Acts 27 21

Acts 27:21 kjv

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.

Acts 27:21 nkjv

But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss.

Acts 27:21 niv

After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: "Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss.

Acts 27:21 esv

Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss.

Acts 27:21 nlt

No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, "Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 21 Meaning

This verse signifies a turning point in a dire situation. It describes Paul, having not eaten for a considerable time due to a life-threatening storm, rallying the discouraged sailors and soldiers with a message of divine assurance. He exhorted them to take sustenance, as their lives were miraculously spared from the sea, though the ship would be lost. The core message is one of God's preservation and the importance of faith and hope even amidst destruction and despair.

Acts 27 21 Context

The preceding verses (Acts 27:1-20) describe a severe storm that has engulfed the ship carrying Paul to Rome. The ship is being tossed by the wind, and all hope of survival seems lost. The sailors have tried various methods to survive, but the storm persists. The passengers and crew are exhausted, fearful, and have given up hope of rescue. This verse occurs in the midst of this dire peril at sea.

Acts 27 21 Word Analysis

• "And": Connects this statement to the previous events, showing a continuation of the narrative.

• "when": Indicates the time of Paul's address – during the prolonged period of distress.

• "long": Emphasizes the duration of the suffering and lack of food.

• "abstinence": Refers to abstaining from food, highlighting the physical suffering and despair that led to this self-denial.

• "the": Specific definite article, referring to the fasting described.

• "matter": Refers to the current critical situation or affair.

• "hath": Archaic form of "has," connecting the time of abstinence to the current plea.

• "been": Past participle of "be," indicating a completed action or state that extends to the present.

• "And": Again, connecting the preceding fact with Paul's exhortation.

• "now": Indicates the present moment and the immediacy of his appeal.

• "I": Paul speaking in the first person, drawing attention to himself and his authority to speak.

• "exhort": From the Greek "parakaleō," meaning to call to one's side, to urge, implore, encourage, or comfort.

• "you": Addressing the sailors and soldiers on the ship.

• "to": Preposition indicating the purpose or object of the exhortation.

• "be": Imperative verb, commanding them to adopt a certain state.

• "of": Preposition indicating the source or nature of their state.

• "good": Positive quality.

• "cheer": From the Greek "tharseō," meaning to be bold, courageous, take heart. This is an imperative.

• "for": Introduces the reason or basis for the encouragement.

• "there": Indicates the existence or presence of something.

• "shall": Future auxiliary verb, signifying certainty in the future.

• "be": Linking verb, connecting the subject to its predicate.

• "no": Negation, indicating the absence of something.

• "loss": From the Greek "sōtēria," meaning salvation, preservation, safety, deliverance. In this context, it refers to the preservation of their lives.

• "of": Preposition showing possession or relationship.

• "any": Pronoun indicating any one of them.

• "life": The existence of each person.

• "among": Preposition indicating their presence within the group.

• "you": Referring back to the recipients of the message.

• "For": Introduces further justification for their encouragement.

• "there": Here indicating occurrence.

• "stood": Past tense of "stand," implying presence and support.

• "by": Preposition indicating proximity or accompaniment.

• "me": Refers to Paul himself.

• "this": Demonstrative pronoun, referring to the preceding night.

• "night": The period of darkness.

• "the": Definite article, specifying "angel."

• "angel": A divine messenger.

• "of": Showing relationship or origin.

• "God": The Supreme Being.

• "whose": Possessive pronoun, indicating ownership.

• "I": Paul.

• "am": Present tense of "be."

• "and": Conjunction joining clauses.

• "whom": Relative pronoun, referring to God.

• "I": Paul.

• "serve": From the Greek "latreuw," meaning to worship, serve, do religious service.

• Group Analysis: The structure "And when... abstinence... hath been..." sets up the problem, highlighting the dire lack of food and hope. Paul's interjection "And now I exhort you" marks a distinct shift from problem to solution. The phrase "to be of good cheer" is a direct command. The reasoning that follows, "for there shall be no loss of any life among you," provides the foundational assurance. The final sentence, "For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve," establishes the divine source and authority behind Paul's message of hope.

Acts 27 21 Bonus Section

The Greek word for "salvation" or "safety" (sōtēria) used here emphasizes not just rescue from drowning, but the preservation of their lives as a whole. This aligns with broader biblical themes of God's redemptive power extending beyond mere physical escape. Paul's declaration "whose I am, and whom I serve" is a profound statement of his complete devotion to God, a faith that underpins his confident assertion of God’s miraculous intervention. His reliance on divine assurance, rather than human assessment, distinguishes his leadership in this crisis.

Acts 27 21 Commentary

Paul, amidst extreme peril at sea, addresses the despairing crew. He reveals a divine encounter, where an angel assured him of their safety from death, though the ship would perish. This revelation empowers Paul to encourage everyone to eat, promising that their lives are miraculously preserved. The assurance comes not from their skill or luck, but from God's specific intervention and Paul’s relationship with Him. This verse highlights God’s sovereignty in preserving His servants, even in devastating circumstances, and the importance of faith in God’s promises for encouragement and strength.

• Practical Usage: When facing overwhelming odds or personal crisis, remember that God's promises of protection and presence provide the true basis for courage and hope.