King James Version

What Does Acts 27:1 Mean?

Acts 27:1 in the King James Version says “And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one name...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Acts 27:1 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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' band.

2

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.

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 .

Read Acts 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When it was determined that we should sail into Italy—Luke's "we" marks his personal presence on Paul's journey to Rome. The Greek ekrithē (ἐκρίθη, "it was determined") indicates official Roman decision, yet reveals divine sovereignty directing Paul's long-anticipated Roman ministry. They delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. The title speira Sebastē (σπείρα Σεβαστή, "Augustan cohort") was an elite imperial unit. Julius's later kindness to Paul (vv. 3, 43) suggests God providentially placed a sympathetic officer in charge.

Paul's prisoner status fulfilled Christ's prophecy: "thou must bear witness also at Rome" (Acts 23:11). What appeared to be defeat—chains, trial, custody—actually advanced gospel purposes. Reformed theology emphasizes God's sovereignty over human affairs: Roman imperial machinery unknowingly served divine ends, transporting the gospel's greatest missionary to empire's heart at state expense. Paul's arrival in Rome would fulfill his long-cherished desire (Romans 1:10-15, 15:22-29), though not as envisioned.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This voyage began around AD 59 from Caesarea after Paul's two-year imprisonment (Acts 24:27). The "Augustan cohort" may have been an auxiliary unit tasked with official communications and prisoner transport. Sea travel dominated Mediterranean commerce and military movement. Autumn sailing (this departed late in the season, v. 9) was notoriously dangerous—ancient ships lacked compasses, relied on coastal navigation, and feared winter storms.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's arrival in Rome as a prisoner rather than a free missionary challenge your expectations of how God answers prayers?
  2. What does God's use of Roman imperial structures to advance the gospel teach about His sovereignty over earthly powers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Ὡς1 of 22

“when”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ2 of 22

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐκρίθη3 of 22

“it was determined”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

τοῦ4 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀποπλεῖν5 of 22

“should sail”

G636

to set sail

ἡμᾶς6 of 22

“that we”

G2248

us

εἰς7 of 22

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν8 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰταλίαν9 of 22

“Italy”

G2482

italia, a region of europe

παρεδίδουν10 of 22

“they delivered”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

τόν11 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τε12 of 22
G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

Παῦλον13 of 22

“Paul”

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

καί14 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τινας15 of 22

“certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἑτέρους16 of 22

“other”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

δεσμώτας17 of 22

“prisoners”

G1202

(passively) a captive

ἑκατοντάρχῃ18 of 22

“a centurion”

G1543

the captain of one hundred men

ὀνόματι19 of 22

“unto one named”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

Ἰουλίῳ20 of 22

“Julius”

G2457

julius, a centurion

σπείρης21 of 22

“band”

G4686

a coil (spira, "spire"), i.e., (figuratively) a mass of men (a roman military cohort; also (by analogy) a squad of levitical janitors)

Σεβαστῆς22 of 22

“of Augustus”

G4575

venerable (august), i.e., (as noun) a title of the roman emperor, or (as adjective) imperial

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 27:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 27:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 25:25Acts 10:1Acts 25:12Acts 27:11Acts 18:2Hebrews 13:24

Places in This Verse

ItalyRegion · Modern: Rome · 41.89°N, 12.49°E4 verses across 2 books
View all places in Acts 27 →

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