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Acts 27

44 verses

TL;DR

Paul and his companions face a disastrous storm and shipwreck while sailing to Italy, but divine intervention keeps them alive.

Summary

Paul, a prisoner, is set to sail to Italy aboard a ship commanded by a centurion named Julius. Their voyage takes them past Cyprus, Cilicia, Pamphylia, and Myra, where they encounter a severe storm that drives the ship toward the coast of Crete. Despite the crew’s attempts to escape the tempest, the vessel is wrecked on a rocky shore; Paul prays for the safety of all aboard and, guided by an angelic promise, urges the men to abandon the ship and head for land. The soldiers initially plan to kill the prisoners, but the centurion defends Paul and allows the crew to escape by swimming or clinging to the wreckage. Ultimately everyone survives, having been delivered from the perilous waters.

Outline
  1. Departure and early voyage
  2. Storm, shipwreck, and divine assurance
  3. Rescue, abandonment of ship, and safe landing
Themes
Faith in crisisDivine protection amid natural disasterLeadership and responsibility
Keywords
voyagestormshipwreckanchorprayerfaithleadership
People
PaulJuliusAristarchuscenturion (unnamed)soldiersshipmenangel of God
Places
ItalyAdramyttiumSidonCyprusCiliciaPamphyliaMyraCnidusCreteLaseaPheniceAdria
Things
shipanchorsailwheatbreadboatstormangel
Key Verses
  • Acts 27:15: Describes the ship losing its sail and being unable to stand the wind, illustrating the severity of the storm.
  • Acts 27:23: Paul declares that an angel assured him they would not be lost, showing divine promise.
  • Acts 27:44: Paul urges the men to abandon the ship to save their lives, highlighting his leadership and concern.
Questions
  • How does Paul’s exhortation to remain hopeful illustrate leadership in crisis?
  • What does the shipwreck reveal about the vulnerability of human plans versus divine providence?
  • In what ways does the centurion’s decision to protect the prisoners reflect Christian values?
Sentiment

mixed
A blend of fear and hope; tension of the storm, but ultimate reassurance through divine presence.