TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Acts 27:12–20. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
In these verses we have,
I.The ship putting to sea again, and pursuing her voyage at first with a promising gale. Observe,
1.What induced them to leave the fair havens: it was because they thought the harbour not commodious to winter in; it was pleasant enough in summer but in the winter they lay bleak. Or perhaps it was upon some other account incommodious; provisions perhaps were scarce and dear there; and they ran upon a mischief to avoid an inconvenience, as we often do. Some of the ship's crew, or of the council that was called to advise in this matter, were for staying there, rather than venturing to sea now that the weather was so uncertain: it is better to be safe in an incommodious harbour than to be lost in a tempestuous sea. But they were outvoted when it was put to the question, and the greater part advised to depart thence also; yet they aimed not to go far, but only to another port of the same island, here called Phenice, and some think it was so called because the Phenicians frequented it much, the merchants of Tyre and Sidon. It is here described to lie towards the south-west and north-west. Probably the haven was between the two promontories or juttings-out of land into the sea, one of which pointed to the north-west and the other to the south-west, by which it was guarded against the east winds. Thus hath the wisdom of the Creator provided for the relief and safety of those who go down to the sea in ships, and do business in great waters. In vain had nature provided for us the waters to sail on, if it had not likewise provided for us natural harbours to take shelter in.
2.What encouragement they had at first to pursue their voyage. They set out with a fair wind (Act 27:13), the south wind blew softly, upon which they should gain their point, and so they sailed close by the coast of Crete and were not afraid of running upon the rocks or quicksands, because the wind blew so gently. Those who put to sea with ever so fair a gale know not what storms they may yet meet with, and therefore must not be secure, nor take it for granted that they have obtained their purpose, when so many accidents may happen to cross their purpose. Let not him that girdeth on the harness boast as though he had put it off.
II.The ship in a storm presently, a dreadful storm.
They looked at second causes, and took their measures from the favourable hints they gave, and imagined that because the south wind now blew softly it would always blow so; in confidence of this, they ventured to sea, but were soon made sensible of their folly in giving more credit to a smiling wind than to the word of God in Paul's mouth, by which they had fair warning given them of a storm. Observe,
1.What their danger and distress was, (1.). There arose against them a tempestuous wind, which was not only contrary to them, and directly in their teeth, so that they could not get forward, but a violent wind, which raised the waves, like that which was sent forth in pursuit of Jonah, though Paul was following God, and going on in his duty, and not as Jonah running away from God and his duty. This wind the sailors called Euroclydon, a north-east wind, which upon those seas perhaps was observed to be in a particular manner troublesome and dangerous. It was a sort of whirlwind, for the ship is said to be caught by it, Act 27:15. It was God that commanded this wind to rise, designing to bring glory to himself, and reputation to Paul, out of it; stormy winds being brought out of his treasuries (Psa 135:7), they fulfil his word, Psa 148:8. (2.) The ship was exceedingly tossed (Act 27:18); it was kicked like a football from wave to wave; its passengers (as it is elegantly described, Psa 107:26, Psa 107:27) mount up to the heavens, go down again to the depths, reel to and fro, stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. The ship could not possibly bear up into the wind, could not make her way in opposition to the wind; and therefore they folded up their sails, which in such a storm would endanger them rather than to them any service, and so let the ship drive, Not whither it would, but whither it was impelled by the impetuous waves - non quo voluit, sed quo rapit impetus undae. Ovid. Trist. It is probable that they were very near the heaven of Phenice when this tempest arose, and thought they should presently be in a quiet haven, and were pleasing themselves with the thought of it, and wintering there, and lo, of a sudden, they are in this distress. Let us therefore always rejoice with trembling, and never expect a perfect security, nor a perpetual security, till we come to heaven. (3.) They saw neither sun nor stars for many days. This made the tempest the more terrible, that they were all in the dark; and the use of the loadstone for the direction of sailors not being then found out (so that they had no guide at all, when they could see neither sun nor stars) made the case the more hazardous. Thus melancholy sometimes is the condition of the people of God upon a spiritual account. They walk in darkness and have no light. Neither sun nor stars appear; they cannot dwell, nay, they cannot fasten, upon any thing comfortable or encouraging; thus it may be with them, and yet light is sown for them. (4.) They had abundance of winter-weather: No small tempest - cheimōn ouk oligos, cold rain, and snow, and all the rigours of that season of the year, so that they were ready to perish for cold; and all this continued many days. See what hardships those often undergo who are much at sea, besides the hazards of life they run; and yet to get gain there are still those who make nothing of all this; and it is an instance of divine Providence that it disposes some to this employment, notwithstanding the difficulties that attend it, for the keeping up of commerce among the nations, and the isles of the Gentiles particularly; and Zebulun can as heartily rejoice in his going out as Issachar in his tents. Perhaps Christ therefore chose ministers from among seafaring men, because they had been used to endure hardness.
2.What means they used for their own relief: they betook themselves to all the poor shifts (for I can call them no better) that sailors in distress have recourse to.
(1.)When they could not make head against the wind, they let the ship run adrift, finding it was to no purpose to ply either the oar or the sail. When it is fruitless to struggle, it is wisdom to yield.
(2.)They nevertheless did what they could to avoid the present danger; there was a little island called Clauda, and when they were near that, though they could not pursue their voyage, they took care to prevent their shipwreck, and therefore so ordered their matters that they did not run against the island, but quietly ran under it, Act 27:16.
(3.)When they were afraid they should scarcely save the ship, they were busy to save the boat, which they did with much ado. They had much work to come by the boat (Act 27:16), but at last they took it up, Act 27:17. This might be of use in any exigence, and therefore they made hard shift to get it into the ship to them.
(4.)They used means which were proper enough in those times, when the art of navigation was far short of the perfection it is now come to; they undergirded the ship, Act 27:17. They bound the ship under the bottom of it with strong cables, to keep it from bulging in the extremity of the tempest.
(5.)For fear of falling into the quicksands they struck sail, and then let the ship go as it would. It is strange how a ship will live at sea (so they express it), even in very stormy weather, if it have but sea-room; and, when the sailors cannot make the shore, it is their interest to keep as far off it as they can.
(6.)The next day they lightened the ship of its cargo, threw the goods and the merchandises overboard (as Jonah's mariners did, Jon 1:5), being willing rather to be poor without them than to perish with them. Skin for skin, and all that a man has, will he give for his life. See what the wealth of this world is; how much soever it is courted as a blessing, the time may come when it will be a burden, not only too heavy to be carried safe of itself, but heavy enough to sink him that has it. Riches are often kept by the owners thereof to their hurt (Ecc 5:13); and parted with to their good. But see the folly of the children of this world, they can be thus prodigal of their goods when it is for the saving of their lives, and yet how sparing of them in works of piety and charity, and in suffering for Christ, though they are told by eternal Truth itself that those shall be recompensed more than a thousand fold in the resurrection of the just. Those went upon a principle of faith who took joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing in themselves that they had in heaven a better and a more enduring substance, Heb 10:34. Any man will rather make shipwreck of his goods than of his life; but many will rather make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience than of their goods.
(7.)The third day they cast out the tacklings of the ship - the utensils of it, Armamenta (so some render it), as if it were a ship of force. With us it is common to heave the guns over-board in the extremity of a storm; but what heavy artillery they had then which it was necessary to lighten the ship of I do not know; and I question whether it was not then a vulgar error among seamen thus to throw every thing into the sea, even that which would be of great use in a storm, and no great weight.
3.The despair which at last they were brought to (Act 27:20): All hope that we should be saved was then taken away. The storm continued, and they saw no symptoms of its abatement; we have known very blustering weather to continue for some weeks. The means they had used were ineffectual, so that they were at their wits' end; and such was the consternation that this melancholy prospect put them into that they had no heart either to eat or drink. They had provision enough on board (Act 27:38), but such bondage were they under, through fear of death, that they could not admit the supports of life. Why did not Paul, by the power of Christ, and in his name, lay this storm? Why did he not say to the winds and waves, Peace, be still, as his Master had done? Surely it was because the apostles wrought miracles for the confirmation of their doctrine, not for the serving of a turn for themselves or their friends.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Mark then the providential ordering of the events: first indeed, "when the south wind blew softly, supposing they had obtained their purpose," they loosed the vessel, and came forth; then when the wind bore down upon them, they gave way to it driving them, and were with difficulty saved.
"And the south wind gently blowing, thinking that they had obtained their purpose." When they had left the harbor of Finicena, thinking that they could reach their destination with a harbor, suddenly the wind called Euroaquilo began to blow very violently against them. Then the ship, with folded sails, began to be swept along through the waters, so that, when passing the island of Cauda, they were losing the boat and, undergirding the ship with ropes, they tried to save it. But, as the winds intensified, they were in such great danger that they could see neither sun nor stars for many days. Then Paul, telling of a promise from the Lord that he had heard in his sleep, gave courage to the others, saying that, except for the ship itself, God had given him all the people who were voyaging with him. On the fourteenth day, as, with the storm still raging, the seamen had decided to flee, Paul said that everyone could not be saved unless the seamen remained in the ship. Then the soldiers, cutting off the ropes, deemed it preferable to give up the boat.
And the south wind blowing softly, they thought they had obtained their purpose, etc., we could scarcely retain the boat. We wrote in the first book, following Isidore, that the boat was a light vessel, woven from wicker and covered with rawhide; but subsequently, upon perusing the writings of others, we found that boats are also called small vessels hollowed out of a single tree, which the Greeks call monoxylas.
Continue studying Acts 27:13 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Acts 27:13 describes a pivotal moment in Paul's perilous voyage to Rome, where a deceptive calm, manifest in a gently blowing south wind, lulled the ship's crew and the centurion into a false sense of security. Believing they had achieved their immediate objective of finding favorable sailing conditions, they weighed anchor from Fair Havens, a less-than-ideal winter harbor, and proceeded to sail cautiously along the coast of Crete, presuming a safe passage to a more suitable port. This seemingly opportune moment, however, directly preceded a catastrophic storm, highlighting the dangers of human presumption and the deceptive nature of outward appearances.
Context
Literary Context
Acts 27:13 is situated within the dramatic narrative of Paul's journey as a prisoner to Rome, specifically after the ship had reached Fair Havens, a harbor on the south side of Crete. Paul had already issued a dire warning against continuing the voyage, stating it would result in "much hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives" (Acts 27:10). Despite this prophetic counsel, the centurion, influenced by the ship's master and owner, chose to disregard Paul's words (Acts 27:11-12). This verse, therefore, marks the moment of their fateful decision, immediately preceding the onset of the tempestuous wind called Euroclydon (Acts 27:14), which would nearly destroy the ship and its occupants. It serves as a narrative pivot, illustrating the immediate consequence of rejecting divine wisdom.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Mediterranean seafaring was inherently dangerous, especially during the winter months (mid-September to mid-May), when travel was generally suspended due to unpredictable and violent storms. Paul's voyage took place outside this safe period, adding to the peril. Large grain ships, like the one Paul was on, were vital for supplying Rome and were often heavily laden, making them vulnerable to severe weather. Crete, a large island, offered some harbors, but Fair Havens was known to be exposed and unsuitable for wintering. The desire to reach Phoenix, a more sheltered harbor on Crete, was a practical necessity for survival. The Roman centurion held ultimate authority over the prisoners and the ship's course, often deferring to the expertise of the ship's master and owner, as seen in this passage. This highlights the practical realities of ancient navigation and the chain of command aboard such vessels.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Deceptive Appearances, where a seemingly favorable condition—the "south wind blew softly"—masks impending disaster. This serves as a cautionary tale against relying solely on superficial circumstances, as they can lead to grave misjudgment, echoing warnings found in Proverbs 14:12. Secondly, the verse highlights Human Presumption and Autonomy, as the crew and centurion "supposing that they had obtained their purpose" chose to trust their own judgment and the temporary weather window over Paul's inspired counsel. This illustrates the common human tendency to assert control and rely on self-sufficiency, often in contrast to God's sovereign plan, which unfolds regardless of human schemes. Lastly, it vividly demonstrates the Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom, as their decision to sail despite Paul's warning directly precipitates the life-threatening storm, emphasizing the biblical principle that ignoring Spirit-led advice can lead to severe repercussions, a theme frequently explored in wisdom literature like Proverbs 1:24-33.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word implies forming an opinion or thinking, often without full certainty or complete knowledge. It suggests a subjective belief or estimation rather than a confirmed fact. In this context, it highlights the crew's and centurion's presumption; they thought they had achieved their goal, rather than having actually secured a safe passage. This nuance is crucial, as their supposition proved tragically false.
Derived from kratos (strength), this word means "to use strength, i.e., seize or retain." Here, it conveys the idea of having "grasped" or "secured" their objective. Coupled with dokéō, it emphasizes their conviction that they had successfully seized control of the situation and achieved their desired outcome, reinforcing their overconfidence in their own capabilities and the perceived favorable conditions.
A primary root meaning "to lift up," "take up or away." In the context of seafaring, it specifically means "to sail away" or "weigh anchor." This word marks the decisive action taken based on their mistaken supposition. They "lifted" their anchors and departed, initiating the next phase of their journey under a false sense of security, directly leading them into the impending disaster.
Verse Breakdown
"And when the south wind blew softly"
This clause sets the scene, describing the seemingly ideal weather conditions. The "south wind" (Greek: notos) was typically a favorable wind for westward travel in the Mediterranean, making the crew's subsequent decision understandable from a purely navigational perspective. The phrase "blew softly" (Greek: hypopnéō) emphasizes the gentle, non-threatening nature of the breeze, creating a deceptive sense of calm and safety.
"supposing that they had obtained [their] purpose"
This is the crucial interpretive core of the verse, revealing the human judgment and motivation behind their action. "Supposing" indicates a belief or opinion, not a certainty. Their "purpose" was to reach a more suitable winter harbor, specifically Phoenix (mentioned in Acts 27:12). They believed the soft south wind was precisely what they needed to achieve this goal, thus securing their safety for the winter. This highlights their overconfidence and misreading of the situation.
"loosing [thence]"
This phrase describes the immediate action taken as a result of their supposition. "Loosing" refers to weighing anchor and setting sail from Fair Havens. This was the point of no return, the physical act of committing to the perilous journey based on their flawed assessment of the conditions and their rejection of Paul's warning.
"they sailed close by Crete"
This final clause describes the initial phase of their renewed voyage. They did not immediately head out into the open sea but rather hugged the coastline of Crete, likely attempting to navigate around the island to reach Phoenix. This detail underscores their continued attempt at careful navigation, even as they were unknowingly sailing into the jaws of a devastating storm, emphasizing the irony of their situation.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. Irony is prominent, as the "south wind blew softly," which typically signals favorable conditions, here paradoxically ushers in disaster. The very thing that promises ease and success leads directly to immense hardship, creating a sharp contrast between appearance and reality. This calm before the storm also functions as a powerful instance of Foreshadowing, subtly hinting at the impending tempest described in the subsequent verses. The gentle breeze and the crew's confident "supposing" build a dramatic tension, preparing the reader for the sudden and violent change in circumstances. Furthermore, the "south wind" itself can be seen as Symbolism, representing the deceptive allure of seemingly opportune circumstances that, without divine wisdom or discernment, can lead to ruin. It symbolizes the fleeting and unreliable nature of human-perceived advantages when contrasted with the steadfastness of God's counsel.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 27:13 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of human wisdom versus divine foresight, and the dangers of trusting in superficial appearances. It illustrates that even seemingly favorable circumstances can be deceptive, leading to disastrous outcomes when human presumption overrides divine counsel. The crew's and centurion's decision to "obtain their purpose" based on a gentle breeze, despite Paul's clear warning, underscores the human tendency to rely on immediate sensory data and self-will rather than seeking and obeying God's revealed wisdom. This narrative highlights God's ultimate sovereignty, demonstrating that even when human decisions are made in defiance of His will, He remains in control, working through circumstances to fulfill His greater purposes, such as Paul's eventual arrival in Rome. The passage implicitly reminds believers to exercise spiritual discernment and humility, recognizing that true security and success are found not in favorable external conditions, but in alignment with God's perfect plan and guidance.
Reflection and Application
Acts 27:13 offers timeless lessons for our spiritual walk, urging us to look beyond the surface of circumstances and to cultivate a deeper reliance on divine wisdom. In a world that often prioritizes immediate gratification and superficial indicators of success, this verse reminds us that not every "soft south wind" is a sign of God's blessing or an invitation to proceed. Sometimes, the path that feels easiest or appears most opportune can lead us directly into unforeseen storms. It challenges us to pause, to discern, and to prayerfully consider counsel, especially when it comes from unexpected sources or seems to contradict our immediate desires or perceptions. True wisdom lies in humility—recognizing the limits of our own understanding and trusting in God's omniscient guidance, even when the path He directs seems less conventional or more challenging. This passage encourages a posture of dependence on God, reminding us that His providence is our ultimate security, not the fleeting favor of circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the crew and centurion ignore Paul's warning?
The text indicates that the centurion was persuaded by the ship's master and owner, who were experienced sailors and likely believed their professional judgment outweighed Paul's, especially given the "soft south wind" which seemed to offer a perfect opportunity to reach a better harbor. Their primary "purpose" was to find a more suitable and safer harbor for wintering than Fair Havens, which was exposed. The immediate, favorable weather conditions likely reinforced their belief that they were making the right, practical decision, leading them to disregard Paul's spiritual foresight. This is a classic example of human reliance on perceived expertise and favorable appearances over divine wisdom.
What was their "purpose" that they thought they had obtained?
Their "purpose" (Greek: próthesis) was to reach a more secure and convenient harbor for the winter. Acts 27:12 explicitly states their intention to reach Phoenix, a harbor on Crete that faced both southwest and northwest, making it much more suitable for wintering than Fair Havens. The gentle south wind, which would have been favorable for sailing around the island to Phoenix, led them to believe they had successfully obtained the ideal conditions to achieve this objective.
What happened immediately after they sailed from Fair Havens?
Immediately after they set sail, believing they had obtained their purpose, a violent tempestuous wind called Euroclydon (or "the northeaster") struck the ship (Acts 27:14). This storm was so severe that it drove the ship helplessly, causing immense damage and fear among all on board. The situation quickly deteriorated, leading to a desperate struggle for survival that lasted for many days, ultimately resulting in the loss of the ship but, miraculously, not the lives of those on board, thanks to God's promise to Paul (Acts 27:22-26).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Acts 27:13, with its depiction of human presumption leading to peril, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the embodiment of divine wisdom and the true Master over all creation. The deceptive "south wind" that lured the sailors into a false sense of security stands in stark contrast to Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, never leading His followers astray. While the crew trusted in fleeting natural phenomena and their own limited judgment, believers are called to trust in the unwavering sovereignty of Christ, who calms the raging seas and guides His people through every storm of life. The human "purpose" that proved so fragile and ill-conceived is superseded by God's eternal purpose, which is perfectly fulfilled in Christ's redemptive work. He is our ultimate "safe harbor," the one in whom we find true security, not in favorable circumstances or human ingenuity. Just as Paul, a servant of Christ, ultimately became the source of true guidance and hope amidst the storm, so Christ Himself is our divine pilot, ensuring that even through the most turbulent waters, His ultimate purpose for our lives will be brought to fruition, leading us safely to our eternal destination. He is the one who truly "obtains His purpose," not by human supposition, but by divine power and perfect wisdom, for the glory of God.