About Acts

Acts records the birth and growth of the church through the power of the Holy Spirit from Jerusalem to Rome.

Author: LukeWritten: c. AD 62-64Reading time: ~6 minVerses: 44
Holy SpiritWitnessChurch GrowthMissionPersecutionUnity

King James Version

Acts 27

44 verses with commentary

Paul Sails for Rome

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' band.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When it was determined that we should sail into Italy</strong>—Luke's "we" marks his personal presence on Paul's journey to Rome. The Greek <em>ekrithē</em> (ἐκρίθη, "it was determined") indicates official Roman decision, yet reveals divine sovereignty directing Paul's long-anticipated Roman ministry. <strong>They delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurio...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XXVII. (1) **Paul and certain other prisoners.**—The Greek for “other” implies that they were prisoners of a different class. It is probable, however, that they also had appealed to the emperor, as there would otherwise be no object in sending them to Rome. **A centurion of Augustus’ band.**—Literally, *of the Sebaste.* On the band or cohort as a subdivision of the Roman legion, see Note on Acts 1...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3-4. God shall smite thee--**as indeed He did; for he was killed by an assassin during the Jewish war [Josephus, Wars of the Jews, 2.17.9]. **thou whited wall--**that is, hypocrite (Mt 23:27). This epithet, however correctly describing the man, must not be defended as addressed to a judge, though the remonstrance which follows--"for sittest thou," &amp;c.--ought to have put him to shame.

And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia.</strong> Adramyttium was a port in Mysia (northwest Asia Minor). The Greek <em>mellontos pleein</em> (μέλλοντος πλεῖν, "meaning to sail") indicates intended coastal route—safer than open sea but slower. Ancient ships hugged coastlines for navigation and emergency shelter. <strong>One Aristarchus, a Mac...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Entering into a ship of Adramyttium.**—Better, *embarking in.* Adramyttium was a town on the coast of Mysia, opposite Lesbos. It lay on the Roman road from Assos and Troas to Pergamus, Ephesus, and Miletus. It was a port of considerable importance, and the Gulf of *Adramyti* still retains its name. There would seem to have been but little direct intercourse by sea between Cæsarea and Rome, a...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3-4. God shall smite thee--**as indeed He did; for he was killed by an assassin during the Jewish war [Josephus, Wars of the Jews, 2.17.9]. **thou whited wall--**that is, hypocrite (Mt 23:27). This epithet, however correctly describing the man, must not be defended as addressed to a judge, though the remonstrance which follows--"for sittest thou," &amp;c.--ought to have put him to shame.

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 .

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.</strong> The centurion's kindness (<em>philanthrōpōs</em>, φιλανθρώπως, "humanely, courteously") shows Paul's earned respect despite prisoner status. <em>Epetrepsen</em> (ἐπέτρεψεν, "gave liberty") means officially permitted—risky generosity trusting Paul...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **And Julius courteously entreated.**—The English fairly expresses the meaning of the Greek adverb, which is literally *philanthropically.* We note, as in other instances, the favourable impression made by St. Paul’s conduct on official persons who came in contact with him. (Comp. Acts 18:14; Acts 19:31; Acts 19:37.) The “friends” of St. Paul at Sidon were probably Christian disciples who had ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. I wist not ... that he was the high priest--**All sorts of explanations of this have been given. The high priesthood was in a state of great confusion and constant change at this time (as appears from Josephus), and the apostle's long absence from Jerusalem, and perhaps the manner in which he was habited or the seat he occupied, with other circumstances to us unknown, may account for such a s...
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And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.</strong> The phrase <em>hypepelausamen</em> (ὑπεπλεύσαμεν, "sailed under") means navigating Cyprus's leeward (east/south) side for protection from prevailing westerly winds. <strong>The winds were contrary</strong> (<em>tous anemous enanious</em>, τοὺς ἀνέμους ἐναντίους)—literally "opposing winds"—fo...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **We sailed under Cyprus . . .**—Had the wind been favourable, the ship would naturally have taken the direct course from Sidon to Mysia, leaving Cyprus on the right, as in his previous voyage St. Paul had sailed from Patara to Tyre (Acts 21:1). As it was, the wind probably being from the north-west, they made for the channel between Cyprus and Cilicia, and, sailing close under the lee of the ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-9. when Paul perceived--**from the discussion which plainly had by this time arisen between the parties. **that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out--**raising his voice above both parties. **I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee--**The true reading seems to be, "the son of Pharisees," that is, belonging to a family who from father to son had long been such. ...
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And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.</strong> The Greek <em>diapleusan tes pelagos</em> (διαπλεύσαντες τὸ πέλαγος, "sailed over the sea") indicates open-water crossing, distinguishing from coastal hugging. Cilicia was Paul's home province (Acts 21:39, 22:3)—he sailed past his birthplace Tarsus as a prisoner bound for Rome. Pamphylia ha...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **We came to Myra, a city of Lycia.**—The city lay about two miles and a half from the mouth of the river Andriacus. It had been at one time the metropolis of Lycia, and the remains of a theatre and an aqueduct remain to attest its former stateliness.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-9. when Paul perceived--**from the discussion which plainly had by this time arisen between the parties. **that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out--**raising his voice above both parties. **I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee--**The true reading seems to be, "the son of Pharisees," that is, belonging to a family who from father to son had long been such. ...
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And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein .

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.</strong> Alexandrian grain ships were the empire's largest vessels, vital for feeding Rome's million inhabitants. Egypt provided one-third of Rome's grain supply, transported in fleets of massive ships (this vessel carried 276 people plus cargo, v. 37). The Greek <em>heuron</em> (εὗρον, "found") sugge...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **A ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy.**—A glance at the map will show that the ship, which was probably one of those engaged in the corn-trade between Egypt and Rome, must have been driven out of its course. This may have been owing to the prevalence of the westerly winds already noticed. The Alexandrian traders, however, as a rule, avoided taking the course along the coast of Africa, thr...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-9. when Paul perceived--**from the discussion which plainly had by this time arisen between the parties. **that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out--**raising his voice above both parties. **I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee--**The true reading seems to be, "the son of Pharisees," that is, belonging to a family who from father to son had long been such. ...
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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; Crete: or, Candy

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us</strong>—the Greek <em>bradyplountes</em> (βραδυπλοοῦντες, "sailing slowly") and <em>molis genomenoi</em> (μόλις γενόμενοι, "with difficulty arriving") emphasize laborious progress. The phrase <strong>the wind not suffering us</strong> (<em>mē prosiōntos hēmas tou anemou</em>, μὴ προσιό...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **When we had sailed slowly many days.**—The Etesian gales from the north-west, which prevail in the Archipelago during the latter part of July and the whole of August, were still blowing strongly, and during the “many days” (probably a fortnight or three weeks) the ship had not been able to traverse more than the 120 miles that lay between Myra and Cnidus. To reach the latter place they had p...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-9. when Paul perceived--**from the discussion which plainly had by this time arisen between the parties. **that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out--**raising his voice above both parties. **I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee--**The true reading seems to be, "the son of Pharisees," that is, belonging to a family who from father to son had long been such. ...
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And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens ; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.</strong> The adverb <em>molis</em> (μόλις, "hardly, with difficulty") continues emphasizing laborious progress. <strong>The fair havens</strong> (Καλοὺς Λιμένας, Kalous Limenas) was an anchorage on Crete's south coast—ironically named given events to follow. Its proximity to Lasea, a...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **And, hardly passing it.**—The Greek adverb is the same as the “scarce” of Acts 27:7, and should be translated as before, *with difficulty.* **A place which is called The fair havens.**—It was obvious that the ship would have been again exposed, after passing Crete, or even its central promontory, Cape Matala, to the full force of the northwest gales. About two miles to the east of the promon...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled to pieces ... commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force, &amp;c.--**This shows that the commandant was not himself present, and further, that instead of the Sanhedrim trying the cause, the proceedings quickly consisted in the one party attempting to seize the prisoner, and the other to protect him.

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, the fast: the fast was on the tenth day of the seventh month

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When much time was spent</strong> and <strong>sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past</strong>—The 'fast' (νηστεία, <em>nesteia</em>) refers to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), occurring in late September/early October. Ancient Mediterranean navigation ceased from mid-September to mid-March due to seasonal storms and poor visibility. Luke's nautical precision sho...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Because the fast was now already past.**—The Fast was the Jewish Day of Atonement, which fell on the tenth of Tisri (in that year, September 24th), the seventh month of the Jewish ecclesiastical year. The sailing season with the Jews was reckoned from the Feast of Pentecost to that of Tabernacles, which fell five days after the Fast. Roman reckoning gave a somewhat wider range,* sc., *from t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ac 23:11-35. In the Fortress Paul Is Cheered by a Night Vision--An Infamous Conspiracy to Assassinate Him Is Providentially Defeated, and He Is Despatched by Night with a Letter from the Commandant to Felix at Cæsarea, by Whom Arrangements Are Made for a Hearing of His Cause. **11. the night following--**his heart perhaps sinking, in the solitude of his barrack ward, and thinking perhaps that all...
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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. hurt: or, injury

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>I perceive</strong> (θεωρῶ, <em>theōrō</em>)—Paul's verb suggests careful observation and spiritual insight, not mere opinion. His warning specified <strong>hurt and much damage</strong> (ὕβρεως καὶ πολλῆς ζημίας, <em>hybreōs kai pollēs zēmias</em>)—violence and great loss, not only to cargo (<strong>the lading</strong>) and ship, but to <strong>our lives</strong> (τῶν ψυχῶν, <em>tōn psych...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt.**—The tone is clearly that of a man who speaks more from the foresight gained by observation than from a direct supernatural prediction. St. Paul had had, it will be remembered, the experience of three shipwrecks (2Corinthians 11:25), and the Epistle to Titus, though probably written later, shows an acquaintance with Crete which suggests ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-14. bound themselves under a curse ... that they would neither eat ... fill they had killed Paul--**Compare 2Sa 3:35; 1Sa 14:24.

Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul</strong>—A tragic choice prioritizing professional expertise over prophetic warning. The 'master' (κυβερνήτης, <em>kybernētēs</em>, pilot/helmsman) and 'owner' (ναύκληρος, <em>nauklēros</em>) had navigational authority and financial interest in continuing. Human nature defaults to ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Nevertheless the centurion believed the master.**—Better, *the pilot.* The word is the same as that translated “ship-master,” in Revelation 18:17. The advice was, we may believe, determined by the fact that there was a better harbour but a few miles further on the coast. Could they not press on thither and be safe for the winter? It was natural that the centurion should trust to them as exp...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-14. bound themselves under a curse ... that they would neither eat ... fill they had killed Paul--**Compare 2Sa 3:35; 1Sa 14:24.

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 Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The haven was not commodious to winter in</strong>—Fair Havens (modern Kaloi Limenes) lacked protection from northwest winds and had inadequate facilities for a large grain ship's crew during months of inactivity. <strong>The more part advised to depart</strong>—democratic consensus is not divine guidance. The majority chose economic calculation over prophetic warning. <strong>Phenice</str...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **And because the haven was not commodious to winter in . . .**—The anchorage in the Fair Havens, while it gave immediate shelter from the north-west gales, was open to those from other points of the compass, and it was therefore decided by the majority (there would seem to have been something like a vote taken on the question) to press on and face the immediate risk for the sake of the more ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-14. bound themselves under a curse ... that they would neither eat ... fill they had killed Paul--**Compare 2Sa 3:35; 1Sa 14:24.

The Storm at Sea

And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When the south wind blew softly</strong>—The gentle <em>notos</em> (south wind) seemed to confirm their plan's wisdom, a common deception when circumstances appear to validate wrong choices. <strong>Supposing that they had obtained their purpose</strong> (δόξαντες τῆς προθέσεως κεκρατηκέναι, <em>doxantes tēs protheseōs kekratēkenai</em>)—'thinking they had mastered their objective.' Human ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **And when the south wind blew softly.**—There was a change at once in the force and the direction of the wind. With a gentle and favourable breeze from the south, the pilot and the owner thought that all was smooth sailing, and the ship left the Fair Havens and made across the bay, a distance of thirty-four miles, for Phænice. They still, however, hugged the coast, as afraid to venture too f...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15. Now ... ye with the council signify to the chief captain ... as though, &amp;c.--**That these high ecclesiastics fell in readily with this infamous plot is clear. What will not unscrupulous and hypocritical religionists do under the mask of religion? The narrative bears unmistakable internal marks of truth. **or ever he come near--**Their plan was to assassinate him on his way down from th...
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But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. arose: or, beat

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon</strong>—The abrupt shift from gentle south wind to violent northeaster proves nature's treachery and man's helplessness. 'Euroclydon' (Εὐρακύλων, <em>Eurakylōn</em>, in better manuscripts) combines 'eurus' (east wind) and Latin 'aquilo' (north wind)—a northeaster, the Mediterranean's most dangerous storm. <str...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **There arose** **against it . . .**—The Greek pronoun is in the feminine, and as the noun used for ship is, throughout the narrative, in the neuter, the difference of gender presents a difficulty. Grammatically the pronoun seems to refer to Crete, and if referred to it, the sentence admits of three possible constructions: (1) the wind *drove us against* Crete; or (2), *blew against* Crete; o...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-22. Paul's sister's son--**(See on Ac 9:30). If he was at this time residing at Jerusalem for his education, like Paul himself, he may have got at the schools those hints of the conspiracy on which he so promptly acted.

And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive .

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind</strong>—The Greek ἀντοφθαλμεῖν (<em>antophthalmein</em>, 'face into') suggests the ship couldn't turn its bow into the wind, the safest storm position. <strong>We let her drive</strong> (ἐπιδόντες ἐφερόμεθα, <em>epidontes epherometha</em>)—'giving way, we were carried along.' Human control surrendered to nature's violence. Luke...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **And could not bear up into the wind.**—The Greek verb is literally, “to look into the wind’s eye,” to *face* the wind. The figure is a sufficiently natural one in all languages; but it perhaps received additional vividness from the fact that a large eye was commonly painted on the prow of Greek vessels. The practice is still not unusual in Mediterranean boats. Assuming the direction of the ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-22. Paul's sister's son--**(See on Ac 9:30). If he was at this time residing at Jerusalem for his education, like Paul himself, he may have got at the schools those hints of the conspiracy on which he so promptly acted.

And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Running under a certain island which is called Clauda</strong>—The small island (modern Gavdos) 23 miles south of Crete provided brief shelter (its lee side). <strong>We had much work to come by the boat</strong> (μόλις ἰσχύσαμεν περικρατεῖς γενέσθαι τῆς σκάφης, <em>molis ischysamen perikrateis genesthai tēs skaphēs</em>)—'with difficulty we got control of the ship's boat.' The skiff, norm...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **And running under a certain island which is called Clauda.**—Some MSS. give the various-reading Cauda, which agrees more closely with the form Gaudos found in Pliny and Suidas. This, in its turn, has passed into the modern *Gozzo.* The island lay about twenty-three miles to the south-west of Crete. Here they got under the lee of the shore, and availed themselves of the temporary shelter to ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-22. Paul's sister's son--**(See on Ac 9:30). If he was at this time residing at Jerusalem for his education, like Paul himself, he may have got at the schools those hints of the conspiracy on which he so promptly acted.

Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>They used helps, undergirding the ship</strong>—The 'helps' (βοηθείαις, <em>boētheiais</em>) were cables passed under the hull to prevent timbers from separating under wave stress, called 'frapping.' <strong>Fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands</strong>—the Syrtis (Σύρτιν, <em>Syrtin</em>), two shallow sandbars off Libya's coast where ships grounded and broke apart. Their terr...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **They used helps, undergirding the ship.**—The word “helps” answers to what we should call “precautions,” or “remedial measures.” The process described, technically known as “frapping,” consisted in carrying a strong cable several times round the ship from stem to stern, so as to keep the planks from starting, and guard against the consequent leakage. The practice has always been a common on...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-22. Paul's sister's son--**(See on Ac 9:30). If he was at this time residing at Jerusalem for his education, like Paul himself, he may have got at the schools those hints of the conspiracy on which he so promptly acted.

And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship ;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>We being exceedingly tossed with a tempest</strong>—The Greek σφοδρῶς χειμαζομένων (<em>sphodrōs cheimazomenōn</em>) means 'violently storm-tossed,' conveying relentless battering. <strong>The next day they lightened the ship</strong> (ἐκβολὴν ἐποιοῦντο, <em>ekbolēn epoiounto</em>, 'they made a throwing out')—jettisoning cargo, likely the wheat destined for Rome. Economically catastrophic,...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **The next day they lightened the ship.**—St. Luke uses the technical term for throwing the bulk of the cargo overboard. They effected, in this way, the relief of the ship from the imminent danger of sinking. The act shows that, in spite of the undergirding, leakage was still going on. The cargo, as coming from Alexandria, probably consisted largely of corn; but see Note on Acts 27:38.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-22. Paul's sister's son--**(See on Ac 9:30). If he was at this time residing at Jerusalem for his education, like Paul himself, he may have got at the schools those hints of the conspiracy on which he so promptly acted.

And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>We cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship</strong>—Desperation drives even passengers to jettison the ship's gear (Greek <em>skeuē</em>, equipment/tackle). The phrase 'with our own hands' (αὐτόχειρες) emphasizes personal participation in survival efforts, not just sailors' work. Luke's eyewitness detail captures the intensity: first the cargo (v. 18), now essential tackle—spa...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **We cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.**—The better MSS. give the third person plural, and not the first. If we accept the Received text, the fact that the passengers as well as the crew were pressed into the service indicates the urgency of the peril; but even with the other reading, the words describe the prompt spontaneous action caused by a strong sense of danger. The ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-22. Paul's sister's son--**(See on Ac 9:30). If he was at this time residing at Jerusalem for his education, like Paul himself, he may have got at the schools those hints of the conspiracy on which he so promptly acted.

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When neither sun nor stars in many days appeared</strong>—Without celestial navigation, ancient sailors were utterly lost. The Greek <em>epikeimenēs</em> (lay on us) pictures the tempest's oppressive weight. <strong>All hope that we should be saved was then taken away</strong> (περιῃρεῖτο)—passive voice indicates hope was stripped from them by circumstances, not merely abandoned. This nadi...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **When neither sun nor stars in many days appeared.**—We have to remember that before the invention of the compass the sun and stars were the only guides of sailors who were out of sight of land. Now the sky was over-cast and this guidance failed. The ship was driving, but whither they knew not. **All hope that we should be saved was then taken away.**—Better, *finally, *or *at last.* The fai...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**16-22. Paul's sister's son--**(See on Ac 9:30). If he was at this time residing at Jerusalem for his education, like Paul himself, he may have got at the schools those hints of the conspiracy on which he so promptly acted.

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs , ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

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KJV Study Commentary

Paul's address <strong>after long abstinence</strong> (πολλῆς ἀσιτίας, extended fasting) shows the physical toll of prolonged crisis—seasickness, fear, and despair killed appetites. His reminder <strong>ye should have hearkened unto me</strong> recalls his earlier warning at Fair Havens (v. 10), establishing prophetic credibility before making new promises. The phrase <strong>gained this harm and ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **After long abstinence . . .**—We find from Acts 27:35-38 that there was still a fair supply of food on board, but. as they could not tell how long it might be before they reached a harbour, the crew, amounting, with passengers, to two hundred and seventy-six men (Acts 27:37), had been naturally put on reduced rations, and the storm, and the sacrifice which they had been obliged to make of a...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23-24. two hundred soldiers--**a formidable guard for such an occasion; but Roman officials felt their honor concerned in the preservation of the public peace, and the danger of an attempted rescue would seem to require it. The force at Jerusalem was large enough to spare this convoy. **the third hour of the night--**nine o'clock.

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>I exhort you to be of good cheer</strong> (παρακαλῶ, I encourage/urge you)—Paul shifts from gentle rebuke to pastoral comfort. The Greek <em>euthymeō</em> (be cheerful) meant courage in adversity, not superficial happiness. His promise <strong>no loss of any man's life... but of the ship</strong> seems impossible given their circumstances, yet rests on divine revelation, not optimism. This...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **And now I exhort you to be of good cheer.**—Look and tone, we may well believe, helped the words. It was something in that scene of misery and dejection to see one man stand forward with a brave, calm confidence. **For there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you.**—The quiet courage of the speaker’s tone must at once have struck the listeners, even before they heard the grounds on wh...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**23-24. two hundred soldiers--**a formidable guard for such an occasion; but Roman officials felt their honor concerned in the preservation of the public peace, and the danger of an attempted rescue would seem to require it. The force at Jerusalem was large enough to spare this convoy. **the third hour of the night--**nine o'clock.

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>There stood by me this night the angel of God</strong>—Direct angelic visitation confirms Paul's apostolic authority and mission's divine importance. His description <strong>whose I am, and whom I serve</strong> (οὗ εἰμι ἐγὼ ᾧ καὶ λατρεύω) reveals covenant relationship: belonging to God precedes serving God. The Greek <em>latreuō</em> denotes priestly worship-service, elevating even prison...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **For there stood by me this night . . .**—With most others of the enthusiastic type of character, visions, real or supposed, of messengers from the unseen world have produced terror and agitation. With St. Paul they are the source of a calm strength and presence of mind which he is able, in his turn, to impress on others. **Whose I am, and whom I serve.**—The service implied is that of worsh...
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Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar</strong>—The divine 'must' (δεῖ, it is necessary) signals prophetic inevitability, echoing Jesus' passion predictions. Paul's Roman trial serves God's purposes for gospel advance, not merely political events. The stunning addition: <strong>God hath given thee all them that sail with thee</strong> (κεχάρισται, has graciously granted)—276 li...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **Fear not, Paul.**—The words obviously came as an answer to the prayer, prompted by the fear, not of death or danger in itself, but lest the cherished purpose of his heart should be frustrated when it seemed on the very verge of attainment. The words that follow imply that his prayer had not been bounded by his own interests, but had included those who were sharing the danger with him. We ar...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26-30. Claudius--**the Roman name he would take on purchasing his citizenship. **Lysias--**his Greek family name. **the most excellent governor--**an honorary title of office.

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer</strong> (εὐθυμεῖτε, <em>euthymeite</em>)—Paul uses the imperative form meaning "take courage" or "be cheerful," the same root Jesus used in John 16:33 (<em>tharseite</em>). Despite being a prisoner, Paul speaks with apostolic authority to seasoned sailors and Roman soldiers.<br><br><strong>For I believe God</strong> (πιστεύω γὰρ τῷ θεῷ, <em>pisteuō gar tō...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26-30. Claudius--**the Roman name he would take on purchasing his citizenship. **Lysias--**his Greek family name. **the most excellent governor--**an honorary title of office.

Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island</strong>—The divine 'must' (δεῖ) reappears, confirming God's specific plan includes shipwreck on Malta (revealed in v. 28:1). This precision validates Paul's prophetic word: not vague hope but detailed foreknowledge. The Greek <em>ekpesein</em> (be cast upon) suggests violent landing, yet within God's sovereignty. Divine purpose doesn't elimina...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **We must be cast upon a certain island.**—This had clearly formed part of the special revelation that had been granted to the Apostle. It was more than a conjecture, and the “must” was emphasised as by a prophetic insight into the future.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26-30. Claudius--**the Roman name he would take on purchasing his citizenship. **Lysias--**his Greek family name. **the most excellent governor--**an honorary title of office.

The Shipwreck

But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When the fourteenth night was come</strong>—Luke's precise chronology (two weeks of terror) emphasizes the ordeal's duration and validates his eyewitness account. <strong>Driven up and down in Adria</strong> (διαφερομένων, being carried through) pictures helpless drifting across open sea. The Greek middle voice suggests passive helplessness. <strong>About midnight the shipmen deemed that t...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **When the fourteenth night was come.**—The time is apparently reckoned from their leaving the Fair Havens. (Comp. Acts 27:18-19; Acts 27:33.) **As we were driven up and down in Adria.**——The name was used as including more than the Gulf of Venice, to which the name Adriatic has been confined by more recent geographers. So Ptolemy (iii. 16) speaks of the Adria as washing the south coast of th...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26-30. Claudius--**the Roman name he would take on purchasing his citizenship. **Lysias--**his Greek family name. **the most excellent governor--**an honorary title of office.

And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms</strong>—The Greek <em>bolisantes</em> (having taken soundings) describes dropping a weighted lead line to measure depth. Twenty fathoms (120 feet) confirmed approaching land. <strong>When they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms</strong>—decreasing depth from twenty to fifteen fathoms proved they neared shore...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **Twenty fathoms.**—The Greek noun so rendered was defined as the length of the outstretched arms from hand to hand, including the chest. It was reckoned as equal to four cubits—*i.e., *to about six feet—and is therefore fairly represented by our “fathom.” The soundings here given agree with those that have actually been taken among the breakers off Cape Koura.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**26-30. Claudius--**the Roman name he would take on purchasing his citizenship. **Lysias--**his Greek family name. **the most excellent governor--**an honorary title of office.

Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks , they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks</strong>—Malta's coastline combined sandy beaches with treacherous rocky outcrops. Grounding on rocks meant certain destruction; sandy beach offered survival hope. <strong>They cast four anchors out of the stern</strong>—normally anchors deployed from the bow, but stern anchors held the ship's head seaward, preventing beam-to-breakers orientati...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **Fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks.**—Literally, *upon rough places*—the reefs of rock which were indicated by the breakers and by the diminished depth of water. **They cast four anchors out of the stern.**—It was no unusual thing for a ship to be furnished with this complement of anchors. So Cæsar describes his ships as being secured with four anchors each (*Bell. Civ.* i. 25). ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**31-32. brought him ... to Antipatris--**nearly forty miles from Jerusalem, on the way to Cæsarea; so named by Herod in honor of his father, Antipater.

And as the shipmen 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 foreship,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The shipmen were about to flee out of the ship</strong>—The sailors' attempted desertion reveals self-preservation instinct overriding duty and divine promise. The Greek <em>nautai</em> (sailors) were experienced seamen, yet panic eclipsed professional responsibility. Their deception <strong>under colour as though they would have cast anchors</strong> shows how crisis exposes character—rel...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **And as the shipmen were about to flee . . .**—The hour of danger called out the natural instinct of self-preservation, to the exclusion of better feelings. It was easy for the sailors to urge that the ship needed anchors fore as well as aft, and, while pretending to be occupied about this, to lower the boat which they had before hoisted on deck (Acts 27:16), and so effect their escape. The ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**31-32. brought him ... to Antipatris--**nearly forty miles from Jerusalem, on the way to Cæsarea; so named by Herod in honor of his father, Antipater.

Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved</strong>—Paul's warning that salvation required the sailors' presence demonstrates conditional divine promises. The Greek <em>sōthēnai</em> (be saved) here means physical deliverance, yet illustrates the theological principle that God's promises demand human cooperation. God had promised (v. 24) no loss of life, but this didn't make human ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **Except these abide in the ship . . .**—We need hardly embarrass ourselves with the question how far the divine promise was dependent on the contingency thus specified. Prompt vigour, and clear discernment of what was needed on the instant, spoke out in the Apostle’s words. The assurance that had been graciously given was to be realised, not by the apathy of a blind fatalism, but by man’s co...
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Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat</strong>—Decisive action prevented disaster. The soldiers' immediate obedience to Paul (via the centurion) contrasts sharply with the sailors' deception. This military discipline saved all 276 lives aboard. The Greek <em>apekopsan</em> (cut off) implies swift, irreversible action—no time for debate when survival required instant obedience.<br...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat.**—The act had to be the work of an instant. The boat was already lowered, the sailors were on the point of leaping into it. We can picture their mortification on finding their selfish plat at once detected and frustrated. Even in this, however, there was a new element of danger. Men, under such circumstances, were likely to be sullen and unwi...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**34-35. asked of what province he was--**the letter describing him as a Roman citizen.

And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>While the day was coming on</strong>—Paul seized the psychological moment between darkness and dawn to address the ship's crisis. <strong>This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting</strong> emphasizes sustained distress; the Greek <em>asitoi</em> (without food) suggests anxiety-induced inability to eat, not religious fasting. Two weeks of terror had depleted ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) **Paul besought them all to take meat.**—Better, *to take food;* and so in the next verse. Once again the practical insight of the Apostle—yet more, perhaps, his kindly human sympathy—comes prominently forward. Soldiers and sailors needed something that would draw them together after the incident just narrated. All were liable at once to the despair and the irritability caused by exhaustion. ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**34-35. asked of what province he was--**the letter describing him as a Roman citizen.

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>This is for your health</strong> (Greek <em>sōtērias</em>, salvation/preservation)—Paul connected eating with survival. The same word used for spiritual salvation here means physical deliverance, showing Scripture's holistic anthropology. <strong>There shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you</strong> quotes proverbial language (1 Samuel 14:45, Luke 21:18) emphasizing God's metic...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **This is for your health.**—Better, *safety, *or *preservation.* The Greek word is not that commonly translated “health,” and the translators seem to have used it in the wider sense which it had in older English. So, for example, in Wiclif’s version, “the knowledge of salvation” in Luke 1:77 appears as “the science of health.” Wiclif has “health” here also, and is followed by all the chief E...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>He took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all</strong>—Paul's public thanksgiving transformed a meal into witness. The Greek <em>eucharistēsas</em> (gave thanks) recalls Jesus' Last Supper actions and feeding miracles. Though not a communion service, Paul's blessing demonstrated that <strong>in presence of them all</strong>—pagans included—God deserved gratitude.<br><br><st...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(35) **He took bread, and gave thanks to God.**—The act was a common practice of devout Jews at the beginning and the end of meals. (See Note on Matthew 14:9.) To the heathen soldiers and sailors it was probably altogether new, and at such a moment must have been singularly impressive. The act of “breaking bread,” though in itself not more than the natural incident of such a meal, must at least ha...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 24 Ac 24:1-27. Paul, Accused by a Professional Pleader before Felix, Makes His Defense, and Is Remanded for a Further Hearing. At a Private Interview Felix Trembles under Paul's Preaching, but Keeps Him Prisoner for Two Years, When He Was Succeeded by Festus. **1. after five days--**or, on the fifth day from their departure from Jerusalem. **Ananias ... with the elders--**a deputation o...
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Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then were they all of good cheer</strong>—Paul's example was contagious. The Greek <em>euthumoi genomoi</em> (became cheerful) indicates emotional transformation from despair to hope. One man's faith shifted an entire ship's atmosphere. <strong>They also took some meat</strong> shows practical result—courage enabled appetite. Fear had prevented eating (v. 33); now confidence restored norma...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) **Then were they all of good cheer.**—The words present a striking contrast to the despair of Acts 27:20. The hearty cheerfulness (is it too colloquial a phrase to say the “pluck”?) of the Apostle had communicated itself, as by a kind of electric sympathy, to his companions. They looked to him as their friend and leader, and had spirits to eat once more.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2-4. Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, &amp;c.--**In this fulsome flattery there was a semblance of truth: nothing more. Felix acted with a degree of vigor and success in suppressing lawless violence [Josephus, Antiquities, 20.8.4; confirmed by Tacitus, Annals, 12.54]. **by thy providence--**a phrase applied to the administration of the emperors.

And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Two hundred threescore and sixteen souls</strong> (276 total)—Luke's precise enumeration serves multiple purposes. The specific number validates eyewitness testimony; ancient writers rarely provided exact counts unless personally present. <strong>Souls</strong> (Greek <em>psuchai</em>) emphasizes each person's value to God—not a faceless mass but 276 individuals whose lives mattered. The a...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(37) **And we were in all in the ship . . .**—The number is given here, either as a fact that had been omitted before, and was not without its interest, or probably because then for the first time, when they were all gathered at their meal, the writer had taken the pains to count them. A man does not commonly count the number of passengers on board a ship until there is some special occasion, and ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2-4. Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, &amp;c.--**In this fulsome flattery there was a semblance of truth: nothing more. Felix acted with a degree of vigor and success in suppressing lawless violence [Josephus, Antiquities, 20.8.4; confirmed by Tacitus, Annals, 12.54]. **by thy providence--**a phrase applied to the administration of the emperors.

And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.</strong> This verse describes a critical moment during Paul's voyage to Rome. The Greek word for "eaten enough" (<em>korennymi</em>, κορέννυμι) means to be satisfied or filled, indicating they ate to full strength after days of fasting due to the storm. This meal followed Paul's prophetic encourag...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(38) **And when they had eaten enough . . .**—More accurately, *when they were filled with food.* The words describe a full and hearty meal. The first effect of this was seen in renewed activity for work. In spite of all that had been done before (Acts 27:18-19), the ship still needed to be lightened. The tense implies a process of some continuance. The “wheat” which they now cast out may have bee...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2-4. Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, &amp;c.--**In this fulsome flattery there was a semblance of truth: nothing more. Felix acted with a degree of vigor and success in suppressing lawless violence [Josephus, Antiquities, 20.8.4; confirmed by Tacitus, Annals, 12.54]. **by thy providence--**a phrase applied to the administration of the emperors.

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 possible, to thrust in the ship.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When it was day, they knew not the land</strong>—Daylight revealed unfamiliar coastline. The Greek <em>epegīnōskon</em> (recognized) indicates the sailors, despite Mediterranean experience, didn't recognize this location. Yet they <strong>discovered a certain creek with a shore</strong>—God's providence provided ideal landing. The <em>kolpon</em> (bay/creek) with beach offered protected wa...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(39) **They knew not the land.**—It was, of course, probable enough that some at least of the sailors had been at Malta before; but St. Paul’s Bay, which we assume to be the point they had now reached, was remote from the Great Harbour, now that of *Valetta, *into which ships commonly sailed, and may therefore well have remained unknown to them. **A certain creek with a shore.**—Better, *having a ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5-8. a pestilent fellow--**a plague, or pest. **and a mover of sedition among all the Jews--**by exciting disturbances among them. **throughout the world--**(See on Lu 2:1). This was the first charge; and true only in the sense explained on Ac 16:20. **a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes--**the second charge; and true enough.

And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. taken: or, cut the anchors, they left them in the sea

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>When they had taken up the anchors</strong>—The Greek <em>perielontes</em> (casting off) suggests they cut or released anchors rather than retrieving them, prioritizing speed over salvage. <strong>They committed themselves unto the sea</strong> captures desperate faith—no turning back. <strong>Loosed the rudder bands</strong> indicates previously lashed steering oars (ancient ships used si...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(40) **And when they had taken up the anchors.**—Better, *And when they had cleared away* (or, *cut off*)* the anchors, they let them go into the sea.* It is obvious that nothing would have been gained at such a juncture by encumbering the ship, which they were anxious to lighten as much as possible, with the weight of the four anchors. The meaning given above is accordingly more in harmony with t...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5-8. a pestilent fellow--**a plague, or pest. **and a mover of sedition among all the Jews--**by exciting disturbances among them. **throughout the world--**(See on Lu 2:1). This was the first charge; and true only in the sense explained on Ac 16:20. **a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes--**the second charge; and true enough.

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Falling into a place where two seas met</strong>—The nautical term (τόπον διθάλασσον, topon dithalasson) describes a reef or sandbar where currents converge. Archaeological research identifies this as Malta's St. Paul's Bay, where a muddy channel between Salmonetta promontory and the island creates exactly such conditions. <strong>The forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the h...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(41) **And falling into a place where two seas met.**—Better, *But falling, *as in contrast with the attempt described in the previous verse. At the west end of St. Paul’s Bay lies the island of Salmonetta. From their place of anchorage the crew could not have seen that it was an island, and in trying to run the ship on the beach they grounded on a mud-bank between the small island and the coast. ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5-8. a pestilent fellow--**a plague, or pest. **and a mover of sedition among all the Jews--**by exciting disturbances among them. **throughout the world--**(See on Lu 2:1). This was the first charge; and true only in the sense explained on Ac 16:20. **a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes--**the second charge; and true enough.

And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.

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KJV Study Commentary

This verse captures a pivotal moment in Paul's shipwreck narrative, revealing the brutal pragmatism of Roman military culture. The Greek word <strong>βουλή</strong> (boulē, 'counsel' or 'plan') indicates a deliberate, strategic decision rather than a spontaneous reaction. The soldiers' proposal to kill the prisoners reflects their accountability under Roman law—guards who allowed prisoners to esca...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(42) **And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners.**—The vigour of Roman law, which inflicted capital punishment on those who were in charge of prisoners and suffered them to escape (see Notes on Acts 12:19; Acts 16:27), must be remembered, as explaining the apparently wanton cruelty of the proposal. In putting the prisoners to death the soldiers saw the only chance of escaping death them...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5-8. a pestilent fellow--**a plague, or pest. **and a mover of sedition among all the Jews--**by exciting disturbances among them. **throughout the world--**(See on Lu 2:1). This was the first charge; and true only in the sense explained on Ac 16:20. **a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes--**the second charge; and true enough.

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:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose</strong>—As Paul's ship wrecks off Malta, soldiers plan to kill prisoners to prevent escape (Roman law executed guards whose prisoners escaped). The centurion Julius, however, βουλόμενος διασῶσαι τὸν Παῦλον (<em>boulomenos diasōsai ton Paulon</em>, 'wanting to bring Paul safely through'), intervenes. The verb ἐκώλυσεν (<...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(43) **But the centurion, willing to save Paul.**—Better, *wishing, *as expressing a stronger desire than the sense of mere acquiescence which has come to be attached to “willing.” The Apostle had, we have seen, from the outset gained the respect of the centurion Julius (Acts 27:1). The courage and thoughtfulness of the night that had just passed was likely to have turned that respect into somethi...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9. the Jews assented, &amp;c.--**See on Ac 23:15.

And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship . And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship</strong>—After those who could swim reached shore (v. 43), the remaining survivors used wreckage: ἐπὶ σανίσιν (<em>epi sanisin</em>, 'on planks') and ἐπί τινων τῶν ἀπὸ τοῦ πλοίου (<em>epi tinōn tōn apo tou ploiou</em>, 'on some things from the ship'). <strong>And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land</stro...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(44) **And the rest, some on boards . . .**—These were probably planks from the decks. The words “broken pieces are not in the Greek, but fairly express its force. Literally, *on some of the things from the ship.* These might, it is obvious, have been pieces of timber from the bulwarks, loose spars, tables, stools, and the like. **Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSu...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10. thou hast been many years a judge to this nation--**He had been in this province for six or seven years, and in Galilee for a longer period. Paul uses no flattery, but simply expresses his satisfaction at having to plead before one whose long official experience of Jewish matters would enable him the better to understand and appreciate what he had to say.

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