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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless {G1161} the centurion {G1543} believed {G3982} the master {G2942} and {G2532} the owner of the ship {G3490}, more {G3123} than {G2228} those things which were spoken {G3004} by {G5259} Paul {G3972}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, the officer paid more attention to the pilot and the ship’s owner than to what Sha’ul said.

Berean Standard Bible

But contrary to Paul’s advice, the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and by the owner of the ship.

American Standard Version

But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship, than to those things which were spoken by Paul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:11 details a critical moment in Paul's perilous voyage to Rome, where the Roman centurion, Julius, makes a fateful decision. Despite Paul's divinely inspired warning of impending disaster for the ship, its cargo, and lives, the centurion chose to place his trust and belief in the professional judgment of the ship's master and owner. This choice, prioritizing human expertise over prophetic counsel, set the stage for the dramatic and life-threatening storm and shipwreck that soon followed, highlighting a profound tension between worldly wisdom and divine revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of Paul's journey as a prisoner to Rome, specifically in Acts 27, a chapter renowned for its vivid depiction of a perilous sea voyage and shipwreck. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul, having received a divine premonition, explicitly warns the centurion, the ship's company, and the owner that continuing the voyage past the "Fast" (likely Yom Kippur, marking the end of the sailing season) would result in "injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives" ([Acts 27:10](/acts/27-10 "Paul's Warning of Disaster")). Acts 27:11 then presents the centurion's direct response to this warning, establishing the central conflict between Paul's spiritual foresight and the practical, experienced-based advice of the mariners. This decision propels the narrative toward the inevitable storm and shipwreck, which subsequently validates Paul's disregarded counsel and underscores God's sovereign hand throughout the ordeal, ultimately leading to the miraculous preservation of all lives on board as Paul later prophesies in [Acts 27:22-24](/acts/27-22-24 "Paul's Assurance of Safety").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean Sea during the late autumn, a period historically known for dangerous storms, making maritime travel highly risky. The "Fast" mentioned in [Acts 27:9](/acts/27-9 "The Dangerous Sailing Season") refers to Yom Kippur, which typically fell in late September or early October, marking the onset of winter gales. The centurion, Julius, was a Roman military officer, holding significant authority over the prisoners and the voyage itself, though he would naturally defer to the expertise of the ship's master (helmsman) and owner regarding nautical matters. In Roman society, practical experience and professional judgment were highly valued, and it would have been culturally anomalous for a military officer to prioritize the advice of a prisoner, especially one who was not a sailor, over that of seasoned maritime professionals. This cultural norm helps explain the centurion's seemingly logical, yet ultimately flawed, decision.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 27:11 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader narrative of Acts and the Bible. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Wisdom versus Human Prudence**. The centurion's choice starkly illustrates the tension between relying on worldly expertise and heeding divinely revealed truth. It highlights that even the most logical and experienced human judgment can fall short when it contradicts God's counsel, a concept echoed in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"). Another prominent theme is the **Consequences of Disregarding Prophetic Counsel**. The centurion's decision directly precipitates the severe storm described in [Acts 27:14](/acts/27-14 "The Tempestuous Wind Euroclydon"), serving as a powerful narrative example of the often-dire outcomes of ignoring God's warnings. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Protection**, as despite the centurion's misjudgment and the ensuing chaos, God's ultimate purpose for Paul's journey to Rome is fulfilled, and all lives are miraculously preserved, demonstrating that divine will ultimately prevails even amidst human error and natural disaster, as seen in [Acts 27:44](/acts/27-44 "All Safely Reach Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **believed (Greek, _peíthō'_):** This primary verb means "to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty)." In this context, it signifies that the centurion was persuaded by and put his trust in the judgment of the ship's master and owner. His belief was a conviction based on their perceived authority and expertise, leading him to rely on their counsel.
* **master (Greek, _kybernḗtēs'_):** Derived from a word related to "governance," this term refers to the "helmsman" or, by implication, the "captain" of the ship. This individual was responsible for navigating the vessel, making critical decisions about its course and handling based on their extensive maritime experience. The centurion's trust in the master highlights reliance on professional skill and knowledge.
* **owner of the ship (Greek, _naúklēros'_):** This word, combining "ship" (naus) and "lot/portion" (klēros), denotes the proprietor or owner of the vessel. The owner would have significant financial stake in the ship and its cargo, and likely also possessed considerable practical experience in sea travel and commerce. His counsel would carry weight due to both his expertise and his vested interest in the voyage's success.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless the centurion":** The adverb "nevertheless" (G1161 dé) serves as an adversative particle, signaling a contrast or opposition to what was just stated. Here, it highlights the centurion's decision to disregard Paul's prior warning, setting up a clear divergence in counsel and trust.
* **"believed the master and the owner of the ship":** This clause reveals the object of the centurion's trust and persuasion. He placed his confidence in the professional judgment and experience of the two individuals most intimately familiar with the ship and the sea conditions, indicating a reliance on human expertise and practical wisdom.
* **"more than those things which were spoken by Paul":** This comparative phrase explicitly states the centurion's preference. His belief in the maritime professionals outweighed his regard for Paul's words. Paul, a prisoner and not a sailor, was seen as lacking the authority or relevant expertise to offer credible advice on nautical matters, despite his counsel being divinely inspired.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 27:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten the narrative's tension and convey its theological message. **Juxtaposition** is central, contrasting the "expert" advice of the ship's master and owner with the divinely-given counsel of Paul, a prisoner. This sets up a clear dichotomy between human wisdom and divine revelation. The verse also functions as a powerful piece of **foreshadowing**, as the centurion's decision to ignore Paul's warning immediately precedes and directly leads to the perilous storm and shipwreck, creating a sense of impending doom for the reader. There is a subtle **irony** at play: the "wise" and experienced professionals are ultimately proven wrong, while the "foolish" prisoner's words are validated by subsequent events. This highlights the paradox of God's wisdom often appearing foolish to the world ([1 Corinthians 1:25](/1_corinthians/1-25 "The Foolishness of God is Wiser Than Men")). Finally, the verse builds **narrative tension**, as the reader is aware of Paul's prophecy from [Acts 27:10](/acts/27-10 "Paul's Warning"), and the centurion's choice immediately raises the stakes for the remainder of the voyage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:11 offers a profound theological lesson on the nature of wisdom and the importance of discernment. It underscores the biblical principle that human expertise, while valuable in its domain, is ultimately limited and can be fallible, especially when it stands in opposition to divine revelation. The centurion's choice illustrates a common human tendency to trust what is tangible, logical, and professionally sanctioned over what might appear to be counter-intuitive spiritual guidance. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating that prioritizing worldly wisdom can lead to unforeseen and severe consequences, even when intentions are good. It challenges believers to cultivate a spiritual sensitivity that allows them to recognize and prioritize God's voice, even when it comes through unexpected channels or contradicts conventional wisdom, reminding us that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "God's Thoughts are Higher Than Ours")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "Ask for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:11 provides a timeless and highly relevant lesson for believers navigating the complexities of modern life. We are constantly confronted with situations where the "expert" opinion, the prevailing cultural wisdom, or even our own logical reasoning might conflict with what we perceive as God's guidance, whether through His Word, prayer, or the counsel of godly individuals. This verse challenges us to critically evaluate the source of our trust. Are we more inclined to believe the "master and owner" of worldly systems—the financial advisors, the political pundits, the scientific consensus, or even our own experienced intuition—than the "things which were spoken by Paul," representing divine truth? The centurion's experience serves as a powerful reminder that while seeking expert advice is prudent, ultimate wisdom and safety come from aligning our decisions with God's revealed will. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, seeking discernment through prayer and diligent study of Scripture, and being open to God's voice even when it seems to defy conventional wisdom or personal preference.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I prone to trust human expertise or my own understanding more than God's revealed will?**
* **How can I better cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize and prioritize God's voice, even when it contradicts popular opinion or my own logic?**
* **What potential "shipwrecks" might I be heading towards by disregarding divine counsel in my current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did the centurion believe the ship's master and owner over Paul?**

Answer: The centurion's decision was likely based on practical reasoning and the established hierarchy of expertise. The ship's master ([G2942 kybernḗtēs](/acts/27-11 "Acts 27:11 - Ship Master")) and owner ([G3490 naúklēros](/acts/27-11 "Acts 27:11 - Ship Owner")) were seasoned maritime professionals with extensive experience navigating the Mediterranean. Paul, on the other hand, was a prisoner, an apostle by calling, but not a sailor. From a purely human perspective, it would have seemed illogical and irresponsible for a Roman military officer to disregard the counsel of experienced mariners in favor of a prisoner's warning, especially when the warning was presented as a divine premonition rather than based on observable nautical conditions. The centurion was operating within a framework of worldly wisdom and professional deference, which led him to trust those with apparent expertise in the field.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:11, though a narrative of human misjudgment and its immediate consequences, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual reality of humanity's need for Christ. Just as the centurion trusted the earthly "master and owner" of the ship, humanity often places its faith in worldly systems, philosophies, and self-reliance, believing them to offer safe passage through life's storms. Yet, these earthly guides, however competent they may seem, are ultimately insufficient and can lead to spiritual "shipwreck." Christ, however, is the true and ultimate "Master" and "Owner" of all creation, the one who truly holds all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His "words" are not mere human counsel but divine truth, the very words of eternal life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")). To disregard His voice, as the centurion disregarded Paul's, is to invite spiritual peril. In contrast, those who "believe" and "obey" the words spoken by Christ, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), find not only salvation from the storms of sin and death but also a secure passage to eternal life. He is the divine wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), whose guidance always leads to true safety and fulfillment, making Him the only reliable pilot through the turbulent seas of existence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 33:4

Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.

Hebrews 11:7

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Ezekiel 3:17

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

Ezekiel 3:18

When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

Proverbs 27:12

¶ A prudent [man] foreseeth the evil, [and] hideth himself; [but] the simple pass on, [and] are punished.

Acts 27:21

¶ 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.

2 Kings 6:10

And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.