Acts 27

Acts 27:1-12

This whole chapter is taken up with an account of Paul’s voyage towards Rome, when he was sent thither a prisoner by Festus the governor, upon his appeal to Cefar. 1. The beginning of the voyage was calm and prosperous, ver. 1-8. 2. Paul gave them notice of a firm coming, but could not prevail with them to lie by, ver. 9-11. 3. As they pursued their voyage, they met with a great deal of tempelous weather, which reduced them to such extremity that they counted upon nothing but being well aware, ver. 12-20. 4. Paul assured them, that though they would not be advised by him to prevent their coming into this danger, yet by the good providence of God they should be brought safely through it, and none of them should be left, ver. 21-26. 5. They are shipwrecked in the life of Meios, and by Paul’s counsel all got safe to land, ver. 27-44.

1. 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’s band. 2. And entring into a ship of Adramptium, we landed, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia, one ‘Aristarchus a Macedonian, of Theftalonica, being with us. 3. 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. 4. And when we had landed from thence, we sailed unto Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 5. And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra a city of Lycia. 6. And the centre of the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. 7. 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: 8. And hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens, nigh whereunto was the city of Laesa. 9. Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the last was now already past, Paul admonished them, 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. 11. Nevertheless the centurion believed the matter and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. 12. 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 Pionice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south-west, and north-west.

How long Paul continued at Césarea is not said; probably on the first opportunity he was shipped for Rome. We have here,

1. His embarkation. Paul and some other prisoners were put on board a ship of Adramyttium, under the care of one Julius, a centurion of the legion which bore the name of Augustus. Luke the evangelist, and Aristarchus a Macedonian, accompanied the apostle, whose presence and society could not but be a singular blessing to him in this tedious voyage.

2. His pro-prize. The next day after they failed they touched at Sidon; where Julius reported such confidence in his prisoner, that, on his parole, he permitted him to visit his friends, that he might have the comfort of refreshing himself with their company and conversation, and be supplied with proper provisions in the voyage. Loosing from thence they beat up under the island of Cyprus, the wind being against them, and, coasting the Cilician and Pamphylian shore, they arrived at Myra a city of Latvia. There the centurion finding a ship of Alexandria failing to Italy with a loading of wheat, he contracted for a passage, and carried the prisoners and the companions of the apostle aboard; and putting to sea, through contrary winds, they made but little way, in many days scarce reaching Cnidæ, a promontory in Caria, and, instead of leaving Crete on the left, they were forced to beat up on the other side, over against the calfess cape called Salmone, and, with great difficulty weathering the point, cast anchor in a bay called The fair havens, near the city of Latvia. Note, (1.) In our voyage through this tempestuous world we may expect to meet many an unfavourable gale. (2.) Though the wind of afflictions and temptations blow hard against us, and we can scarcely bear up against it, if we steadily hold on our course, we shall at last reach the fair havens where we would be.

3. His advice. As the autumn was far advanced, and the fall on the great day of atonement was now passed, the season of the year began to grow tempestuous, and failing to be dangerous. Paul therefore admonished them not to proceed farther till the spring, foretelling by a prophetic impulse, that if they did they would repent their rafters, and not only to attain great damage in the loss of their ship, but also greatly endanger their lives. But, the matter and owner of the ship being of a different opinion, the centurion, who choke rather to be guided by their judgement in this matter, disregarded Paul’s admonition; and The fair havens being an inconvenient port to winter in, the majority of the ship’s company advised to fail for Phenice, a haven in Crete, at no great distance, that was made by two points of land that ran south-east and north-west, and was more sheltered from the winds, and more commodious for a winter station.

1 On hand.

13. And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence they failed close by Crete. 14. But not long after there a arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. 15. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. 16. And running under a certain island which is called Claudia, we had much work to come by the boat: 17. Which when they had taken up, they used helpe, undergirding the ship; and fearing left they should fall into the quick-funds, shake sail, and so were driven. 18. And we being exceedingly toffed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; 19. And the third day we cast out with one man hands the tackling of the ship. 20. 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.

Acts 27:13-20

In consequence of the advice of the majority, we have here,

1. The ship pursuing her voyage with a prosperous gale. The south wind blowing gently encouraged them to put to sea; and now, concluding they could not fail to reach their desired port, they coached along the island of Crete: but the gale of prosperity is often but a short-lived delusion. For,

2. The wind suddenly shifted to an opposite quarter, and a hurricane, called Euroclydon, arose, and blew so vehemently, that the ship was ready to be swallowed up in the waves; so that, unable to bear up against the storm, or keep their course, they let her drive at random; and, running under an island called Claudia, with great difficulty they hoisted the boat on board; then undergirding the ship with ropes, to prevent her going to pieces, and fearing left they should be driven on the quick-funds of the African shore, they reared their side, and drove before the wind under the bare poles. Thus they continued to be toffed about violently, whilst lowering clouds obscured the faces, and neither sun nor stars for many days appeared; so that they knew not where they were. Note, (1.) We should never be too elated: the transition from the height of prosperity to the depth of adversity is often very sudden.

(2.) Many of God’s dearest children have known such melancholy seasons, when Christ, their polar star, hath been obscured, and spiritual darkness hath compassed them round on every side.

3. All attempts which human prudence dictated they now made use of. The next day after the storm began, in order to lighten the ship, they cast out the merchandise into the sea; and, when still the danger increased, passengers as well as seamen were called upon deck; and the third day they threw overboard the utensils and unnecessary tackling of the ship; when their lives were each moment in property, they cared not for any loss besides: but when, after all their efforts, for many days the storm raged with unabating severity, despair sat in general upon the countenance of the seamen, and they expected nothing but to be swallowed up of the merciless waves. Note, (1.) If men are so principal of their goods to save their bodies, when in danger, how much reader should we be to part with them, rather than seek to preserve them as the peril of our doubt? (2.) Long-continued trials are apt to lead us to despair. It requires strong faith to walk in darkness and see no light, and yet to stay ourselves upon God.

4. But after long abstinence, Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loofed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. 22. 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. 23. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24. Saying, Fear not, Paul; “thou’ must be brought before César: and lo, “God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. 25. Wherefore, Sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. 26. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. 27. But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria about midnight, the shipment deemed that they drew near to some country: 28. And founded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they founded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. 29. Then fearing left they should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. 30. And as the shipment 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 forefish. 31. Paul said to the centurion, and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. 32. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. 33. And while the day was coming on, Paul befought them all to take meat, saying, “This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried, and continued failed, having taken nothing. 34. 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. 35. 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. 36. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. 37. And we were in all in the ship, two hundred and threefores and sixteen fouls. 38. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. 39. 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 pebbles, to thrust in the ship. 40. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loofed the rudder-bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made towards shore. 41. 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. 42. And the soldiers counsel was to kill the prisoners, left any of them should swim out and escape. 43. 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: 44. And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken passes of the ship: And so it came to pass that they escaped all safe to land.

Acts 27:21-44

Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity: when we are at our wit’s end, he can still open a door for us to escape.

1. Paul chases their hearts with the affirmen, that though they gave themselves over for loft, and abandoned themselves to disloyal, not a man of the company should perish.

(1.) He gently reminds them of his advice which they had distinguished. They should have followed his prophetic warning, and then they would have prevented the danger, loss, and injury, which they had now sustained. Now, Most of the miseries in which we involve ourselves, are owing to our own obstinacy, and disregard of the admonitions of our wider friends.

(2.) He confidently assures them of the safety of their persons, though their ship must be wrecked; and therefore exhorte them to be of good cheer. Notwithstanding their contempt of his advice, he desired to revive their defponding hearts, and to quicken them to better themselves in the confidence of being preferred through the divine mercy. Now, Though others involve themselves in trouble by neglecting our counsel, we must nevertheless be ready to lend them our affluence, to comfort them under their trials, or to extricate them from their difficulties.

(3.) He produces divine authority for what he said, that they might not satisfied with the truth of his assertion, however improbable it might appear. They stood by me this night, in vision, the angel of God, a celestial messenger sent from that glorious Lord, while I am; his peculiar property by redemption, as well as creation, and by his special appointment confiscated an apostle; and whom I favor, making it the business and happiness of my life to promote his glory in the gospel of his dear Son, and yielding up my body, soul, and spirit, with unreserved devoutments, to his blessed work and service. And this heavenly museller addressed me, saying, Four not, Paul; thou art safe in the midst of danger; but thou must be brought before Cafer; and he God hath given thee all them that frail with thee, who for thy sake shall be preserved. Such a public blessing is one good man; and they who are hated and persecuted of the world, as not worthy to live, are indeed the very persons for whose sake it is preserved.

(4.) He comforts them, and encourages them to trust in God. If therefore, for, he of good cheer: for I believe God that it shall be even as it was told me, and doubt not but the event will confirm his gracious promise.

(5.) He tells them, they must, however, expect to be ship-wrecked on a certain island; which, among other things, when it came to pass, would evidence the divine inspiration by which the apostle spoke.

2. After many days of terror and dismay, on the fourteenth night, as they were toiled to and fro by the tempest in the Adriatic Sea, the icumen about midnight apprehended they were near land; and sounding, at full sound twenty fathoms of water, and a little farther, fifteen: last therefore they should be driven ashore in the dark, or strike upon some rock, they call anchor, and longed impatiently for day-light, that they might see in what situation they were. Now, in the dark and stormy night of temptation, deference, or affliction, the anchor of hope, which enters into that within the veil, must hold the soul fore and bedside, and the fats of righteousness arise, and lift up the light of his countenance upon us.

3. The sailors, disregarding Paul’s assurances of safety, thought to secure themselves, wherever became of the rest; and therefore hoisting out the boat, under pretence of calling anchor out of the forefish, they intended to make for the shore, and leave the ship and the passengers to shift for themselves. Paul, probably by divine intimation, perceived their design, and immediately acquainted the centurion and soldiers, assuring them, that though God had promised to preserve them, it was to be effected in the use of the necessary means; and that if the seamen, who should work the ship, were suffered to escape, they must not expect to be saved. In the way of duty we may only hope for the fulfilment of the promises. The soldiers therefore, approved of the danger, immediately cut the ropes, and let the boat drive.

4. While they waited for the morning light, Paul, the comforter and encourager of his dejected ship-mates, brought them to take meat, and refresh themselves after their toils, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have carried, in subpoena between life and death, and continued falling, without any inclination to food, having taken nothing, at least no regular nor hearty meal: wherefore I pray you to take from meat, for this is for your health, and will conduce to your safety: for there shall not on their full from the head of any of you. And when he had thus heartened them with his cheerful counsel and countenance, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all, for their past preservation, the promise of afflicted safety, and the provision that was now before them: and when he had broken it, he began to eat, fasting them an example. Revered by this repeated affluence and exhortation, and seeing him to be kindred, they all took refreshment, their number consisting of two hundred and threeteen persons; and being strengthened by a heavy meal, they cleared the ship, calling the wheat, of which part of her barge consisted, into the sea, that she might draw the less water, as they intended to run her ashore.

5. When welcome day-light appeared, they decried the land was very distant, though what country it was they knew not: but observing a creek which ran up within the shore, they resolved, if possible, to steer the ship thither; and weighing the anchors, or slipping the cables, they hoisted the mainsail, and looted the rudder, which had been fastened, and made for shore: but striking on a shoal where two currents met, the prow stuck fast, and the waves dashing on the stern, the soon went to pieces.

6. In this extremity the inhuman soldiers proposed the bloody expedient of murdering all the prisoners, left any of them should escape, and they become answerable for them: a shocking proposal! But the centurion, who now saw more reason than ever to value Paul, for his sake would not permit to cruel a project to be executed: and therefore commanded every one to consult in the bell manner possible for their own safety; whereupon some by swimming, and others on parts of the wreck, got late to shore, and not one person of the whole company was damned, according to Paul’s prediction. Now, (1.) Many a faithful soul reaches the shores of eternal rest in a flame; and however great his fears, or imminent his danger, he will find his safety secured. (2.) After long beating on life’s tempefulness ocean, though we leave earth and all its things behind us, we shall not regret their loss, when we feel ourselves entrod into the land of rest which remaineth for the people of God.