term used for "anchors" (ἀγκύρας, ankuras) refers to anchors of a ship, while "committed" translates from παρεδίδουν (paredidoun), which indicates giving over or entrusting.

The term "rudder bands" (ζεύγη, zeugē) could mean the equipment or gear used to tie or control the rudders.

"Hoised up" arises from the word (ἐπήραντο, epēranto), indicating lifting or raising.

Lastly, "mainsail" is not explicitly in the Greek text but is understood contextually through the action described, while "made toward" is from κατεῖχον (kateichon), which means to hold fast or head towards a direction.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparable narratives are found in ancient maritime myths that often amalgamate human skill and divine intervention, such as Odysseus' reliance on the gods' favor to navigate the seas in Homer's "Odyssey." Like Paul and his shipmates committing to the sea and trusting in a higher power, Odysseus often had to commit to the mercy of the elements and the gods.

Scientific Perspectives

Today's scientific understanding of meteorology and oceanography would provide a much different approach to sailing than in ancient times.

The decision to "commit themselves unto the sea" could be critically analyzed in terms of understanding storm patterns and the physics of sailing.

The actions taken by the sailors align with practical nautical maneuvers to safely navigate towards land.

commentaries

According to Matthew Henry's concise commentary, he notes the courage and resolution of the sailors in making for the shore, leaving the outcome to God's providence.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible remarks upon their decision to cut the ropes of the anchors and let them go into the sea, thus preparing the ship to be run aground.

Gill sees this as emblematic of renouncing all hope of salvation by anyone or anything but Christ alone.

These expert opinions draw out the spiritual symbolism in the sailors' actions, while also acknowledging their physical reality and desperation.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:40 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 27:40 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?