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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 27:5 mean?

Explanation

[Acts 27:5] refers to a journey taken by Paul, the author of many books in the New Testament.

In this verse, Paul is narrating part of his travel by ship across the Mediterranean Sea.

He and his companions sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia before arriving at Myra, which is in the region of Lycia.

The literal meaning is straightforward: it describes part of the travel route taken by Paul and those with him.

The deeper significance of this verse, however, lies in the context of Paul’s mission and travels as a part of spreading the Christian faith during the 1st century A.D.

His voyages were often perilous, and they illustrate the lengths to which early Christians went to disseminate their teachings and establish communities of believers across the Roman Empire.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

At the time of Paul's voyages narrated in the Acts of the Apostles, the Mediterranean Sea was a vital conduit for trade and travel within the Roman Empire.

Cilicia and Pamphylia were regions in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), while Myra was an important port city in the region of Lycia.

This particular part of Paul's journey would have been typical for sea travel in the ancient Mediterranean, reflecting the routes used by traders and other travelers.

Paul's maritime voyages were crucial to the expansion of early Christianity. During these journeys, he encountered various dangers and challenges, which are further elaborated upon in subsequent verses of Acts 27.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Paul's hazardous journeys can be seen as a physical manifestation of his spiritual determination and commitment to God's call.

The act of venturing across perilous seas demonstrates the early Christian community's reliance on Divine Providence.

It also serves as a metaphor for the spread of the Gospel and its capability to traverse diverse cultural and geographic boundaries.

The theological message also incorporates the idea of God's sovereignty even over the elements of nature and the fates of nations, as Paul's ministry was carried forward under Divine protection despite natural and human obstacles.

Practical Applications

"The teachings of Acts 27:5 can be metaphorically applied to the life of believers.

Just as Paul faced literal storms and unpredictable seas, believers today are often confronted with the uncertainties and trials of life.

The application is to have perseverance and faith, holding the course as set by one's beliefs and goals, even when the journey becomes difficult.

Additionally, this verse can encourage modern Christians involved in evangelism or mission work, showing that hardships and travels are longstanding components of faith propagation endeavors.

Cross-References

Acts 27:1: "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."
Acts 27:13-14: "And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

Not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon."

Acts 15:39: "And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;"

Language Study

A detailed analysis of the original Greek language provides further insight into this verse. The key terms here would be:

"Sailed over" (διαπλέω - diapleo): This verb conveys the action of sailing across or through an area.
"Sea" (θάλασσα - thalassa): Common term for sea, often used in accounts of travel in ancient literature.
"Cilicia" (Κιλικία - Kilikia) and "Pamphylia" (Παμφυλία - Pamphylia): Names of the regions.
"Myra" (Μύρα - Myra): The city in Lycia, an important ancient port.
"Lycia" (Λυκία - Lukia): The region where Myra was located.

These terms underline the geographical precision in Luke's writing, as he documents the specific regions and places Paul traveled through.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The narrative of religious figures embarking on perilous journeys for their mission is a recurring theme across various cultures and religions.

In the case of Paul, the parallels can occasionally be drawn with Buddhist missionaries who traveled across Asia to spread their teachings or the pilgrimages made in Islam to holy cities such as Mecca.

The dedication to a cause despite the risks involved is a motif that resonates broadly across human experience, highlighting both the physical and spiritual dimensions of religious commitment.

Scientific Perspectives

Analyzing this verse from a scientific perspective involves understanding ancient maritime practices and routes in the Mediterranean Sea.

Navigation techniques of the time relied on knowledge of the stars, the sun, and the coastline.

Understanding seasonal winds and currents was critical to safe and successful sea travel.

Moreover, modern archaeological efforts help corroborate the descriptions of ancient places and routes described in the Bible, providing empirical validation to biblical narratives.

Commentaries

Various bible scholars and theologians have commented on Acts 27:5:

John Calvin sees the journey's difficulty as part of God's plan to test Paul's endurance and faith.
Matthew Henry comments on the meticulous detail Luke provides, confirming the authenticity of the account.
The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes the geographical accuracy of Luke’s account, which reflects his aim for historical precision and his possible access to firsthand travel information.

These diverse interpretations underscore the historical, spiritual, and scholarly interest that such a brief verse can inspire among readers of the Bible.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:5 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 27:5 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?