Keraia
Acts 27

Acts 27:42

The Shipwreck · Acts 27:27–44
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Translations

Modern
The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim to freedom.
Traditional
And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.
Literal
Now the plan of the soldiers was that they should kill the prisoners, lest anyone, having swum away, should escape.
Latin
Militum autem consilium fuit ut custodias occiderent, ne quis cum enatasset, effugeret.

Original

Greek
English
The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim to freedom.

Notes

Acts 27:42–44

Even during a crisis, the soldiers were responsible for the prisoners (see 12:19; 16:27; 27:32; see study note on 16:27). Fortunately, the commanding officer helped them. This showed God's protection and favor, as all 276 people safely reached the shore, exactly as the angel promised (see 27:24).

Acts 27:1–28:16

  • The graphic language describing sailing in the story of Paul's journey to Rome provides one of the best accounts of an ancient sea journey.

  • This is the last "we" section in Acts (see also 16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18). During Paul's two years of imprisonment, Luke probably researched his gospel throughout Judea and Galilee. Here, as part of Paul's sailing group, he had a personal witness of the dangers at sea.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Events

Glossary

Book of the Acts of the Apostles Caesarea Centurion Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Julius Luke (Person) Luke, Gospel of Paul the Apostle Sailors Salvation Travel

Topics

Mariners (Sailors): Perils of Paul: The Ship Encounters a Storm Paul: The Ship is Wrecked, and all on Board Take Refuge on the Island of Melita (Malta) Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Destruction of the Ship Predicted and Fulfilled Ships were often Wrecked Soldiers: Perform Escort Duty