Acts 27

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Summary. In this chapter, the apostle Paul is on his journey to Rome. The Lord God Almighty is in control of Paul’s life, and everything unfolds according to His plan. God lifts up His apostle in the presence of the two hundred seventy-six souls aboard the ship. Acts 27:1-8. The apostle Paul begins his journey to Rome. The apostle Paul and other prisoners were placed on a ship, guarded by a centurion named Julius, to travel to Italy. They stopped at various ports, changed ships at Myra of Lycia, and sailed with difficulty to Fair Havens. Acts 27:9-13. The apostle Paul warns the men about the dangers of continuing their journey and encourages them to stay in Fair Havens for the winter. However, the centurion and many of the men on the ship are unwilling to heed Paul’s advice. Acts 27:14-38. The ship is facing the storm at sea. After leaving Fair Havens, the ship was caught in a storm. As the situation worsened, everyone focused on how to keep the ship afloat and moving with the current, starting by throwing overboard what was unimportant. Panic soon gripped the men on the ship. In this moment of crisis, the Lord God Almighty lifted up His apostle, who became seen as the blessed man receiving guidance from God. He encouraged the men and testified that the Lord had sent His angel to deliver a message: all would be saved and land on an island, but they would lose the ship. Acts 27:39-44. The shipwreck and the landing. The Lord God Almighty had a plan for everyone to see and respect the apostle as His mighty man. The weather and nature may work against humans, but everything works according to the plan of the Lord. The ship ran aground and was damaged, but the centurion, wanting to save Paul, instructed everyone to swim or use floating objects. The wind and water currents carried everyone to shore; no lives were lost, and the word of the Lord was fulfilled.
1 And when our sailing to Italy was determined, they delivered both Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the cohort of Augustus.
Comments Acts 27:1 At the right time, the Lord God Almighty sent His apostle with the right people in order to reach the destination, and the people who traveled with the apostle would also have a chance to be saved. The Lord God Almighty will use His apostle in every place and situation.
2 Then, embarking on a ship of Adramyttium, being about to sail to places along Asia, we set sail -- Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
Comments Acts 27:2 “Then, embarking on a ship ...” The life of the apostle was under the Lord God Almighty’s protection; the boat that will be used to take the apostle to the place must be the right one, and all situations will be under the protection of the Lord.
“Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.” The mercy of the Lord had brought a faithful companion to be on the same boat with the apostle. The Lord God Almighty had mercy on everyone who traveled with the apostle on this trip.
3 And next we landed at Sidon; and Julius, having treated Paul kindly, allowed him to go to his friends to receive care.
Comments Acts 27:3 The ones who treated the apostle with care, the Lord God Almighty had a purpose to save not only the physical but also the soul. The soldier allowed the apostle to receive care from friends. When the boat stopped for a supply refill, the apostle could go and visit other believers to receive care. The centurion, with the Lord God Almighty working in his heart, trusted the apostle, knowing that even if he granted the apostle freedom, the apostle would not escape but would return. The gentle heart of the centurion was not from himself alone; the ear received the good news, which made the heart gentle, and he put trust and belief in the guidance.
4 And having set sail from there, we sailed under Cyprus, because of the winds being contrary.
5 And having sailed across the open sea along Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra of Lycia.
6 And there, the centurion, having found a ship of Alexandria sailing to Italy, he placed us into it.
7 Now, having sailed slowly for many days, and with difficulty having arrived off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us, we sailed under Crete, off Salmone;
8 and with difficulty coasting along it, we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, to which close was the city of Lasea.
9 Now much time having passed, and the sailing being now dangerous, because even the Fast was now already passed, Paul advised them,
Comments Acts 27:4-9 Because the sailing faced many situations, the time stretched out further. Now, when they reached this place, where the Lord God Almighty had planned for the apostle to be and to do his duty, the apostle told all people that the time is limited, that the weather also does not permit sailing further; the place to stop is here for now.
10 saying to them, Men, I perceive that the sailing is about to be with harm from insolence and much loss, not only of the load and of the ship, but also of our lives.
Comments Acts 27:10 The Lord God Almighty gave His apostle wisdom to give everyone the reason why sailing should be stopped, because by telling about things around them, they can be replaced, but their own lives cannot be replaced; so, he advised them to think carefully about whether to go or to stop.
11 But the centurion was persuaded by the captain and by the owner of the ship, rather than by Paul's speech.
Comments Acts 27:11 The centurion was more concerned with his own safety than with the safety of the prisoners, and he wanted to listen to what the shipmaster was telling him, even though, in his heart, the spoken word of the apostle had been guiding him to pay attention to what the apostle had spoken.
12 And the harbor being unsuitable to winter in, the more part gave advise to set sail from there; somehow, they might be able to arrive at Phoenix, and winter; a harbor of Crete, looking toward the southwest and toward the northwest.
Comments Acts 27:12 Humans use their eyes and minds to judge the weather, but neither of them has knowledge of what the weather could be like tomorrow. People always think they know what kind of weather the Lord God Almighty will bring tomorrow. By looking at the sky and feeling the wind, people believe they know what the weather will be like. But all humans should think first: who controls the weather? The Lord God Almighty is the One who orders the weather. The winds and the water receive orders from the Creator.
13 Now the south wind having blown gently, having thought they had obtained their purpose, having weighed anchor, they sailed near Crete.
14 However, after not a long time, there beat down from it a tempestuous wind, called the Northeaster;
15 and the ship having been caught, and not being able to face into the wind, having given way, we were driven.
Comments Acts 27:13-15 The apostle had given the word of warning, but humans believe in what they see and think; the sky looked calm, the sea silent, and the hearts of men forgot who controls the weather. Suddenly facing a difficult time, the minds of men were filled with fear. The human mind, when facing problems, will think to ask for help, and the only place they have is the Lord God Almighty. But their warning was not from what they believed but from the apostle who did not have the same belief as them, but proclaimed the name of the Lord God Almighty.
16 Then having run under a certain island called Cauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat under control;
17 and when they had hoisted it up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; then, fearing lest they should be cast into the Syrtis, having lowered the gear, thus they were driven along.
Comments Acts 27:16-17 Now, when the ship faced a difficult time, everyone on the ship began to fear for their lives, and this made them think back to the word the apostle had told them. But at this point, the fear was not for the ship but for their own lives, and everyone started looking for help, each doing what they had done when problems came. Their minds were thinking of the apostle’s warning, but also of the way they used to do things, how to survive.
18 Now, as we labored exceedingly with the storm, on the next day, they began to make a casting out;
19 and on the third day, they cast out with their own hands the tackle of the ship.
Comments Acts 27:18-19 When the situation grew worse, everyone was thinking about how to keep the ship moving with the current, and they started by throwing away what was not important. Everyone was thinking only of how to keep the ship afloat; to go along with the wind, they tried to make way to keep the ship from sinking.
20 And neither sun nor stars appearing for many days, and no small storm lying on us, from then on, all hope was removed of our being saved.
Comments Acts 27:20 The time of panic had come upon all humans on the ship; their hope disappeared. The weather, the waves beating up on the ship, nature beating up on humans’ hearts to believe in their own ways; this is the point for humans to realize that safety is not in their own hands but in the Lord God Almighty’s alone.
21 And there having been long fasting, then Paul, having stood up in the midst of them, said, O men, it behooved you, indeed, having been obedient to me, not to have set sail from Crete and to have incurred this disaster and loss.
Comments Acts 27:21 “And there having been long fasting.” When humans offer sacrifice by fasting, the Lord God Almighty receives them with joy.
“Paul, having stood up in the midst of them.” Now, the apostle projected himself in the eyes of everyone as the blessed man who received advice from the Lord God Almighty and the way to be safe for all.
“O men, it behooved you, indeed, ...” Also, the apostle reminded everyone of the words which he had spoken before this trouble came upon them, that they had been warned not set sail until the proper time came.
22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer; for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
Comments Acts 27:22 Humans are concerned about their lives, and now the apostle’s words have cheered them: their lives are safe; only the boat and the things of this world will be lost.
23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve,
Comments Acts 27:23 The apostle testified to people all around him that the Lord God Almighty, whom he serves, appeared to him. This angel represents the word of the Lord for the apostle. The Lord God Almighty blessed His apostle to see with his physical eyes the angel of the Lord.
24 saying, Fear not, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted to you all those sailing with you.
Comments Acts 27:24 “Saying, Fear not, Paul; you must.” The Lord God Almighty told His apostle that he must stand in front of Caesar, and the Lord will also give His apostle the words to speak.
“And behold, God has granted ...” The Lord God Almighty let the apostle know that the lives of everyone on this ship will also be spared, and the apostle can tell them that their lives will be safe.
25 Therefore, men, be of good cheer; for I believe God, that thus it will be, according to the way it has been spoken to me.
26 However, we must fall out upon a certain island.
Comments Acts 27:25-26 The apostle spoke with confidence, for everyone to hear, that all he told them came from the Lord God Almighty. They will all reach an island where they can stop the ship for safety. And he also repeated to them what the Lord God Almighty told him would happen.
27 Then, when the fourteenth night had come, we being driven through in the Adriatic, about the middle of the night, the sailors began sensing they were drawing near to some land;
Comments Acts 27:27 With the mercy of the Lord God Almighty, now the boat, driven by the wind power, came to a safe area, and the people noticed that they were close to the land where the ship could go and stop.
28 and having taken soundings, they found twenty fathoms; and having gone a little farther, and again having taken soundings, they found fifteen fathoms.
29 Then, fearing lest we might fall somewhere on rocky places, having thrown four anchors out of the stern, they were praying for the day to come.
Comments Acts 27:28-29 The boatmen, with their knowledge, checked the water depth for the ship to pass through. After checking, when they noticed the water depth was not enough for the ship, the human action sought help, and all, in one heart, together prayed to the Lord God Almighty, seeking help.
30 Then, as the sailors were seeking to flee out of the ship, and had let down the lifeboat into the sea, under the pretense of being about to cast out the anchors from the foreship,
Comments Acts 27:30 When the people saw that their lives were in danger, they pretended to do a good deed in order that they themselves could escape alone.
31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, If these do not remain in the ship, you cannot be saved.
Comments Acts 27:31 The apostle, with the guidance of the Lord God Almighty, gave a warning to the centurion and soldiers that, for themselves to be saved, they must keep everyone in the boat. If anyone strayed away from the boat, none would be saved.
32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the lifeboat, and let her fall off.
Comments Acts 27:32 The word the apostle spoke through the Holy Spirit took root in the soldiers’ hearts themselves. In order to follow the advice of the apostle to save their lives, the soldiers cut away the lifeboat, which meant to cut off the help for themselves as well. This action showed all the people on the boat that the soldiers who controlled their lives on this boat followed the advice that the Lord God Almighty gave to His apostle.
33 Then, until the day was about to come, Paul exhorted all to take food, saying, Today you continue the fourteenth day watching without food, having taken nothing.
34 Therefore, I exhort you to take food; indeed, this is for your safety; for not one hair from your head will perish.
Comments Acts 27:33-34 The apostle spoke with great confidence in front of all; in his words, he encouraged everyone that indeed the Lord God Almighty will protect all, and that everyone will be safe, as the verse told all: not even a hair of their heads will perish. This saying gave more confidence to the hearers that if the Lord God Almighty cares for one single thing of the body, their life will not perish.
35 Now having said these, and having taken bread, he gave thanks to God in front of all; and having broken it, he began to eat.
Comments Acts 27:35 “Now having said these, and ...” Give attention to the action of the apostle. In front of all people, by giving thanks to the Lord God Almighty and breaking the bread, the apostle invited everyone to take communion, glorifying the Lord God Almighty for all things.
“And having broken it, he began to eat.” By eating the bread with thanksgiving, it showed all people that their health would be well. When you take communion with thanksgiving, the Lord will receive your fast as an offering in appreciation.
36 Then, all having been encouraged, they also took food.
37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred seventy-six souls.
Comments Acts 27:36-37 The apostle, speaking by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, gave courage to everyone on the ship that all will be saved, no life will perish.
38 Then having been filled with food, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.
39 Now, when it was day, they knew not the land; however, they observed a certain bay having a shore, on which they determined to drive the ship if they should be able.
40 And having cut away the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time loosing the ropes of the rudders; and having raised up the foresail to the blowing wind, they began making for the shore.
41 However, having fallen into a place between two seas, they ran the ship aground; and indeed, the foreship struck and remained immovable, but the stern was broken up by the violence.
Comments Acts 27:40-41 The Lord God Almighty had a plan for everyone to see and respect the apostle as His mighty man. The weather and nature may work against humans, but everything works according to the plan of the Lord, and the Lord God Almighty’s plan to lift up the apostle will begin in the hardship of everyone (see verses 23 to 26).
42 And the counsel of the soldiers was that they should kill the prisoners, lest anyone should swim away, and escape.
43 But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, prevented them from the purpose; and he commanded those being able to swim, having cast themselves off first, to get out to the land;
Comments Acts 27:43 “But the centurion, desiring to save Paul.” The Lord God Almighty worked in the gentle heart of the centurion to have attachment with the apostle and was willing to do under his authority to save the apostle from harm.
“Prevented them from the purpose ...” At the same time, the Lord God Almighty gave intelligence to the centurion to be able to save himself by giving the order to everyone to swim out from the ship to save their lives, in order to cover his own wish to save the apostle alone.
44 and the rest, some indeed on planks, and some on things from the ship. And thus, it came to pass that all were brought safely to the land.
Comments Acts 27:44 “And the rest, some indeed on planks ...” Everyone could find something to help them float and reach the land safely. The word of the Lord God Almighty, through the apostle’s mouth, that everybody will be safe, was fulfilled; when they put their trust in the word of the Lord God Almighty, all were safe.
“And thus, it came to pass ...” The wind and the current of the water washed everyone on the shore; no life perished, and the word of the Lord had been fulfilled.
Life and faith applications. 1) When we serve the Lord, we must pray, surrender ourselves to Him, and trust Him in all situations. 2) We must all believe that the Lord God Almighty is in control of the weather, and we should always listen to His voice when facing weather challenges. 3) Whenever we face difficult situations in our lives, we should offer a sacrifice to the Lord through fasting, as the Lord God Almighty receives these sacrifices with joy. 4) If the Lord speaks to us with words of warning or encouragement, we should always deliver His messages as soon as possible. 5) If we are entrusted with people’s lives, we must honor and value all lives and do everything in our power to rescue anyone in danger.