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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 27:43 mean?

Explanation

Acts 27:43 describes a critical moment during the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome, where he is to stand trial before Caesar.

In the midst of a violent storm at sea, the ship carrying Paul and other passengers is breaking apart.

The soldiers on board, fearing that the prisoners might escape during the chaos, plan to kill them.

However, the centurion, who is impressed by Paul and likely recognizes his innocence or values his life, intervenes to prevent this.

He commands that everyone abandon the ship and make for the shore, those who can swim should do so immediately, and the others will follow on planks or pieces of the ship.

This verse conveys themes of salvation, protection, and the providential care that Paul receives, which also ensures the safety of all on board.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts was written in the first century AD and is traditionally attributed to Luke, a companion of Paul.

This particular verse occurs during Paul’s voyage to Rome as a prisoner under Roman guard.

The journey by sea was perilous, and the shipwreck represents one of the many dangers faced by travelers in ancient times.

The centurion mentioned is Julius, a respectful man towards Paul.

This scene reflects the Roman military's authority and the cultural practices of maritime travel and soldier conduct regarding prisoners during the time.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse can be interpreted in several ways.

For some, it represents God's providence and faithfulness, ensuring Paul's survival and mission continue despite human plans.

Others may see the centurion's favor towards Paul as divine intervention influencing the hearts of non-believers.

There is also an echo here of the theme of salvation, physical and spiritual, and the extension of this salvation to those with Paul, which can be seen as symbolic of the inclusiveness of the Gospel.

Practical Applications

In modern life, Acts 27:43 can inspire individuals to act with integrity and compassion, even in situations where it is easier to follow the crowd.

It can also encourage believers to trust in divine protection in times of crisis.

The idea of individuals using their own abilities to swim or float to safety could be seen as a metaphor for utilizing one's personal gifts and talents in the face of adversity.

Cross-References

Acts 27:22-25: Paul reassures the men that none will lose their lives, despite the ship being lost, as an angel of God has told him.
Acts 28:1: Following the shipwreck, they all find safety on the island of Melita.
Philippians 1:12-14: Paul speaks about his chains advancing the Gospel by influencing the guards.

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words in this verse include:

"centurion" (κεντυρίων - kentyrion): a Roman officer in command of a hundred soldiers.
"kept from" (κωλύω - koluo): to prevent or restrain.
"purpose" (βούλημα - boulema): will, intention, or decree.
"swim" (κολυμβάω - kolymbao): to swim or dive.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, this act of Paul's salvation from a shipwreck might be seen alongside other legendary salvations at sea, such as the Greek myth of Odysseus surviving his long journey home, though the contexts are quite different.

Within the broader scope of religious writings, acts of providential rescue are common themes that instill hope and demonstrate divine favor or intervention.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of shipwrecks and survival at sea may offer insights into the practicalities of surviving such a disaster in ancient times.

Understanding hypothermia, the mechanics of swimming and floating, and the physiology of stress responses in crisis situations can enrich readers' appreciation of the dramatic survival story narrated in Acts 27.

Commentaries

Experts and biblical scholars offer various perspectives on Acts 27:43:

Some suggest that the centurion's actions reflect Roman military discipline and the respect he had gained for Paul.
Others focus on the fulfillment of God's promise to Paul that he would testify in Rome, seeing the centurion's decision as part of God's providential care.
Still, others perceive this narrative as a theological lesson on God's sovereignty and the idea that human efforts are necessary but ultimately under divine control.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:43 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 27:43 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?