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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 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.
A Typhonic wind sent itself against them. Another Latin translation says: A tempestuous wind. For Typhus in Greek is called inflation in Latin.
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Summary
Acts 27:14 marks the abrupt and violent onset of a catastrophic storm, the Euroclydon, which struck Paul's ship shortly after it departed from Fair Havens, Crete. This verse initiates the most perilous phase of Paul's voyage to Rome as a prisoner, highlighting the immediate and severe consequences of disregarding wise counsel and setting the stage for a dramatic narrative of divine providence amidst human desperation.
Context
Literary Context
Acts 27:14 immediately follows a critical decision point in Paul's journey to Rome. Having sailed from Myra and struggled against contrary winds, the ship reached Fair Havens on Crete (Acts 27:8). Paul, guided by spiritual discernment and practical experience, strongly advised against continuing the voyage, warning that it would result in "hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives" (Acts 27:10). However, the centurion Julius, swayed by the ship's owner and master who desired to reach a more suitable winter harbor at Phoenix, dismissed Paul's counsel (Acts 27:11-12). A deceptive "south wind blew softly" (Acts 27:13), encouraging their departure, only for the tempestuous Euroclydon to arise "not long after," proving Paul's warning tragically accurate and plunging the voyagers into immediate peril.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Mediterranean sea travel was inherently dangerous, especially outside the safe summer months (May to mid-September). The period after the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), typically in late September or early October, marked the beginning of hazardous sailing conditions, with winter (mid-November to mid-March) being virtually impassable. Acts 27:9 explicitly states, "Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past." Ships were relatively small, often without decks, relying heavily on sails and favorable winds. Navigation was rudimentary, primarily by coastline or celestial bodies, making open-sea storms particularly terrifying and disorienting. The Euroclydon, a specific and notorious northeasterly or east-northeasterly wind common in the central Mediterranean, was known for its sudden onset, fierce intensity, and ability to generate immense, destructive waves, making it one of the most feared winds for ancient mariners.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts 27 and the broader book. Firstly, it underscores the theme of disregarding wisdom leading to peril. The centurion's decision to ignore Paul's divinely inspired warning directly precipitates the storm, serving as a cautionary tale about human stubbornness and reliance on conventional wisdom over spiritual discernment. Secondly, it highlights God's sovereignty amidst chaos. Even as a terrifying natural force threatens to destroy the ship, the narrative of Acts 27 ultimately demonstrates God's unwavering control and protection over His servant Paul and, by extension, all on board for his sake (Acts 27:23-24). Thirdly, it exemplifies the unpredictability and severity of life's trials. Just as the Euroclydon arose "not long after" a seemingly calm departure, life often presents sudden, overwhelming challenges that test faith and resilience, echoing the broader Christian experience of tribulation (John 16:33).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word, derived from a root meaning "to smoke" or "to raise a cloud of smoke," vividly describes a storm so violent and swirling that it obscures the sky, creating a smoky, hazy appearance due to the driving rain and sea spray. It emphasizes the extreme, blinding, and disorienting nature of the wind, indicating a storm of immense destructive power, far beyond a mere strong breeze.
While seemingly a simple word, ánemos here refers not just to air in motion but to a powerful, directional force. In this context, combined with "tempestuous" and "Euroclydon," it denotes a gale-force wind, a driving atmospheric current that dictates the ship's fate, highlighting the vulnerability of ancient mariners to natural elements.
This specific name for the wind is crucial. It is likely a compound of euros (east wind) and klydōn (wave or swell), precisely describing a violent, wave-driving east-northeasterly wind. Its mention grounds the narrative in geographical and meteorological reality, lending credibility to Luke's account as an eyewitness. This particular wind was notorious for its ability to push ships uncontrollably towards the treacherous shoals and islands of the Mediterranean.
Verse Breakdown
"But not long after"
This phrase emphasizes the swift and immediate consequence of the centurion's decision to disregard Paul's warning. The period of deceptive calm was fleeting, highlighting the suddenness with which circumstances can change from seemingly favorable to utterly catastrophic. It underscores the direct cause-and-effect relationship between human choice and ensuing peril.
"there arose against it"
The verb "arose" (from G906, bállō, "to throw") suggests a sudden, forceful, almost aggressive emergence of the wind. The preposition "against" (G2596, katá) explicitly denotes opposition and hostility, portraying the wind not merely as a natural phenomenon but as an active, adversarial force directly confronting the ship and its intended course, making progress impossible.
"a tempestuous wind"
This describes the nature of the wind, using the term typhōnikós (see Key Word Analysis). It conveys the extreme violence, swirling chaos, and blinding intensity of the storm. It was not just a strong wind, but a "smoky" or "blinding" tempest, signifying a profound and immediate threat to the vessel's integrity and the lives of those on board.
"called Euroclydon"
The specific naming of the wind provides a precise, identifiable meteorological detail. As noted in the Key Word Analysis, "Euroclydon" refers to a dreaded east-northeasterly wind known for its destructive power in the Mediterranean. This detail lends authenticity to Luke's account and vividly communicates the specific, formidable challenge faced by the ship.
Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and theological significance of Acts 27:14. The use of Foreshadowing is prominent, as this verse immediately fulfills Paul's earlier dire warning in Acts 27:10, establishing a clear cause-and-effect narrative. The wind is almost Personified as it "arose against it," suggesting an active, malevolent force rather than a mere natural occurrence, thereby intensifying the sense of conflict and struggle. The naming of the Euroclydon serves as a form of Specific Detail, grounding the extraordinary event in a recognizable reality for Luke's contemporary readers, enhancing the narrative's credibility and impact. Furthermore, the entire storm sequence acts as Symbolism, representing the trials and tribulations that believers face, often due to choices made against divine wisdom, yet also serving as a stage for God's ultimate power and faithfulness.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 27:14 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of human autonomy when it disregards divine counsel. The sudden and overwhelming nature of the Euroclydon illustrates how quickly life's circumstances can shift from perceived calm to utter chaos, often as a direct result of decisions made against wisdom. Theologically, this event highlights God's ultimate sovereignty, even over the most formidable natural forces. While human choices can lead to perilous situations, the narrative of Acts 27 demonstrates that God remains in control, using even adverse circumstances to accomplish His purposes and display His protective power over His chosen instruments. This verse underscores the reality that faith is often most profoundly tested and demonstrated not in tranquil waters, but in the midst of life's most tempestuous storms, where human strength fails, and divine intervention becomes the only hope.
Reflection and Application
The sudden and violent arrival of the Euroclydon in Acts 27:14 is a powerful metaphor for the unexpected storms that inevitably arise in our lives. These "storms" can manifest as sudden financial crises, health emergencies, relational breakdowns, or profound spiritual struggles. Just as the ancient mariners were utterly at the mercy of the tempestuous wind, we often find ourselves in situations where our own strength, resources, and plans prove inadequate. This verse calls us to profound introspection regarding our decision-making processes, particularly the importance of heeding wise, godly counsel, and discerning divine leading before embarking on critical paths. It also challenges us to cultivate a deep-seated trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that even when life feels completely out of control, He is present, capable of sustaining us, and can even use the most difficult circumstances to refine our faith and reveal His power. Our anchor in such times is not our own ingenuity, but our unwavering reliance on Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What exactly was the Euroclydon, and why was it so dangerous?
The Euroclydon (Greek, Euroklýdōn) was a specific, violent east-northeasterly wind common in the central Mediterranean Sea. Its name, likely combining "east wind" (euros) and "wave" or "swell" (klydōn), accurately describes its nature. It was particularly dangerous for ancient sailing ships because of its sudden onset, its immense force, and its ability to generate massive, unpredictable waves that could easily swamp or break apart vessels. Unlike predictable seasonal winds, the Euroclydon was known for its erratic behavior, making it nearly impossible to navigate against or even to predict its full fury until it had already struck, as described in Acts 27:14.
Why did the centurion ignore Paul's warning and sail into the storm?
The centurion, Julius, was responsible for the prisoners and the ship's safe passage. While Paul offered a warning based on spiritual discernment and possibly some practical observation, the centurion chose to listen to the ship's master and owner (Acts 27:11), who were experienced sailors. Their primary concern was likely finding a more comfortable and secure winter harbor than Fair Havens, such as Phoenix (Acts 27:12). A "south wind blew softly" (Acts 27:13), providing a deceptive sense of safety and encouraging their decision to depart, leading them directly into the Euroclydon. This highlights the human tendency to prioritize comfort and conventional wisdom over potentially divinely-inspired counsel, especially when circumstances seem favorable.
What happened to the ship and the people after the Euroclydon struck?
After the Euroclydon struck, the ship was violently driven by the wind, becoming uncontrollable. The crew had to take drastic measures, including securing the skiff, undergirding the ship with ropes to prevent it from breaking apart, and throwing cargo overboard to lighten the vessel (Acts 27:16-19). For many days, "neither sun nor stars appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away" (Acts 27:20). Despite the dire situation, Paul received an angelic assurance that no lives would be lost, though the ship would be destroyed (Acts 27:23-24). Ultimately, after fourteen days adrift, the ship was wrecked on the island of Malta, but all 276 people on board were saved, just as Paul had prophesied (Acts 27:41-44).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Acts 27:14, with its depiction of a tempestuous wind threatening to overwhelm a ship and its occupants, powerfully foreshadows and points to the ultimate authority and saving power of Jesus Christ. While Paul's voyage faces a literal storm, the Christian life is often characterized by spiritual "tempestuous winds" of trials, temptations, and tribulations that threaten to shipwreck our faith. In the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates His sovereign power over creation by literally calming a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee, rebuking the wind and the waves with a word, causing a great calm (Mark 4:35-41). This act reveals Him as the Lord of all creation, one who can speak peace into the most chaotic circumstances. Just as God preserved Paul and all those with him through the Euroclydon, Christ is our ultimate deliverer and anchor in the storms of life. He is the one who walks on water amidst the waves (Matthew 14:22-33), inviting us to fix our eyes on Him when fear threatens to engulf us. Our hope, described as "an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast," is found in Him, who has entered within the veil (Hebrews 6:19). Thus, the Euroclydon, while a historical event, serves as a vivid reminder that in Christ, we have a Savior who has conquered the most fearsome forces, offering us not merely survival, but eternal security in His unfailing grace, even when all human hope is lost.