PrevActs 27:9Next

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 27:9 mean?

Explanation

Acts 27:9 refers to a specific moment during the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome, where he is a prisoner onboard a ship.

The verse highlights the dangers of sailing after the "fast," indicating that seasonal weather made sea travel risky.

The "fast" mentioned here is typically understood to be the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), a Jewish holy day occurring in late September or early October.

Sailing conditions after this period, leading into the winter months, were known to be treacherous in the Mediterranean Sea.

Paul, sensing the dangers, advised others on the ship against continuing their journey at this time.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament and details the actions of the Apostles after Jesus' resurrection and ascension.

Acts 27 gives an account of Paul's voyage to Rome, where he is to stand trial.

During that time, sea travel in the Mediterranean was generally closed between November and March due to rough and unpredictable weather.

The reference to the “fast” as being already past gives a chronological marker that situates the events in the narrative to the autumn season, a time when sailing would indeed become more dangerous.

Theological Insights

Theological reflections on this verse may vary.

Some scholars see in Paul's admonishment a demonstration of his leadership and concern for the welfare of others, including his captors.

Others may interpret this moment as a sign of God's providential care for Paul and the furtherance of the Gospel, as Paul's journey, though fraught with difficulties, leads to significant opportunities for witness and ministry.

Yet another angle is the sovereignty of God in divine protection through natural circumstances, and how the Spirit may grant wisdom to His people to navigate potential perils.

Practical Applications

This verse exemplifies the practical wisdom of being attentive to both spiritual insights and common sense, recognizing times when it's prudent to abstain from certain actions due to potential dangers.

It also suggests the importance of listening to wise counsel and considering the risks involved in our decisions.

In daily life, this might translate to taking precautions in the face of warnings, whether they are related to weather, health, finances, or other important matters.

Cross-References

Acts 27:10 - "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."
Proverbs 22:3 - "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished."
Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
Proverbs 27:12 - "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished."

Language Study

The Greek term for "fast" in this verse is "νηστεία" (nēsteia), referring specifically to the practice of fasting. In the context of Jewish culture at that time, this would align with the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur, a day devoted to fasting and repentance.

"Admonished" translates as "παραινέω" (paraineō), which means to advise, warn, or counsel with the connotation of doing so earnestly or gently.

"Sailing was now dangerous" is expressed by "πλοῦς ἤδη ἐπισφαλής" (ploos ēdē episphalēs), highlighting that the act of sailing was now risky or perilous.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of noting seasons and their impact on human activity is common across various cultures and religions.

For instance, many agrarian societies have calendars structured around planting and harvesting seasons, just as maritime cultures might have recognized times of the year when sailing was inadvisable.

In the Jewish culture, aligning activities with religious observances was and still is common, as with the Day of Atonement serving as a marker for seasonal change.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern meteorological understanding confirms that certain times of the year bring increased risks for maritime travel, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea.

The verse's reference to dangerous sailing after the "fast" is consistent with the fact that the region experiences harsher weather conditions as winter approaches. Today's shipping routes and sailing practices continue to be influenced by seasonal weather patterns.

Commentaries

Various commentators have noted the practical wisdom of Paul's counsel in Acts 27:9 and his attention to the physical realities confronting the ship's company.

Matthew Henry's Commentary highlights Paul's concern for the safety of others, and the Benson Commentary notes the accuracy of Paul's prediction, affirming his role as a teacher and guide.

The Pulpit Commentary discusses the reliability of Luke, the author of Acts, in recording accurately the sequence of events and Paul's forewarning, which adds to the historical veracity of the narrative.

Acts 27

Acts 27

What does Acts 27:9 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 27:9 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?