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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
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Then, severe the storm, deep the darkness: and that they may not forget, the vessel also goes to pieces, and the corn is flung out and all beside, that they may not have it in their power after this to be shameless. For this is why the vessel goes to pieces, and their souls are tightly braced. Moreover, both the storm and the darkness contributed not a little to his obtaining the hearing he did.
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Summary
Acts 27:18 vividly portrays a critical juncture in Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome, where the ship, relentlessly battered by a violent tempest, was forced to undergo drastic measures for survival. On the second day of the storm, the crew, facing imminent disaster, began to jettison the ship's cargo overboard, a desperate act to lighten the vessel and prevent it from capsizing or breaking apart under the immense strain of the "Euroclydon" gale.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is embedded within the dramatic narrative of Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner, detailed in Acts 27. Following Paul's prophetic warning against continuing the voyage (Acts 27:10), which was disregarded by the centurion in favor of the ship's owner and pilot, the vessel encountered a fierce northeasterly gale, identified as the "Euroclydon" in Acts 27:14. The previous verse, Acts 27:17, describes the initial desperate attempts to secure the ship with ropes and avoid being driven onto the Syrtis shoals. The act of "lightening the ship" on the subsequent day, as described in Acts 27:18, signifies a rapidly escalating crisis and the crew's increasing desperation to save their lives and the vessel.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Mediterranean sea travel was notoriously dangerous, especially outside the calm summer months. The "Euroclydon" (or Euraquilo) was a well-known, violent northeasterly wind common in the late autumn, making voyages after mid-September extremely risky. Ancient ships, primarily constructed of wood, were vulnerable to such storms, often breaking apart under sustained stress. The practice of "jettisoning" (throwing cargo overboard) was a standard, albeit last-resort, maritime procedure to reduce a ship's draft and increase its buoyancy and stability during severe weather. Cargo was valuable, so this decision underscored the extreme peril and the prioritization of life over property. This event also highlights the Roman system of prisoner transport, where Paul, though a prisoner, was under the care of a centurion, indicating a degree of Roman efficiency and the significant value placed on his delivery to Caesar.
Key Themes
Acts 27:18 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores Human Vulnerability in the face of overwhelming natural forces; despite the expertise of the sailors, they were utterly powerless against the tempest, highlighting the limitations of human skill and ingenuity. Secondly, it exemplifies Desperate Measures for Survival, as the crew's decision to sacrifice valuable cargo demonstrates the instinct for self-preservation and the willingness to relinquish material possessions for the sake of life. Finally, and most profoundly, this verse reinforces the theme of Divine Providence Amidst Peril. Even in this life-threatening ordeal, God's sovereign plan for Paul to reach Rome and testify before Caesar (as promised in Acts 23:11) remained unshaken. The storm, while terrifying, served to demonstrate God's ultimate control and His faithfulness to His purposes, ensuring Paul's survival through seemingly impossible circumstances, ultimately leading to his testimony in the heart of the Roman Empire (Acts 28:14).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This adverb means "very much" or "violently." Its use here emphasizes the extreme intensity and severity of the storm's impact on the ship and its occupants. It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed and violently agitated beyond measure, painting a vivid picture of the relentless battering the vessel endured.
This verb means "to storm" or, in the passive voice as used here, "to labor under a gale" or "to be battered by wintery weather." It vividly describes the ship's struggle against the violent, winter-like storm conditions, implying a continuous, severe, and exhausting ordeal for those on board.
This noun refers to "ejection," specifically "a throwing overboard of the cargo" or "jettisoning." Coupled with the verb poiéō (G4160, "to make or do"), the phrase "they made a jettisoning" precisely describes the desperate act of casting valuable goods into the sea to reduce the ship's weight and increase its stability and buoyancy, a last-ditch effort to keep it afloat.
Verse Breakdown
"And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest"
This clause immediately conveys the dire and desperate situation. The pronoun "we" includes Paul, the crew, and the other passengers, emphasizing the shared experience of extreme danger. The combination of "exceedingly" (sphodrōs) and "tossed with a tempest" (cheimazomenōn) paints a powerful picture of a ship and its occupants being violently and relentlessly battered by an overwhelming storm, highlighting their complete lack of control and the severity of their ordeal.
"the next [day] they lightened the ship;"
This phrase indicates a progression of the crisis. The storm had continued into a second day, suggesting no abatement in its fury. The action "they lightened the ship" (ekbolēn epoiounto) reveals a crucial and desperate decision. This was the act of jettisoning cargo overboard, a common maritime practice in extreme storms to reduce the vessel's weight, raise its waterline, and improve its stability, thereby increasing its chances of survival. It signifies the crew's recognition that their lives were now more valuable than their cargo.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the intensity of the situation. Hyperbole is evident in the phrase "exceedingly tossed," which emphasizes the extreme and overwhelming nature of the storm, suggesting a level of agitation beyond ordinary experience. Imagery is richly used to paint a vivid picture of the ship's struggle: one can almost feel the violent pitching and rolling of the vessel and hear the roar of the tempest. This sensory detail immerses the reader in the harrowing experience. Furthermore, the act of "lightening the ship" serves as a form of Metonymy, where the action (jettisoning cargo) stands for the desperate situation and the crew's profound fear and struggle for survival. It also sets up a sense of Foreshadowing, hinting at further desperate measures and the escalating peril that will unfold in the subsequent verses of the narrative.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 27:18 powerfully illustrates the reality of life's "storms" – periods of intense trial, uncertainty, or suffering that can leave us feeling "exceedingly tossed" and out of control. The crew's desperate act of jettisoning cargo reflects a universal human response to crisis: the willingness to sacrifice what is valuable but non-essential for the sake of survival. Theologically, this event highlights God's sovereignty even amidst chaos, demonstrating that His purposes for His servants will prevail despite overwhelming opposition. It reminds believers that trials are often part of God's plan, serving to refine faith, reveal His power, and ultimately lead to His intended destination.
Reflection and Application
The scene in Acts 27:18 offers profound spiritual parallels for contemporary believers navigating the storms of life. Just as the ship was "exceedingly tossed," we too can find ourselves in circumstances that feel overwhelming, where we lose control and fear for our very survival – whether they are financial crises, health battles, relational breakdowns, or periods of spiritual doubt. In such moments, the crew's decision to "lighten the ship" becomes a powerful metaphor. It prompts us to consider what "cargo" we might be holding onto that, while perhaps valuable in calmer times, is now weighing us down, hindering our progress, or even threatening our spiritual well-being. This might include material possessions, unhealthy relationships, old habits, unforgiveness, excessive anxieties, or even good things that have become idols. The application calls us to discern what is truly essential for our journey with Christ and to be willing to "jettison" anything that impedes our spiritual stability and trust in God's sovereign hand. This act of letting go, though often painful, is an act of faith, trusting that God will preserve us through the storm and lead us to our intended destination.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did they "lighten the ship," and what does it mean?
To "lighten the ship" (Greek: ekbolēn epoiounto) refers to the desperate maritime practice of throwing valuable cargo overboard. This was done to reduce the ship's weight, raise its waterline, and improve its buoyancy and stability, especially when it was being "exceedingly tossed with a tempest" (as described in Acts 27:18). In the context of the severe Euroclydon storm, the crew's decision to jettison their cargo indicated the extreme peril they faced. Their lives, and the survival of the ship, had become more important than the valuable goods they were transporting. This was a common, albeit last-resort, measure to prevent the vessel from capsizing, sinking, or breaking apart under the relentless force of the gale. The narrative in Acts 27 shows this was one of several increasingly desperate measures taken by the crew to survive the storm.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The desperate act of "lightening the ship" in Acts 27:18 foreshadows a profound spiritual truth found in Christ. Just as the crew sacrificed their valuable cargo to save their lives, so too did God, in His ultimate love, "lighten" Himself by sending His most precious Son, Jesus, to be "jettisoned" from heaven's glory to earth, becoming flesh (Philippians 2:6-8). He became the ultimate sacrifice, bearing the weight of humanity's sin, which was the true "cargo" weighing down and condemning us to spiritual shipwreck. Christ's death on the cross was the divine act of "jettisoning" sin's power, allowing us to be reconciled to God and find true spiritual stability and salvation (2 Corinthians 5:21). Furthermore, while the sailors in Acts 27 were powerless against the storm, Jesus demonstrated His absolute sovereignty over nature, rebuking the wind and waves with a word (Mark 4:39), revealing Himself as the one who can truly bring peace to our most violent storms. He is the secure anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19), ensuring that despite the tempests of life, those who are in Him will ultimately reach their eternal destination, preserved by His unfailing power and love.