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 Cesar: 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.
Acts 27 recounts one of the most thrilling and detailed sea voyages in all of literature, a journey fraught with peril, yet ultimately marked by God's providential care. This chapter isn't just a gripping adventure story; it's a powerful illustration of faith, leadership, and God's unwavering commitment to His purposes. The events of Acts 27 underscore the truth that even in the midst of life's fiercest storms, God's presence and promises remain steadfast. This chapter also highlights the importance of listening to godly counsel, even when it contradicts popular opinion.
Context: Paul's Journey to Rome
Twice the Sanhedrin brought unfounded charges against Paul. In both cases, the ruling governor knew Paul was innocent but refused to let him go. Finally, Paul appealed his case to Caesar (Acts 24:22–27; 25:1–12). He, Luke, Aristarchus, and 273 others sail for Rome. But they shipwreck on a reef off the island of Malta. When they finally reach Rome, Paul will meet with Jewish leaders and tell them how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah. Some will believe and some won't. This leads Paul to resolve, once again, to focus his efforts on the Gentiles (Acts 28).
Paul's journey to Rome was no ordinary trip. It was a divinely ordained mission, a fulfillment of God's promise to him in Acts 23:11 that he would testify about Jesus in Rome. What began as a legal transfer of a prisoner to face trial before Caesar, transformed into a dramatic demonstration of God's power and faithfulness.
Setting Sail: Acts 27:1-8
Acts 27:1-8 records the calm part of this trip. Luke and Aristarchus have rejoined Paul. Paul, along with other prisoners, is under the watchful eye of Julius, a centurion. Luke records their voyage. They sail north from Caesarea to Sidon where Julius allows Paul to visit friends. From Caesarea, they sailed north to Sidon, then around the island of Cyprus to land at Myra in Asia Minor. There they transferred to another ship (27:2-6). They had great difficulty reaching the island of Crete, eventually stopping at a port called Fair Havens (27:7-8). The presence of Luke, indicated by the use of "we" (27:1-2), provides us with an eyewitness account, adding vivid detail and authenticity to the narrative. Julius's initial kindness towards Paul, allowing him to visit friends in Sidon (27:3), hints at the respect Paul garnered even among those in authority.
A Warning Ignored: Acts 27:9-12
As the sailing season waned, Paul, drawing on his extensive maritime experience (2 Corinthians 11:25), wisely advised the crew to winter at Fair Havens. The Day of Atonement was already over, meaning it was late in the year (27:9). So Paul thought it advisable to spend the winter there, foreseeing disaster if they continued—loss of the cargo, the ship, and their lives (27:10). Unfortunately, his counsel was disregarded in favor of the captain and owner's assessment that Fair Havens was an unsuitable winter harbor. They preferred to winter in Phoenix, a harbor that was further west on the coast of Crete (27:12). But listening to the “professional” rather than the man with a connection to God would prove costly.
This passage presents a timeless lesson: heeding godly wisdom is crucial, even when it contradicts prevailing opinions. Paul was not outside of God’s will. He had been obedient to the Lord, seeking to take his case to Rome, which was exactly where God wanted him to go (see 23:11). Paul gave good advice to the centurion, but it was rejected. As a result, the crew and passengers of the ship were about to enter a terrible storm. So, clearly, being in a storm does not mean you’re out of God’s will. Sometimes, it’s exactly where he wants you to be so that he can accomplish his purposes in you and through you (see commentary on Mark 4:35-37). The consequences of ignoring wise counsel are often severe.
The Storm Unleashed: Acts 27:13-20
A gentle south wind initially lulled them into a false sense of security, but soon they encountered a fierce wind and were driven along (27:13-15). The storm, a northeaster known as a "gregale," relentlessly battered the ship, pushing it further and further off course. Having difficulty controlling the heavy ship, the crew tried everything to keep it from running aground (27:16-17). Eventually, they started tossing the cargo and the ship’s tackle (the rigging and equipment) overboard to lighten the load (27:18-19). The storm raged for many days, and finally all hope was fading (27:20).
The sailors' desperate measures to save the ship underscore the gravity of their situation. They understood they were in a life-threatening situation. The loss of hope among the crew and passengers reflects the despair that can grip us when we face seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Paul's Assurance: Acts 27:21-26
In the midst of this bleak situation, Paul told them, You men should have followed my advice (27:21)—that is, “I told you so!” But after this slap on the wrist, he urged them to take courage because no lives would be lost, only the ship (27:22). How did he know? God had sent an angel to assure Paul of two things (27:23). First, it was necessary for the apostle to appear before Caesar. God had a mission for Paul, and he wouldn’t die before that mission was accomplished. Second, all of those sailing with Paul would be divinely protected (27:24). They needed no better assurance than that. Paul exhorted them again to have courage because God is faithful to keep his promises (27:25).
Paul's words, delivered with unwavering confidence, provide a beacon of hope in the darkness. He reminds them that God had a purpose for him to stand before Caesar and that God's protection extended to all those on board. This divine assurance serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans cannot be thwarted by storms or circumstances.
Near Land: Acts 27:27-32
During the night, the sailors feared that they were approaching land and might crash on the rocks (27:27-29). So they dropped four anchors to try and keep the ship from running aground (27:29). Panicking, some sailors pretended to let down a smaller boat in order to drop more anchors. But actually they were planning to flee (27:30). When Paul realized what was happening, he warned the centurion that the way to be saved was to remain in the ship, not to abandon it (27:31). So the centurion and his soldiers put a stop to the sailors’ escape plans (27:32). They had finally learned to start listening to Paul.
The sailors' attempted escape reveals their lingering fear and distrust. Paul's intervention, once again heeded by the centurion, highlights his growing influence and the recognition of his divinely-inspired wisdom.
Encouragement and Sustenance: Acts 27:33-38
Two weeks into their ordeal, Paul urged them to eat something, promising them that no one would be harmed (27:33-34). Then he set an example for them by eating some bread himself. Notice that in the midst of their affliction Paul gave thanks to God for the bread in the presence of all of them (27:35). Then they were all encouraged to eat as well (27:36).
Paul's actions demonstrate his compassionate leadership. He not only provides assurance but also practical encouragement, reminding them of their physical needs and setting an example of gratitude to God even in the midst of hardship. When times are hard and you don’t know what God is up to, do you continue to thank him for his provision in your life (see Phil 4:6-7)? Not only will you remind yourself of the goodness of God, but you may also be a witness to those around you that God is worthy of our trust in difficult times. This is why Jesus could give thanks in spite of insufficiency when he fed the five thousand (see John 6:1-14).
Shipwreck and Salvation: Acts 27:39-44
At daybreak, they saw a beach, cut loose the anchors, and ran aground on a sandbar (27:39-41). Unfortunately, the stern of the ship began to break up because of the waves, so they would have to swim for shore (27:41). When they realized this, the soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners so that they couldn’t swim away and escape (27:42). After all, a soldier or guard who allowed a prisoner to get away would forfeit his own life (see 12:6-10, 18-19; 16:26-27). But God providentially protected Paul through the centurion who wanted to save him (27:43). So everyone made it to land safely, either by swimming or floating on debris (27:43-44).
The shipwreck itself underscores the destructive power of the storm, yet it also sets the stage for God's miraculous deliverance. The soldiers' plan to kill the prisoners is thwarted by the centurion's intervention, demonstrating God's providential protection of Paul. The fact that everyone, without exception, reached the shore safely is a testament to God's faithfulness to His promise.
Acts 27 is a powerful reminder that even when life's storms threaten to overwhelm us, God's presence, promises, and purposes remain steadfast. It's a call to heed godly wisdom, to trust in God's provision, and to find hope in the midst of despair, knowing that He is able to bring us safely to the other side.
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 Cesar: 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.
Acts 27 recounts one of the most thrilling and detailed sea voyages in all of literature, a journey fraught with peril, yet ultimately marked by God's providential care. This chapter isn't just a gripping adventure story; it's a powerful illustration of faith, leadership, and God's unwavering commitment to His purposes. The events of Acts 27 underscore the truth that even in the midst of life's fiercest storms, God's presence and promises remain steadfast. This chapter also highlights the importance of listening to godly counsel, even when it contradicts popular opinion.
Context: Paul's Journey to Rome
Twice the Sanhedrin brought unfounded charges against Paul. In both cases, the ruling governor knew Paul was innocent but refused to let him go. Finally, Paul appealed his case to Caesar (Acts 24:22–27; 25:1–12). He, Luke, Aristarchus, and 273 others sail for Rome. But they shipwreck on a reef off the island of Malta. When they finally reach Rome, Paul will meet with Jewish leaders and tell them how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah. Some will believe and some won't. This leads Paul to resolve, once again, to focus his efforts on the Gentiles (Acts 28).
Paul's journey to Rome was no ordinary trip. It was a divinely ordained mission, a fulfillment of God's promise to him in Acts 23:11 that he would testify about Jesus in Rome. What began as a legal transfer of a prisoner to face trial before Caesar, transformed into a dramatic demonstration of God's power and faithfulness.
Setting Sail: Acts 27:1-8
Acts 27:1-8 records the calm part of this trip. Luke and Aristarchus have rejoined Paul. Paul, along with other prisoners, is under the watchful eye of Julius, a centurion. Luke records their voyage. They sail north from Caesarea to Sidon where Julius allows Paul to visit friends. From Caesarea, they sailed north to Sidon, then around the island of Cyprus to land at Myra in Asia Minor. There they transferred to another ship (27:2-6). They had great difficulty reaching the island of Crete, eventually stopping at a port called Fair Havens (27:7-8). The presence of Luke, indicated by the use of "we" (27:1-2), provides us with an eyewitness account, adding vivid detail and authenticity to the narrative. Julius's initial kindness towards Paul, allowing him to visit friends in Sidon (27:3), hints at the respect Paul garnered even among those in authority.
A Warning Ignored: Acts 27:9-12
As the sailing season waned, Paul, drawing on his extensive maritime experience (2 Corinthians 11:25), wisely advised the crew to winter at Fair Havens. The Day of Atonement was already over, meaning it was late in the year (27:9). So Paul thought it advisable to spend the winter there, foreseeing disaster if they continued—loss of the cargo, the ship, and their lives (27:10). Unfortunately, his counsel was disregarded in favor of the captain and owner's assessment that Fair Havens was an unsuitable winter harbor. They preferred to winter in Phoenix, a harbor that was further west on the coast of Crete (27:12). But listening to the “professional” rather than the man with a connection to God would prove costly.
This passage presents a timeless lesson: heeding godly wisdom is crucial, even when it contradicts prevailing opinions. Paul was not outside of God’s will. He had been obedient to the Lord, seeking to take his case to Rome, which was exactly where God wanted him to go (see 23:11). Paul gave good advice to the centurion, but it was rejected. As a result, the crew and passengers of the ship were about to enter a terrible storm. So, clearly, being in a storm does not mean you’re out of God’s will. Sometimes, it’s exactly where he wants you to be so that he can accomplish his purposes in you and through you (see commentary on Mark 4:35-37). The consequences of ignoring wise counsel are often severe.
The Storm Unleashed: Acts 27:13-20
A gentle south wind initially lulled them into a false sense of security, but soon they encountered a fierce wind and were driven along (27:13-15). The storm, a northeaster known as a "gregale," relentlessly battered the ship, pushing it further and further off course. Having difficulty controlling the heavy ship, the crew tried everything to keep it from running aground (27:16-17). Eventually, they started tossing the cargo and the ship’s tackle (the rigging and equipment) overboard to lighten the load (27:18-19). The storm raged for many days, and finally all hope was fading (27:20).
The sailors' desperate measures to save the ship underscore the gravity of their situation. They understood they were in a life-threatening situation. The loss of hope among the crew and passengers reflects the despair that can grip us when we face seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Paul's Assurance: Acts 27:21-26
In the midst of this bleak situation, Paul told them, You men should have followed my advice (27:21)—that is, “I told you so!” But after this slap on the wrist, he urged them to take courage because no lives would be lost, only the ship (27:22). How did he know? God had sent an angel to assure Paul of two things (27:23). First, it was necessary for the apostle to appear before Caesar. God had a mission for Paul, and he wouldn’t die before that mission was accomplished. Second, all of those sailing with Paul would be divinely protected (27:24). They needed no better assurance than that. Paul exhorted them again to have courage because God is faithful to keep his promises (27:25).
Paul's words, delivered with unwavering confidence, provide a beacon of hope in the darkness. He reminds them that God had a purpose for him to stand before Caesar and that God's protection extended to all those on board. This divine assurance serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans cannot be thwarted by storms or circumstances.
Near Land: Acts 27:27-32
During the night, the sailors feared that they were approaching land and might crash on the rocks (27:27-29). So they dropped four anchors to try and keep the ship from running aground (27:29). Panicking, some sailors pretended to let down a smaller boat in order to drop more anchors. But actually they were planning to flee (27:30). When Paul realized what was happening, he warned the centurion that the way to be saved was to remain in the ship, not to abandon it (27:31). So the centurion and his soldiers put a stop to the sailors’ escape plans (27:32). They had finally learned to start listening to Paul.
The sailors' attempted escape reveals their lingering fear and distrust. Paul's intervention, once again heeded by the centurion, highlights his growing influence and the recognition of his divinely-inspired wisdom.
Encouragement and Sustenance: Acts 27:33-38
Two weeks into their ordeal, Paul urged them to eat something, promising them that no one would be harmed (27:33-34). Then he set an example for them by eating some bread himself. Notice that in the midst of their affliction Paul gave thanks to God for the bread in the presence of all of them (27:35). Then they were all encouraged to eat as well (27:36).
Paul's actions demonstrate his compassionate leadership. He not only provides assurance but also practical encouragement, reminding them of their physical needs and setting an example of gratitude to God even in the midst of hardship. When times are hard and you don’t know what God is up to, do you continue to thank him for his provision in your life (see Phil 4:6-7)? Not only will you remind yourself of the goodness of God, but you may also be a witness to those around you that God is worthy of our trust in difficult times. This is why Jesus could give thanks in spite of insufficiency when he fed the five thousand (see John 6:1-14).
Shipwreck and Salvation: Acts 27:39-44
At daybreak, they saw a beach, cut loose the anchors, and ran aground on a sandbar (27:39-41). Unfortunately, the stern of the ship began to break up because of the waves, so they would have to swim for shore (27:41). When they realized this, the soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners so that they couldn’t swim away and escape (27:42). After all, a soldier or guard who allowed a prisoner to get away would forfeit his own life (see 12:6-10, 18-19; 16:26-27). But God providentially protected Paul through the centurion who wanted to save him (27:43). So everyone made it to land safely, either by swimming or floating on debris (27:43-44).
The shipwreck itself underscores the destructive power of the storm, yet it also sets the stage for God's miraculous deliverance. The soldiers' plan to kill the prisoners is thwarted by the centurion's intervention, demonstrating God's providential protection of Paul. The fact that everyone, without exception, reached the shore safely is a testament to God's faithfulness to His promise.
Acts 27 is a powerful reminder that even when life's storms threaten to overwhelm us, God's presence, promises, and purposes remain steadfast. It's a call to heed godly wisdom, to trust in God's provision, and to find hope in the midst of despair, knowing that He is able to bring us safely to the other side.