Bible Commentaries
Acts 27

Introduction

Overview

Acts 27:1, Paul shipping towards Rome, Acts 27:10. foretells of the danger of the voyage, Acts 27:11. but is not believed; Acts 27:14, They are tossed to and fro with tempest; Acts 27:41, and suffer shipwreck; Acts 27:44, yet all come safe to land.

Verse 1

when: Acts 19:21, Acts 23:11, Acts 25:12, Acts 25:25, Genesis 50:20, Psalms 33:11, Psalms 76:10, Proverbs 19:21, Lamentations 3:27, Daniel 4:35, Romans 15:22-29

Italy: Italy is a well-known country of Europe, bounded by the Adriatic or Venetian Gulf on the east, the Tyrrhene or Tuscan Sea on the west, and by the Alps on the north. Acts 10:1, Acts 18:2, Hebrews 13:24

a centurion: Acts 27:11, Acts 27:43, Acts 10:22, Acts 21:32, Acts 22:26, Acts 23:17, Acts 24:23, Acts 28:16, Matthew 8:5-10, Matthew 27:54, Luke 7:2, Luke 23:47

Augustus': Acts 25:25

Reciprocal: Matthew 27:27 - band Mark 15:39 - the centurion Acts 21:8 - we that Acts 22:25 - the centurion Acts 23:18 - Paul Acts 25:21 - Augustus Acts 27:3 - Julius Acts 27:6 - the centurion Romans 1:10 - a prosperous Romans 15:32 - I may 2 Corinthians 11:23 - in prisons 2 Corinthians 11:25 - thrice

Verse 2

Adramyttium: Adramyttium, now Adramyti, was a maritime city of Mysia in Asia Minor, seated at the foot of Mount Ida, on a gulf of the same name, opposite the island of Lesbos.

we: Acts 21:1, Luke 8:22

to sail: Acts 20:15, Acts 20:16, Acts 21:1-3

Aristarchus: Acts 19:19, Acts 20:4, Colossians 4:10, Philemon 1:24

with us: Acts 16:10-13, Acts 16:17, Acts 20:5, Acts 21:5, Acts 28:2, Acts 28:10, Acts 28:12, Acts 28:16

Reciprocal: Acts 17:1 - Thessalonica Acts 19:29 - Aristarchus

Verse 3

Sidon: Acts 12:20, Genesis 10:15, Genesis 49:13, Isaiah 23:2-4, Isaiah 23:12, Zechariah 9:2

Julius: Acts 24:23, Acts 27:1, Acts 27:3, Acts 28:16

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 40:5 - gave him Luke 7:2 - centurion's Acts 22:25 - the centurion Acts 27:43 - willing Acts 28:2 - showed Hebrews 13:3 - them that 1 Peter 3:8 - courteous

Verse 4

Cyprus: Acts 4:36, Acts 11:19, Acts 11:20, Acts 13:4, Acts 15:39, Acts 21:3, Acts 21:16

the winds: Matthew 14:24, Mark 6:48

Reciprocal: Acts 27:7 - under

Verse 5

Cilicia: Acts 6:9, Acts 15:23, Acts 15:41, Acts 21:39, Acts 22:3, Galatians 1:21

Pamphylia: Acts 2:10, Acts 13:13, Acts 15:38

Myra: Myra was a city of Lycia, situated on a hill, twenty stadia from the sea.

Verse 6

the centurion: Acts 27:1

Alexandria: Alexandria, now Scanderoon, was a celebrated city and port of Egypt, built by Alexander the Great, situated on the Mediterranean and the lake Moeris, opposite the island of Pharos, and about twelve miles from the western branch of the Nile. Acts 6:9, Acts 18:24, Acts 28:11

Reciprocal: Acts 21:2 - finding

Verse 7

Cnidus: Cnidus was a town and promontory of Caria in Asia Minor, opposite Crete, now Cape Krio.

we sailed: Acts 27:12, Acts 27:13, Acts 27:21, Acts 2:11, Titus 1:5, Titus 1:12

under: Acts 27:4

Crete: or, Candy, Crete, now Candy, is a large island in the Mediterranean, 250 miles in length, 50 in breadth, and 600 in circumference, lying at the entrance of the Aegean sea.

Salmone: Salmone, now Salamina, was a city and cape on the east of the island of Crete.

Verse 8

The fair havens: The Fair Havens, still known by the same name, was a port on the south-eastern part of Crete, near Lasea, of which nothing now remains. Acts 27:8

Reciprocal: Acts 27:12 - the haven

Verse 9

the fast: "The fast was on the tenth day of the seventh month." Leviticus 16:29, Leviticus 23:27-29, Numbers 29:7

Reciprocal: Psalms 107:23 - go down Jeremiah 36:6 - upon Acts 27:21 - ye should

Verse 10

I perceive: Acts 27:21-26, Acts 27:31, Acts 27:34, Genesis 41:16-25, Genesis 41:38, Genesis 41:39, 2 Kings 6:9, 2 Kings 6:10, Psalms 25:14, Daniel 2:30, Amos 3:7

damage: or, injury, Acts 27:20, Acts 27:41-44, 1 Peter 4:18

Reciprocal: Acts 14:15 - Sirs

Verse 11

believed: Acts 27:21, Exodus 9:20, Exodus 9:21, 2 Kings 6:10, Proverbs 27:12, Ezekiel 3:17, Ezekiel 3:18, Ezekiel 33:4, Hebrews 11:7

Reciprocal: Isaiah 7:9 - If ye Acts 27:1 - a centurion Acts 27:25 - I believe Acts 27:31 - said Acts 27:43 - willing

Verse 12

the haven: Acts 27:8, Psalms 107:30

Phenice: Phenice, was a sea-port on the western side of Crete; probably defended from the fury of the winds by a high and winding shore, forming a semicircle, and perhaps by some small island in front; leaving two openings, one towards the south-west, and the other towards the north-west.

Crete: Acts 27:7

Reciprocal: Acts 2:11 - Cretes 1 Corinthians 16:6 - winter Philippians 3:11 - by Titus 1:5 - Crete

Verse 13

the south: Job 37:17, Psalms 78:26, Song of Solomon 4:16, Luke 12:55

loosing: Acts 27:21

Reciprocal: Ecclesiastes 1:6 - The wind Jonah 1:4 - the Lord Matthew 8:5 - a centurion Acts 13:13 - loosed Acts 27:7 - we sailed Acts 28:13 - the south

Verse 14

not: Exodus 14:21-27, Jonah 1:3-5

arose: or beat

a tempestuous: Psalms 107:25-27, Ezekiel 27:26, Matthew 8:24, Mark 4:37

Euroclydon: Probably, as Dr. Shaw supposes, one of those tempestuous winds called levanters, which blow in all directions, from ne round by e to se

Reciprocal: Luke 8:23 - came James 3:4 - are driven

Verse 15

we: Acts 27:27, James 3:4

Reciprocal: Psalms 107:27 - are at their wit's end

Verse 16

Clauda: Clauda, called Cauda and Gaudos by Mela and Pliny, and Claudos by Ptolemy, and now Gozo, according to Dr. Shaw, is a small island, situated at the south-western extremity of the island of Crete. Acts 27:16

Reciprocal: Acts 27:30 - the boat

Verse 17

fearing: Acts 27:29, Acts 27:41

Verse 18

being: Psalms 107:27

the next: Acts 27:19, Acts 27:38, Jonah 1:5, Matthew 16:26, Luke 16:8, Philippians 3:7, Philippians 3:8, Hebrews 12:1

Reciprocal: Job 2:4 - all that Isaiah 54:11 - tossed Mark 13:15 - General Luke 12:23 - General Acts 27:27 - the fourteenth

Verse 19

we: Job 2:4, Jonah 1:5, Mark 8:35-37, Luke 9:24, Luke 9:25

Reciprocal: Ecclesiastes 3:6 - and a time to cast Isaiah 33:23 - Thy tacklings are loosed Mark 13:15 - General Luke 12:23 - General Acts 27:18 - the next Acts 27:38 - they lightened Philippians 3:7 - General

Verse 20

neither: Exodus 10:21-23, Psalms 105:28, Matthew 24:29

and no: Psalms 107:25-27, Jonah 1:4, Jonah 1:11-14, Matthew 8:24, Matthew 8:25, 2 Corinthians 11:25

all: Isaiah 57:10, Jeremiah 2:25, Ezekiel 37:11, Ephesians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Reciprocal: Job 3:4 - darkness Job 36:32 - General Isaiah 43:1 - I have called Jeremiah 49:23 - on the sea Daniel 3:17 - our God Acts 27:10 - damage

Verse 21

after: Acts 27:33-35, Psalms 107:5, Psalms 107:6

ye should: Acts 27:9, Acts 27:10, Genesis 42:22

not: Acts 27:13

Reciprocal: Acts 14:15 - Sirs Acts 27:7 - we sailed Acts 27:11 - believed Acts 27:25 - I believe Acts 27:31 - said 1 Corinthians 3:15 - he shall Titus 1:5 - Crete

Verse 22

I exhort: Acts 27:25, Acts 27:36, Acts 23:11, 1 Samuel 30:6, Ezra 10:2, Job 22:29, Job 22:30, Psalms 112:7, Isaiah 43:1, Isaiah 43:2, 2 Corinthians 1:4-6, 2 Corinthians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 4:9

for: Acts 27:31, Acts 27:34, Acts 27:44, Job 2:4

Reciprocal: John 16:33 - but

Verse 23

there: Acts 5:19, Acts 12:8-11, Acts 12:23, Acts 23:11, Daniel 6:22, Hebrews 1:14, Revelation 22:16

whose: Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 32:9, Psalms 135:4, Song of Solomon 2:16, Song of Solomon 6:3, Isaiah 44:5, Jeremiah 31:33, Jeremiah 32:38, Ezekiel 36:38, Zechariah 13:9, Malachi 3:17, John 17:9, John 17:10, 1 Corinthians 6:20, Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9, 1 Peter 2:10

and: Acts 16:17, Psalms 116:16, Psalms 143:12, Isaiah 44:21, Daniel 3:17, Daniel 3:26, Daniel 3:28, Daniel 6:16, Daniel 6:20, John 12:26, Romans 1:1, Romans 1:9, Romans 6:22, 2 Timothy 1:3, 2 Timothy 2:24, Titus 1:1

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:19 - that the Deuteronomy 26:17 - avouched Joshua 22:5 - serve Judges 7:9 - the same 1 Samuel 9:15 - the Lord 1 Kings 17:1 - before whom Ezra 5:11 - We are Psalms 107:28 - General Psalms 119:94 - I am thine Song of Solomon 7:10 - my Song of Solomon 8:5 - leaning Jonah 1:9 - and I Malachi 3:18 - between him Matthew 18:10 - their Luke 2:9 - lo John 7:44 - no man Acts 8:26 - The angel Acts 10:3 - an Acts 12:7 - the angel Acts 16:9 - a vision Acts 18:9 - spake Acts 20:19 - Serving Acts 23:9 - if Acts 26:16 - in the 2 Timothy 4:17 - the Lord

Verse 24

Fear not: Acts 18:9, Acts 18:10, Genesis 15:1, Genesis 46:3, 1 Kings 17:13, 2 Kings 6:16, Isaiah 41:10-14, Isaiah 43:1-5, Matthew 10:28, Revelation 1:17

thou: Acts 9:15, Acts 19:21, Acts 23:11, Acts 25:11, Matthew 10:18, John 11:9, 2 Timothy 4:16, 2 Timothy 4:17, Revelation 11:5-7

lo: Acts 27:37, Genesis 12:2, Genesis 18:23-32, Genesis 19:21, Genesis 19:22, Genesis 19:29, Genesis 30:27, Genesis 39:5, Genesis 39:23, Isaiah 58:11, Isaiah 58:12, Micah 5:7, James 5:16

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:19 - that the Genesis 18:24 - spare Deuteronomy 3:2 - Fear Deuteronomy 20:3 - be ye terrified Joshua 6:23 - out Rahab 2 Kings 2:12 - My father 2 Kings 6:10 - saved 2 Kings 20:6 - I will add Job 22:30 - He shall deliver the island of the innocent Job 35:8 - may profit Psalms 31:15 - My times Psalms 49:5 - Wherefore Psalms 64:1 - preserve Psalms 119:94 - I am thine Isaiah 38:5 - I will Lamentations 3:57 - thou saidst Ezekiel 14:16 - they shall Daniel 2:24 - Destroy Daniel 6:16 - Thy God Daniel 10:12 - Fear not Jonah 1:12 - for Haggai 2:5 - fear Matthew 24:6 - must Luke 1:30 - General John 16:13 - he will show Acts 12:7 - the angel Acts 16:9 - a vision Acts 22:15 - thou shalt Acts 26:16 - in the Acts 27:44 - that 1 Peter 4:18 - if

Verse 25

I believe: Acts 27:11, Acts 27:21, Numbers 23:19, 2 Chronicles 20:20, Luke 1:45, Romans 4:20, Romans 4:21, 2 Timothy 1:12

Reciprocal: Psalms 112:7 - trusting Psalms 119:42 - for I trust Isaiah 7:9 - If ye Isaiah 43:1 - I have called Jonah 3:5 - believed John 16:33 - but Acts 14:15 - Sirs Acts 23:11 - Be Acts 27:22 - I exhort Romans 4:18 - against

Verse 26

a certain: Acts 28:1

Reciprocal: Acts 27:41 - they ran

Verse 27

the fourteenth: Acts 27:18-20

Adria: Adria strictly speaking, was the name of the Adriatic gulf, now the Gulf of Venice, an arm of the Mediterranean, about 400 miles long and 140 broad, stretching along the eastern shores of Italy on one side, and Dalmatia, Sclavonia, and Macedonia on the other. But the term Adria was extended far beyond the limits of this gulf, and appears to have been given to an indeterminate extent of sea, as we say, generally, the Levant. It is observable, that the sacred historian does not say "in the Adriatic gulf," but "in Adria," (that is, the Adriatic sea, נוכבדןע [Strong's G99] being understood); which, says Hesychius, was the same as the Ionian sea; and Strabo says that the Ionian gulf "is a part of that now called the Adriatic." But not only the Ionian, but even the Sicilian sea, and part of that which washes Crete, were called the Adriatic. Thus the scholiast on Dionysius Periegetis says, "they call this Sicilian sea Adria." And Ptolemy says that Sicily was bounded on the east by the Adriatic, ץנן [Strong's G5259], הסיןי [Strong's G99], and that Crete was bounded on the west by the Adriatic sea, ץנן [Strong's G5259], פןץ [Strong's G5120], הסיבפיךןם נוכבדןע [Strong's G3989].

the shipmen: Acts 27:30, 1 Kings 9:27, Jonah 1:6, Revelation 18:17

Reciprocal: Acts 27:15 - we Acts 27:33 - This

Verse 28

Reciprocal: Ezekiel 3:6 - of a strange speech and of an hard language

Verse 29

fallen: Acts 27:17, Acts 27:41

anchors: Acts 27:30, Acts 27:40, Hebrews 6:19

and wished: Deuteronomy 28:67, Psalms 130:6

Reciprocal: Acts 27:33 - while

Verse 30

the boat: Acts 27:16, Acts 27:32

foreship: Acts 27:41

Reciprocal: Isaiah 33:23 - Thy tacklings are loosed Acts 27:27 - the shipmen Acts 27:29 - anchors Acts 27:40 - taken up

Verse 31

said: Acts 27:11, Acts 27:21, Acts 27:42, Acts 27:43

Except: Acts 27:22-24, Psalms 91:11, Psalms 91:12, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Ezekiel 36:36, Ezekiel 36:37, Luke 1:34, Luke 1:35, Luke 4:9-12, John 6:37, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Thessalonians 2:14

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:19 - that the Numbers 35:28 - he should Joshua 2:19 - whosoever 1 Kings 1:12 - save Matthew 8:5 - a centurion Acts 10:1 - a centurion Acts 27:10 - I perceive Acts 28:16 - the centurion 1 Peter 4:18 - if

Verse 32

Luke 16:8, Philippians 3:7-9

Reciprocal: Acts 27:30 - the boat

Verse 33

while: Acts 27:29

This: Acts 27:27

Reciprocal: Esther 4:16 - eat nor drink Matthew 15:32 - three Acts 9:19 - when Acts 27:21 - after

Verse 34

for this: Matthew 15:32, Mark 8:2, Mark 8:3, Philippians 2:5, 1 Timothy 5:23

for there: 1 Kings 1:52, Matthew 10:30, Luke 12:7, Luke 21:18

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 14:45 - there shall not 2 Samuel 14:11 - not one hair 1 Kings 18:41 - Get Daniel 3:27 - nor was Acts 27:10 - I perceive Acts 27:22 - for

Verse 35

and gave: Acts 2:46, Acts 2:47, 1 Samuel 9:13, Matthew 15:36, Mark 8:6, Luke 24:30, John 6:11, John 6:23, Romans 14:6, 1 Corinthians 10:30, 1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Timothy 4:3, 1 Timothy 4:4

in: Psalms 119:46, Romans 1:16, 2 Timothy 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:12, 1 Peter 4:16

Reciprocal: Matthew 14:19 - he blessed Mark 6:41 - blessed Luke 9:16 - he blessed 1 Corinthians 15:57 - thanks

Verse 36

they all: Psalms 27:14, 2 Corinthians 1:4-6

Reciprocal: Acts 27:22 - I exhort

Verse 37

two: Acts 27:24

souls: Acts 2:41, Acts 7:14, Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 3:20

Verse 38

they lightened: Acts 27:18, Acts 27:19, Job 2:4, Jonah 1:5, Matthew 6:25, Matthew 16:26, Hebrews 12:1

The wheat: The Romans imported corn from Egypt, by way of Alexandria, to which this ship belonged; for a curious account of which see Bryant's treatise on the Euroclydon.

Reciprocal: Ecclesiastes 3:6 - and a time to cast Mark 13:15 - General Luke 12:23 - General Philippians 3:7 - General

Verse 40

taken up: etc. or, cut the anchors, they left them in the sea, etc. Acts 27:29, Acts 27:30

the rudder bands: Or, "the bands of the rudders;" for large vessels in ancient times had two or more rudders, which were fastened to the ship by means of bands, or chains, by which they were hoisted out of the water when incapable of being used. These bands being loosed, the rudders would fall into their proper places, and serve to steer the vessel into the creek, which they had in view, and hoisted. Isaiah 33:23

Reciprocal: Hebrews 6:19 - as an

Verse 41

they ran: Acts 27:17, Acts 27:26-29, 2 Corinthians 11:25

broken: 1 Kings 22:48, 2 Chronicles 20:37, Ezekiel 27:26, Ezekiel 27:34, 2 Corinthians 11:25, 2 Corinthians 11:26

Reciprocal: Isaiah 33:23 - Thy tacklings are loosed Mark 4:37 - great storm Acts 27:10 - damage Acts 27:29 - fallen Acts 27:30 - foreship Romans 15:32 - I may

Verse 42

Psalms 74:20, Proverbs 12:10, Ecclesiastes 9:3, Mark 15:15-20, Luke 23:40, Luke 23:41

Reciprocal: Acts 26:17 - Delivering Acts 27:31 - said 1 Peter 4:18 - if

Verse 43

willing: Acts 27:3, Acts 27:11, Acts 27:31, Acts 23:10, Acts 23:24, Proverbs 16:7, 2 Corinthians 11:25

Reciprocal: Jeremiah 26:24 - that Jeremiah 40:5 - gave him Matthew 8:5 - a centurion Matthew 27:54 - the centurion Mark 15:39 - the centurion Luke 7:2 - centurion's Acts 10:1 - a centurion Acts 22:25 - the centurion Acts 28:16 - the centurion

Verse 44

that: Acts 27:22, Acts 27:24, Psalms 107:28-30, Amos 9:9, John 6:39, John 6:40, 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, 1 Peter 4:18

land: Melita, now Malta, the island on which Paul and his companions were cast, is situate in the Mediterranean sea, about fifty miles from the coast of Sicily, towards Africa; and is one immense rock of soft white free-stone, twenty miles long, twelve in its greatest breadth, and sixty in circumference. Some, however, with the learned Jacob Bryant, are of opinion that this island was Melita in the Adriatic gulf, near Illyricum; but it may be sufficient to observe, that the course of the Alexandrian ship, first to Syracuse and then to Rhegium, proves that it was the present Malta, as the proper course from the Illyrian Melita would have been first to Rhegium, before it reached Syracuse, to which indeed it need not have gone at all.

Reciprocal: Acts 28:1 - the island 1 Corinthians 3:15 - he shall 1 Corinthians 10:13 - make