Acts 27 11

Acts 27:11 kjv

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

Acts 27:11 nkjv

Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.

Acts 27:11 niv

But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.

Acts 27:11 esv

But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said.

Acts 27:11 nlt

But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship's captain and the owner than to Paul.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 11 Meaning

The centurion, acting on the advice of the sailors and the shipmaster, ordered Paul to be taken to Alexandria to over-winter. This decision reflects the practical judgment of the maritime professionals regarding the safe passage of the ship, overriding Paul's prophetic warning about impending disaster.

Acts 27 11 Context

This verse occurs during Paul's voyage to Rome as a prisoner. They have reached the Fair Havens on the coast of Crete. A perilous season for sailing in the Mediterranean has arrived. Paul advises against continuing the journey, foreseeing shipwreck and loss. However, the centurion in charge of the prisoners, Julius, sides with the ship's master and owner, who believe they can reach Alexandria, a more sheltered harbor, to winter. This decision is made based on maritime experience and the desire for a better harbor, overriding the prophetic word spoken by Paul. The outcome of this decision will be the catastrophic storm described in the subsequent verses.

Acts 27 11 Word Analysis

• δὲ (de): but, and, moreover. A conjunctive particle connecting this verse to the preceding one, showing a contrast or continuation of the narrative.
• ἐπεπίστευε (epepisteue): believed, was persuaded. Imperfect tense indicating a continuous state of belief or trust.
• τῷ (tō): the (dative case, masculine singular). Used with 'Centurion'.
• ἑκατοντάρχῃ (hekatontarchē): centurion. A military officer in command of about 100 men.
• τῷ (tō): the (dative case, masculine singular). Used with 'master'.
• ναυκλήρῳ (nauklērō): owner of a ship (a freighter, as distinguished from a warship); shipmaster. Here likely referring to the shipowner.
• καὶ (kai): and. A common coordinating conjunction.
• τῇ (tē): the (dative case, feminine singular). Used with 'counsel'.
• βουλῇ (boulē): counsel, advice, purpose, will. Referring to the judgment or advice given.
• τῶν (tōn): the (genitive plural). Used with 'sailors'.
• πλοιάρχου (ploiarchou): shipmaster, captain. The one in charge of navigating and commanding the ship.
• μᾶλλον (mallon): rather, more. Comparative adverb indicating preference.
• ἤ (ē): than. Used in comparisons.
• τῶν (tōn): the (genitive plural). Used with 'things'.
• λαλουμένων (laloumenōn): being spoken. Present passive participle, indicating things that were currently being spoken.
• ὑπὸ (hypo): by (used with genitive). Indicates the agent.
• τοῦ (tou): the (genitive singular). Used with 'Paul'.
• Παύλου (Paūlou): Paul.

Group by words analysis:

• τῷ ἑκατοντάρχῃ (tō hekatontarchē): "the centurion" - Highlights the authority figure making the final decision. His military role implies discipline and command.
• τῷ ναυκλήρῳ καὶ τῇ βουλῇ τῶν πλοιάρχου (tō nauklērō kai tē boulē tōn ploiarchou): "the owner and the counsel of the shipmaster" - Represents the maritime expertise and practical concerns of those navigating the sea.
• μᾶλλον ἤ (mallon ē): "more than" - This comparative construction is key, showing a clear preference.
• τῶν λαλουμένων ὑπὸ τοῦ Παύλου (tōn laloumenōn hypo tou Paūlou): "those things which were spoken by Paul" - Refers to Paul's prophetic warning, setting up the conflict between human wisdom and divine revelation.

Acts 27 11 Bonus Section

This event also illustrates the concept of shared responsibility in decision-making, and how leadership can be influenced by perceived practical benefits. While Julius had ultimate authority, he consulted and was influenced by the ship’s professionals. This mirrors situations where believers might be swayed by popular opinion or practical advice from worldly sources, even when that advice contradicts godly counsel or clear warnings. The faith of individuals, like Paul’s, is tested when their God-given insights are dismissed. However, the narrative assurance that God's ultimate purposes, including Paul’s safe arrival in Rome, will be fulfilled despite these human failings, is also evident.

Acts 27 11 Commentary

The centurion Julius demonstrates a common human tendency: to trust tangible, experienced expertise over spiritual insight, especially when immediate comfort and perceived safety are at stake. The sailors and shipmaster, with their practical knowledge of sailing and harbors, offered a plan that seemed more sensible in their eyes than Paul's ominous prediction. This decision highlights the tension between faith and sight, between trusting God's promises and relying on human plans. Despite the centurion’s authority, his belief was swayed by worldly wisdom. This choice would have dire consequences, leading the ship and all aboard into grave danger, underscoring the principle that ignoring God's word, even for what appears to be a logical reason, can lead to peril.