Acts27
English Standard Version
1 it was that should , they to a of the .
2 a of , which was to to the the coast of , we , , a from .
3 day we . and to his and be cared .
4 putting out to from we the lee of , the against .
5 when we had the along the of , we in .
6 the a of and .
7 for a of and arrived with , and as the did to go farther, we the lee of .
8 with difficulty, we , the of .
9 had , the even the , ,
10 , , I the will , of the the , of .
11 the paid the to the owner of the to .
12 because the not to spend the , the to put out to , on the chance that they reach , a of , , and spend the there.
13 when the , that they had their , they and , close to the shore.
14 a , the , the .
15 when the was the , we gave way to it and were .
16 the lee of a , we with to the .
17 up, they to the . , they would the , they the , and they were along.
18 were , they began the day to the .
19 on the day they the overboard with their own .
20 for , us, of being at .
21 they had been for , and , , have and have .
22 I to , there will of , only of the .
23 this there an of the to I whom I ,
24and he , Do not be , ; . , has those who you.
25 , , I have will I have been .
26 .
27 the had , as were being the , the that were .
28 they took a and . on they took a .
29 we the , they let the and for to come.
30 as the were to the , had the the under of the ,
31 to the the , men the , be .
32 the the of the .
33 was about to , them to some , , is the that you have in and , .
34 I to some . will , a is to the of of .
35 when he had , he , and giving to in the of he it and to .
36 they some .
37( in the .)
38 when they had , they the , the the .
39 it , they did the , they a a , they to the ashore.
40 they the and them the , at the the that tied the . the to the they the .
41 a , they the . The and , the was being up the .
42 ’ the , should and .
43 the , to , from carrying out their . those who to and the ,
44 the the . it that were to .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Acts 27.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Paul's voyage towards Rome. (1–11). Paul and his companions endangered by a tempest. (12–20). He receives a Divine assurance of safety. (21–29). Paul encourages those with him. (30–38). They are shipwrecked. (39–44).
vv1-11
It was determined by the counsel of God, before it was determined by the counsel of Festus, that Paul should go to Rome; for God had work for him to do there. The course they steered, and the places they touched at, are here set down. And God here encourages those who suffer for him, to trust in him; for he can put it into the hearts of those to befriend them, from whom they least expect it. Sailors must make the best of the wind: and so must we all in our passage over the ocean of this world. When the winds are contrary, yet we must be getting forward as well as we can. Many who are not driven backward by cross providences, do not get forward by favourable providences. And many real Christians complain as to the concerns of their souls, that they have much ado to keep their ground. Every fair haven is not a safe haven. Many show respect to good ministers, who will not take their advice. But the event will convince sinners of the vanity of their hopes, and the folly of their conduct.
vv12-20
Those who launch forth on the ocean of this world, with a fair gale, know not what storms they may meet with; and therefore must not easily take it for granted that they have obtained their purpose. Let us never expect to be quite safe till we enter heaven. They saw neither sun nor stars for many days. Thus melancholy sometimes is the condition of the people of God as to their spiritual matters; they walk in darkness, and have no light. See what the wealth of this world is: though coveted as a blessing, the time may come when it will be a burden; not only too heavy to be carried safely, but heavy enough to sink him that has it. The children of this world can be prodigal of their goods for the saving their lives, yet are sparing of them in works of piety and charity, and in suffering for Christ. Any man will rather make shipwreck of his goods than of his life; but many rather make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, than of their goods. The means the sailors used did not succeed; but when sinners give up all hope of saving themselves, they are prepared to understand God's word, and to trust in his mercy through Jesus Christ.
vv21-29
They did not hearken to the apostle when he warned them of their danger; yet if they acknowledge their folly, and repent of it, he will speak comfort and relief to them when in danger. Most people bring themselves into trouble, because they do not know when they are well off; they come to harm and loss by aiming to mend their condition, often against advice. Observe the solemn profession Paul made of relation to God. No storms or tempests can hinder God's favour to his people, for he is a Help always at hand. It is a comfort to the faithful servants of God when in difficulties, that as long as the Lord has any work for them to do, their lives shall be prolonged. If Paul had thrust himself needlessly into bad company, he might justly have been cast away with them; but God calling him into it, they are preserved with him. They are given thee; there is no greater satisfaction to a good man than to know he is a public blessing. He comforts them with the same comforts wherewith he himself was comforted. God is ever faithful, therefore let all who have an interest in his promises be ever cheerful. As, with God, saying and doing are not two things, believing and enjoying should not be so with us. Hope is an anchor of the soul, sure and stedfast, entering into that within the veil. Let those who are in spiritual darkness hold fast by that, and think not of putting to sea again, but abide by Christ, and wait till the day break, and the shadows flee away.
Key Words
δέ (dé): but, and, etc.
ὡς (hōs): which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
κρίνω (krínō): by implication, to try, condemn, punish
ἡμᾶς (hēmâs): us
ἀποπλέω (apopléō): to set sail
εἰς (eis): to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰταλία (Italía): Italia, a region of Europe
Παῦλος (Paûlos): (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὶς (tìs): some or any person or object
Cross References
Acts 27Establishes Aristarchus's identity as Paul's long-term travel companion since the Ephesian riot.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Identifies 'the fast' as the Jewish Day of Atonement, marking late autumn's dangerous sailing season.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Fulfills the Lord's prior personal promise that Paul must bear witness to Christ in Rome.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Parallel instance of mariners desperately lightening a ship in a life-threatening storm.
Supported by Matthew Henry
A traditional Hebrew idiom signifying complete safety and absolute preservation from physical harm.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Echoes early Christian practice of breaking bread and giving thanks in fellowship.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Demonstrates the principle of God sparing others for the sake of His righteous servant.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Spiritualizes the ship's physical anchors as representing the believer's sure and steadfast hope.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Confirms Aristarchus remained with Paul, later becoming his fellow prisoner in Rome.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Parallel where God hurls a mighty tempestuous wind upon the sea.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Poetically describes the extreme terror and loss of hope experienced by sailors in tempests.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Shows the ordained end of safety required using the prescribed human means.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Scriptural mandate for the autumn fast when souls were afflicted on the tenth day.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Identifies the predicted island where they must be cast away as Melita (Malta).
Supported by JFB