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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 27:7 mean?

Explanation

Acts 27:7 refers to a part of the journey the apostle Paul was taking as a prisoner to Rome, where he was to stand trial before Caesar.

In this verse, the writer, traditionally identified as Luke, describes the difficult sailing conditions the ship faced.

Sailing was "slow" over many days, which suggests adverse winds or weather.

They passed by Cnidus, a city on the southwestern coast of Asia Minor, but the winds were unfavorable, preventing direct travel.

Consequently, they had to navigate under the lee of Crete, near Salmone, to gain some shelter from the winds.

The verse details the challenging nature of sea travel in ancient times, particularly in the face of contrary winds.

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Historical Context

The verse is set during the first century AD, in the ancient Mediterranean, a context where sea travel was the fastest means of long-distance transportation but was highly dependent on favorable weather and winds.

The journey took place towards the end of Paul's missionary work, after he had been arrested in Jerusalem and was being sent to Rome for his appeal to Caesar.

The mention of Cnidus and Crete locates the narrative within a concrete geographical setting that was well-known in the Roman world for sea trade and travel.

Theological Insights

This verse demonstrates Providence and God's sovereignty even during difficult circumstances.

From a theological perspective, the delayed and complicated voyage illustrates that challenges may occur in the fulfillment of God's plans but they do not thwart them. For followers of Paul, this was a tangible demonstration that their faith should not waver because of hindrances or slow progress.

Practical Applications

The recounting of difficulties faced by Paul and his companions during their voyage can serve to encourage believers to have patience in times of trials and to trust in God's timing.

It serves as a reminder that achieving meaningful goals often requires perseverance through adversity.

Modern readers could relate this to any journey or long-term project they undertake, encouraging them to stay the course despite setbacks.

Cross-References

Acts 27:4 - "And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary."
Acts 27:14-15 - "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."

Acts 27:20 - "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."

Language Study

"Sailed slowly" refers to the difficulty in making headway against the wind.

The original Greek term used is "βραδυπλοούντες" (braduploountes), which combines "βραδύς" (slow) with "πλοούντες" (sailing).

"Come over against Cnidus" indicates reaching the area opposite or near Cnidus. "Κνίδον" (Knidon) is the accusative case of Cnidus, denoting motion to or toward it.
"Not suffering us" implies the wind being adverse.

The Greek phrase "μὴ προσεῶντος ἡμᾶς" (me proseontos hemas) conveys the wind not allowing or permitting them to take the direct route.

"We sailed under Crete" means they sailed under the shelter or lee of the island of Crete.

In Greek, "ὑπεπλεύσαμεν τὴν Κρήτην" (hupepleusamen ten Kretén) is used for "sailed under Crete," suggesting sailing close to the coastline for protection.

"Salmone" is identified as a promontory on the eastern part of Crete.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient Mediterranean culture, sea travel occupied a significant role, both in mythology and everyday life.

The challenges of seafaring in mythological stories, such as the voyages of Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey, echo the real dangers recounted in Acts.

These narratives often emphasized the will of the gods in the success or failure of maritime endeavors, whereas Acts highlights the role of the Christian God in guiding and protecting Paul within a similar context of peril.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse indicates real meteorological challenges that were common in ancient seafaring.

The Mediterranean is known for its unpredictable weather and sudden storms, particularly the meltemi winds which can impede sailing.

Modern meteorology would analyze these patterns and could offer insight into the type of weather conditions Paul's vessel could have faced.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators offer insights into this verse.

Some focus on the geography mentioned, providing details on ancient sailing routes and prevailing wind patterns.

Others underscore the perseverance of Paul and his companions in the face of difficult circumstances.

Several commentaries bring out the method Luke uses to recount these travels, often comparing his precise style to other ancient historians, and his attention to detail which underlines the historicity of the account.

They may also discuss the providential care of God over Paul's journey, using the challenging circumstances to build up the faith of the early Christians and the readers of Acts.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:7 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 27:7 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?