Acts 27 23

Acts 27:23 kjv

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

Acts 27:23 nkjv

For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve,

Acts 27:23 niv

Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me

Acts 27:23 esv

For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship,

Acts 27:23 nlt

For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me,

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 23 Meaning

Acts 27:23 reveals Paul's deep personal relationship with God amidst a perilous sea storm. It asserts God's direct and active involvement in his life through an angelic visitation. The verse highlights Paul's absolute belonging to God and his devoted service, which undergirds the divine assurance given to him regarding the safety of all on board. It is a profound declaration of faith and divine purpose in the face of despair.

Acts 27 23 Context

Acts chapter 27 describes Paul's journey as a prisoner on a ship bound for Rome. Despite Paul's earlier warnings of danger, the ship's crew and captain insisted on sailing through treacherous waters late in the season. They were soon engulfed by a violent, relentless storm called Euroclydon (a tempestuous northeast wind), pushing them helplessly for many days. All hope of survival had been abandoned. Food consumption ceased, and profound despair settled upon everyone on board. It is at this peak of human fear and hopelessness, when the ship is at its breaking point and the lives of 276 people hang by a thread, that Paul speaks this verse, prefacing a message of divine assurance. Historically, Mediterranean voyages were extremely dangerous, particularly in winter, and shipwrecks were common. Paul's authority here transcends his status as a prisoner, speaking with prophetic authority amidst a terrified Roman military and civilian crew.

Acts 27 23 Word analysis

• For (γὰρ - gar): A conjunction connecting to Paul's preceding declaration of hope, giving the reason or substantiation for his unexpected courage.
• there stood by me (πάρεστη γὰρ μοι - parestē gar moi): The verb πάρειμι (pareimi) implies being present, standing near, or having arrived. In this context, it powerfully conveys immediate, supportive, and divine presence during a time of great need. It denotes a visitation, not just a casual encounter.
• this night (ταύτῃ τῇ νυκτί - tautē tē nykti): Specifies the precise time – the moment of profound darkness and despair when the storm's fury had sapped all human strength and hope. This highlights God's intervention at the deepest point of need.
• the angel of God (ἄγγελος τοῦ Θεοῦ - aggelos tou Theou): ἄγγελος (aggelos) means 'messenger'. Here, it signifies a direct emissary from God, not a random spiritual being. The definite article "the" suggests a specific, recognized agent of divine communication, underscoring the authenticity and authority of the message delivered. It reflects God's personal involvement through heavenly hosts.
• whose I am (οὗ εἰμι ἐγώ - hou eimi egō): εἰμι (eimi) is the Greek 'to be' verb, expressing absolute existence. This is a profound statement of divine ownership and personal belonging. Paul declares that his very being, identity, and life belong to God. This isn't merely religious affiliation but an intimate covenantal relationship, echoing Old Testament ideas of God possessing His people (e.g., Ex 19:5). This divine ownership forms the foundation of Paul's trust and God's faithfulness to him.
• and whom I serve (καὶ ᾧ λατρεύω - kai hō latreuō): λατρεύω (latreuō) is significant. It implies a deeper, more sacred form of service than just general work (δουλεύω). It specifically refers to religious service, worship, and devotion to a deity. For Paul, it encompassed his entire life's mission as an apostle, preacher, and missionary. His life was wholly dedicated to God's purpose, reflecting his profound and exclusive commitment.

Acts 27 23 Bonus section

• The declaration "whose I am, and whom I serve" demonstrates the profound intimacy and foundational truth of a believer's relationship with God. It emphasizes that our existence and purpose are rooted in Him, not in worldly circumstances or self-determination.
• Paul's experience contrasts sharply with the pagan world's view of arbitrary fate or appeasing fickle gods. His God is a living, personal, intervening God who knows and cares for His devoted servants. This stands as an implicit polemic against the polytheistic and superstitious beliefs prevalent in the Roman world regarding sea travel.
• The angelic visitation confirms that divine guidance can come through supernatural means, reminding believers of God's active engagement with His creation. This aligns with a broader biblical pattern where angels frequently minister to and convey messages to God's people (e.g., Jacob's dream, Daniel's visions, Peter's prison release).
• Paul's personal experience of divine assurance empowered him to then be a source of calm and prophetic authority to all the people around him – even those who initially ignored his warnings. His faith translated into leadership in a crisis.

Acts 27 23 Commentary

Acts 27:23 stands as a beacon of divine sovereignty and personal devotion in extreme adversity. As the ship faced certain destruction, Paul delivered a message of hope, not based on nautical skill, but on a direct revelation from God. The appearance of "the angel of God" in "this night" underscores that God intervenes at humanity's most desperate moments, offering comfort and direction. Paul’s identification of God as "whose I am, and whom I serve" is the theological core. It defines his identity, mission, and the source of his unshakeable confidence. He wasn't simply a prisoner on a ship; he was God's chosen servant, belonging fully to Him and dedicated wholly to His service. This profound, reciprocal relationship between Paul and God ensures divine protection and a promised outcome. It’s a powerful testament to the truth that those who truly belong to God and serve Him faithfully can trust in His provision, even when all human hope is lost. Paul's serene confidence amidst the chaos provided a calm anchor for all aboard, illustrating the practical impact of radical faith.