Acts 27
BSB1 When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. 2 We boarded an Adramyttian ship about to sail for ports along the coast of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us. 3 The next day we landed at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul with consideration, allowing him to visit his friends and receive their care. 4 After putting out from there, we sailed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. 5 And when we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 After sailing slowly for many days, we arrived off Cnidus. When the wind impeded us, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. 8 After we had moved along the coast with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. 9 By now much time had passed, and the voyage had already become dangerous because it was after the Fast. So Paul advised them, 10 “Men, I can see that our voyage will be filled with disaster and great loss, not only to ship and cargo, but to our own lives as well." 11 But contrary to Paul’s advice, the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and by the owner of the ship. 12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to sail on, if somehow they could reach Phoenix to winter there. Phoenix was a harbor in Crete facing both southwest and northwest. 13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had their opportunity. So they weighed anchor and sailed along, hugging the coast of Crete. 14 But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island. 15 Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. So we gave way and let ourselves be driven along. 16 Passing to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we barely managed to secure the lifeboat. 17 After hoisting it up, the crew used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and were driven along. 18 We were tossed so violently that the next day the men began to jettison the cargo. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the great storm continued to batter us, we abandoned all hope of being saved. 21 After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete. Then you would have averted this disaster and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because you will not experience any loss of life, but only of the ship. 23 For just last night an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So take courage, men, for I believe God that it will happen just as He told me. 26 However, we must run aground on some island." 27 On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea. About midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 28 They took soundings and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep. Going a little farther, they took another set of soundings that read fifteen fathoms. 29 Fearing that we would run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak. 30 Meanwhile, the sailors attempted to escape from the ship. Pretending to lower anchors from the bow, they let the lifeboat down into the sea. 31 But Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain with the ship, you cannot be saved." 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and set it adrift. 33 Right up to daybreak, Paul kept urging them all to eat: “Today is your fourteenth day in constant suspense, without taking any food. 34 So for your own preservation, I urge you to eat something, because not a single hair of your head will be lost." 35 After he had said this, Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and took some food themselves. 37 In all, there were 276 of us on board. 38 After the men had eaten their fill, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea. 39 When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they sighted a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40 Cutting away the anchors, they left them in the sea as they loosened the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41 But the vessel struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was being broken up by the pounding of the waves. 42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim to freedom. 43 But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, thwarted their plan. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to follow on planks and various parts of the ship. In this way everyone was brought safely to land.
Study Notes — Acts 27
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Acts 27
- Themes from Acts 27
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Acts 27
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Acts 27 begins with Paul being transported to Rome as a prisoner, accompanied by other prisoners and soldiers. Along the way, they face a severe storm that threatens to destroy the ship. Despite the crew's efforts to save the ship, it runs aground, and all on board must swim to safety. The chapter ends with Paul and his companions being welcomed by the islanders, who provide them with food and shelter. Key verses include Acts 27:21-25, where Paul encourages the crew to have faith in God's promise of deliverance, and Acts 27:31-32, where the soldiers attempt to kill the prisoners to prevent them from escaping. Overall, this chapter demonstrates God's power and providence in the face of adversity.
Context for the Chapter
Acts 27 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Acts, which tells the story of the early Christian church and the spread of the gospel. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes God's sovereignty and providence throughout history. In the context of Paul's journey to Rome, Acts 27 serves as a demonstration of God's power and care for His people, even in the face of adversity and persecution.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of adversity and uncertainty. As we face challenges and storms in our own lives, we can have confidence in God's plan and promise to deliver us, just as He did for Paul and the crew. This requires us to exercise faith, perseverance, and trust in God's goodness and love for us.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Acts 27 tells the story of a severe storm that Paul and his companions faced on their journey to Rome. Despite the danger, Paul trusted in God's promise to save them, and ultimately, all on board were rescued. This chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of adversity, and to have faith in His plan and promise for our lives (Acts 27:21-25).
Voices from the Church
“The storms of life are not to be feared, for they are under the control of the Almighty. As the winds and waves obey Him, so will the trials and troubles of our lives be subject to His sovereign will.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The providence of God is not limited to the grand events of history, but extends to the smallest details of our lives. In the storm of Acts 27, we see a demonstration of God's care and sovereignty over all things.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Journey to Rome (Acts 27:1-8) — Paul is transported to Rome as a prisoner, accompanied by other prisoners and soldiers. They set sail from Caesarea and face a severe storm.
- The Storm (Acts 27:9-20) — The storm intensifies, and the crew attempts to save the ship. Despite their efforts, the ship is unable to withstand the wind and waves.
- Paul's Encouragement (Acts 27:21-26) — Paul encourages the crew to have faith in God's promise of deliverance, citing his own vision from God. He assures them that all on board will be saved, but the ship will be destroyed.
- The Shipwreck (Acts 27:27-32) — The ship runs aground, and all on board must swim to safety. The soldiers attempt to kill the prisoners to prevent them from escaping, but are thwarted by the centurion.
- The Aftermath (Acts 27:33-44) — Paul and the crew are welcomed by the islanders, who provide them with food and shelter. Paul continues to minister and preach the gospel, even in the midst of adversity.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- Acts 27 demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over all circumstances, even in the midst of adversity and chaos. This is evident in the storm, the shipwreck, and the ultimate salvation of all on board.
- Faith and Trust
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's plan and promise. Paul's confidence in God's deliverance serves as a model for Christian faith and perseverance.
- Providence
- The chapter highlights God's providence and care for His people, even in the face of adversity and persecution. This is seen in the salvation of Paul and the crew from the storm.
- Salvation
- The salvation of Paul and the crew from the storm serves as a picture of the spiritual salvation that Christ provides for all people through faith in Him.
Lessons from Acts 27
- Faith in Adversity — Acts 27 teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of adversity and uncertainty. This requires us to exercise faith, perseverance, and trust in God's goodness and love for us.
- Human Responsibility — The chapter highlights human responsibility and the importance of taking action in the face of adversity. This is seen in the crew's efforts to save the ship, despite ultimately being unsuccessful.
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over all circumstances, even in the midst of adversity and chaos. This is evident in the storm, the shipwreck, and the ultimate salvation of all on board.
- Salvation and Deliverance — The salvation of Paul and the crew from the storm serves as a picture of the spiritual salvation that Christ provides for all people through faith in Him.
- Ministry in Adversity — Paul's continued ministry and preaching of the gospel, even in the midst of adversity, serve as a model for Christian witness and discipleship.
Themes from Acts 27
- Faith and Trust — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's plan and promise. Paul's confidence in God's deliverance serves as a model for Christian faith and perseverance.
- Sovereignty of God — Acts 27 demonstrates God's sovereignty and control over all circumstances, even in the midst of adversity and chaos. This is evident in the storm, the shipwreck, and the ultimate salvation of all on board.
- Providence — The chapter highlights God's providence and care for His people, even in the face of adversity and persecution. This is seen in the salvation of Paul and the crew from the storm.
- Salvation and Deliverance — The salvation of Paul and the crew from the storm serves as a picture of the spiritual salvation that Christ provides for all people through faith in Him.
- Ministry and Witness — Paul's continued ministry and preaching of the gospel, even in the midst of adversity, serve as a model for Christian witness and discipleship.
Questions for Meditation
- What challenges and adversities are you currently facing in your life, and how can you apply the principles of faith and trust from Acts 27 to these situations?
- How does the sovereignty of God comfort and encourage you in the midst of uncertainty and adversity?
- What role does human responsibility play in conjunction with faith in God's sovereignty, as seen in the crew's efforts to save the ship in Acts 27?
- How does the salvation of Paul and the crew from the storm serve as a picture of the spiritual salvation that Christ provides for all people?
- What lessons can be learned from Paul's faith and trust in God's plan and promise, as demonstrated in Acts 27?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Journey to Rome (Acts 27:1-8)
| 27:1 | Paul is transported to Rome as a prisoner, accompanied by other prisoners and soldiers. They set sail from Caesarea. |
| 27:2 | They sail to the island of Sidon, where Paul is allowed to visit his friends and receive their care. |
| 27:3 | They sail to the island of Myra, where they transfer to a ship from Alexandria bound for Italy. |
| 27:4 | They sail along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, passing by the island of Salmone. |
| 27:5 | They sail across the sea, passing by the island of Crete. |
| 27:6 | They find a ship from Alexandria bound for Italy and transfer to it. |
| 27:7 | They sail slowly for many days, struggling to make progress against the wind. |
| 27:8 | They arrive at the port of Fair Havens, where they decide to spend the winter. |
2. The Storm (Acts 27:9-20)
| 27:9 | Much time has passed, and the voyage is now dangerous because the Fast is already over. |
| 27:10 | Paul warns the crew that the voyage will be disastrous, but they do not listen. |
| 27:11 | The centurion trusts the pilot and the owner of the ship more than Paul. |
| 27:12 | They decide to set sail, hoping to reach the port of Phoenix and spend the winter there. |
| 27:13 | A gentle south wind begins to blow, and they think they can make it to Phoenix. |
| 27:14 | But soon a tempestuous wind blows down from the island, making it difficult to control the ship. |
| 27:15 | The ship is caught in the storm and cannot head into the wind, so they let it drive. |
| 27:16 | They run under the shelter of a small island called Cauda, where they secure the ship with difficulty. |
| 27:17 | They use cables to undergird the ship, and they throw out the cargo to lighten the load. |
| 27:18 | The next day, they throw out the ship's tackle. |
| 27:19 | On the third day, they throw out their own hands. |
| 27:20 | When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on them, all hope of being saved was gradually abandoned. |
3. Paul's Encouragement (Acts 27:21-26)
| 27:21 | After they have gone a long time without food, Paul stands up and encourages the crew to have faith in God's promise of deliverance. |
| 27:22 | He tells them that they will suffer no loss of life, but the ship will be destroyed. |
| 27:23 | Paul shares his vision from God, in which an angel assures him that he will stand before Caesar and that all on board will be saved. |
| 27:24 | The angel tells Paul that God has given him all who sail with him, and that they will be saved. |
| 27:25 | Paul encourages the crew to take heart, because he believes God and that it will be just as the angel said. |
| 27:26 | They will run aground on a certain island, but all on board will be saved. |
4. The Shipwreck (Acts 27:27-32)
| 27:27 | On the fourteenth night, they are driven by the storm to the island of Malta. |
| 27:28 | They measure the depth of the water and find it to be twenty fathoms, then fifteen fathoms. |
| 27:29 | Fearing that they will run aground on the rocks, they throw out four anchors and pray for daylight. |
| 27:30 | The sailors try to escape from the ship, pretending to lower anchors from the bow. |
| 27:31 | Paul tells the centurion and the soldiers that unless the sailors stay with the ship, they cannot be saved. |
| 27:32 | The soldiers cut off the ropes of the ship's boat and let it fall away. |
5. The Aftermath (Acts 27:33-44)
| 27:33 | Just before daybreak, Paul encourages the crew to eat, saying that they will need their strength to survive. |
| 27:34 | He gives thanks to God for the food and breaks bread, and they all eat. |
| 27:35 | After eating, they throw out the rest of the grain into the sea. |
| 27:36 | They lighten the ship and run it aground on the beach. |
| 27:37 | There are 276 people on board, and they all escape to land. |
| 27:38 | After they have escaped, they build a fire and welcome Paul and the others. |
| 27:39 | The islanders show them unusual kindness, and they provide them with food and shelter. |
| 27:40 | They escape to land, and the islanders take care of them. |
| 27:41 | The soldiers and sailors are taken care of by the islanders. |
| 27:42 | The centurion keeps Paul and the other prisoners safe, and they are treated with kindness by the islanders. |
| 27:43 | The islanders provide them with food and shelter, and they recover from their ordeal. |
| 27:44 | They all escape to land, and the islanders take care of them. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Paul's journey to Rome?
Paul's journey to Rome was to appeal to Caesar, as he had the right as a Roman citizen to have his case heard by the emperor (Acts 25:11, 21).
What was the significance of the storm in Acts 27?
The storm in Acts 27 served as a test of faith for Paul and the crew, and ultimately demonstrated God's sovereignty and providence in the midst of adversity (Acts 27:21-26).
How did Paul's faith and trust in God's plan impact the outcome of the shipwreck?
Paul's faith and trust in God's plan gave him confidence and courage in the face of adversity, and ultimately led to the salvation of all on board (Acts 27:21-25, 31-32).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 27:9 → Proverbs 27:1 | The warning against setting sail during the dangerous season is reminiscent of the proverb that warns against boasting about tomorrow, as we do not know what a day may bring (Proverbs 27:1). |
| 2 | Acts 27:14 → Psalm 107:25-27 | The storm that blows down from the island is similar to the storm described in Psalm 107, which speaks of the power of God in calming the waves and stilling the winds. |
| 3 | Acts 27:21 → Matthew 14:22-33 | Paul's encouragement to the crew to have faith in God's promise of deliverance is similar to Jesus' words to the disciples during the storm on the lake, when He calmed the waves and stilled the winds (Matthew 14:22-33). |
| 4 | Acts 27:23 → Genesis 37:5-11 | Paul's vision from God, in which an angel assures him that he will stand before Caesar and that all on board will be saved, is similar to the visions and dreams that guided the patriarchs and prophets in the Old Testament, such as Joseph and Daniel. |
| 5 | Acts 27:25 → Mark 4:35-41 | Paul's encouragement to the crew to take heart, because he believes God and that it will be just as the angel said, is similar to Jesus' words to the disciples during the storm on the lake, when He calmed the waves and stilled the winds (Mark 4:35-41). |
| 6 | Acts 27:31 → Hebrews 11:6 | The salvation of Paul and the crew from the storm serves as an example of the faith that is required to please God, as stated in Hebrews 11:6. |
| 7 | Acts 27:33 → 1 Corinthians 10:31 | Paul's encouragement to the crew to eat and give thanks to God is reminiscent of the command to do everything to the glory of God, including eating and drinking (1 Corinthians 10:31). |
| 8 | Acts 27:39 → Philippians 4:13 | The kindness and hospitality shown to Paul and the crew by the islanders is an example of the kind of love and care that Christians are called to show to one another, as stated in Philippians 4:13. |
Sermons on Acts 27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Avoiding the Storms of Life by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Paul and his companions encountering a storm while on a ship. The speaker highlights different reactions to the storm, such as dr |
|
|
God Answers Man's Suffering: Companionship by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when we face difficulties in life, it is because God has a glorious purpose to fulfill. He compares our lack of understanding to Job, w |
|
A Guiding Voice in the Storm by Carter Conlon | The sermon titled 'A Guiding Voice in the Storm' based on Acts chapter 27 emphasizes the importance of seeking God's direction and being a guiding voice in the midst of societal st |
|
(Grace Baptist) Die to Self by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of bad things turning out good, both in Scripture and in contemporary life. He uses the example of David fleeing from King Saul a |
|
The Living Christ by W.A. Criswell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence and power of the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. He references biblical stories such as the three Hebrew children in the fiery |
|
Hebrews 11 by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories from the Bible to emphasize the importance of seeking God's perspective in difficult situations. He recounts the story of a little o |
|
6) Blessings and 6 Barriers by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the fourth barrier to the preaching of the word of God, which he calls the gossip barrier. He emphasizes that bad news spreads faster than goo |
|
|
Getting to the Other Side of Your Storm by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Paul and his journey to Rome. The speaker emphasizes the importance of following God's will rather than our own desires. He highl |
|
|
Fast for Prayer in the Square – Day 3 by Carter Conlon | The video shown in the sermon is a two-minute preview of what God is expected to do in the future. The pastors will distribute this video to their congregations to give them an ide |
|
An Anchor - Firm and Secure by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to and obeying God's instructions. He uses the story of Paul's shipwreck in Acts 27 as an example. The ship face |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Acts 27
In Acts 27, we see the power and providence of God in the midst of adversity and chaos. The storm that blows down from the island serves as a test of faith for Paul and the crew, and ultimately demonstrates God's sovereignty and care for His people. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the storm was very severe, and the danger very great, but Paul's faith was greater than both.' Through this chapter, we learn the importance of trusting in God's plan and promise, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity. We also see the kindness and hospitality of the islanders, who take care of Paul and the crew, and provide them with food and shelter. This serves as an example of the kind of love and care that Christians are called to show to one another, and demonstrates the power of the gospel to bring people together in times of need. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
Throughout the chapter, we see God's sovereignty and control over all circumstances, even in the midst of adversity and chaos. This is evident in the storm, the shipwreck, and the ultimate salvation of all on board.
Paul's Faith
Paul's faith and trust in God's plan and promise are a key theme in the chapter. Despite the severity of the storm, Paul remains confident in God's deliverance and encourages the crew to do the same.
Human Responsibility
The chapter also highlights human responsibility and the importance of taking action in the face of adversity. The crew's efforts to save the ship, although ultimately unsuccessful, demonstrate the need for human initiative and responsibility in conjunction with faith in God's sovereignty.