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
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.
Continue studying Acts 27:19 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 27:19 vividly describes a pivotal and desperate moment during Paul's perilous voyage to Rome, as the ship's crew and passengers, including Paul, continued their arduous struggle against a ferocious storm. On the third day of the tempest, having already jettisoned the cargo, they resorted to the extreme measure of casting overboard the ship's essential "tackling" or equipment, underscoring the escalating severity of their predicament and their collective, manual efforts to lighten the vessel and avert imminent shipwreck.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is deeply embedded within the gripping narrative of Acts chapter 27, which meticulously details Paul's journey as a prisoner being transported to Rome for trial. The preceding verses establish the escalating crisis: Paul's initial warning against continuing the voyage was disregarded (Acts 27:10), leading the ship to be caught in the violent tempest known as the Euroclydon. The day before, the crew had already begun to lighten the ship by throwing the cargo overboard (Acts 27:18). Acts 27:19 marks the third consecutive day of the storm, signifying a worsening situation and the need for even more drastic measures, setting the stage for Paul's divine assurance later in the chapter.
Historical & Cultural Context
Sea travel in the ancient Mediterranean was inherently dangerous, especially outside the calmer summer months. Roman ships, though sturdy, were vulnerable to sudden, violent storms like the Euroclydon (a "northeaster"). The practice of jettisoning cargo and equipment was a standard, albeit last-resort, procedure to save a ship from sinking in extreme weather. Ships were often laden with heavy cargo, and reducing weight was critical for buoyancy and stability. The presence of Roman soldiers and prisoners on board, as well as the ship's owner/captain, highlights the typical composition of such voyages. The phrase "with our own hands" emphasizes the manual, collective, and physically exhausting nature of these desperate actions, common in a time before advanced machinery.
Key Themes
Acts 27:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the chapter and the broader book. It highlights the theme of human desperation and resilience in the face of overwhelming natural forces, as the crew and passengers exhaust all human means to survive. This verse also underscores the progressive loss and deterioration of their situation, moving from cargo to essential ship's tackling, which foreshadows the eventual loss of the ship itself, yet paradoxically sets the stage for God's miraculous preservation of all lives (Acts 27:44). Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of divine sovereignty at work even amidst human struggle, preparing the reader for Paul's prophetic intervention where God's ultimate control over the storm and the destiny of those on board is revealed (Acts 27:22-25).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primary verb signifies "to fling (properly, with a quick toss, thus differing from βάλλω, which denotes a deliberate hurl; and from ἐκτείνω, which indicates an extended projection); by qualification, to deposit (as if a load); by extension, to disperse." The choice of rhíptō here emphasizes the urgent, forceful, and perhaps even frantic nature of their action. It was not a careful unloading but a desperate flinging away, indicative of the extreme peril and the need for immediate, drastic weight reduction.
Derived from autós (self) and cheír (hand), this compound word means "self-handed, i.e. doing personally." Its inclusion highlights the direct, manual, and laborious involvement of everyone on board, including the narrator (Luke) and likely Paul himself. It conveys a sense of shared hardship, collective effort, and the personal struggle for survival, emphasizing that no one was exempt from the arduous task.
From skeûos (vessel, implement), skeuḗ refers to "furniture, i.e. spare tackle." In a maritime context, this would encompass the ship's rigging, spare sails, ropes, possibly masts, and other non-essential but valuable equipment or internal fittings that contributed to the ship's weight or could hinder its stability. Unlike the previous day's cargo, which was freight, the tackling represented the ship's own operational gear, signifying that they were now stripping the vessel of its very means of navigation and control, a truly desperate act.
Verse Breakdown
"And the third [day]"
This phrase establishes the duration and escalating intensity of the storm. The fact that it was the third day of continuous, violent weather underscores the crew's exhaustion, the ship's deteriorating condition, and the growing sense of hopelessness. It signifies a prolonged and unrelenting ordeal.
"we cast out"
The use of "we" indicates the participation of the narrator (Luke) and, by extension, Paul, in this desperate measure. It implies a collective, unified effort by everyone on board, highlighting the dire necessity that compelled all to contribute to the ship's survival.
"with our own hands"
This emphasizes the direct, physical, and strenuous labor involved. It was not a mechanical process but a manual, arduous task, underscoring the personal investment and exhaustion of those fighting for their lives against the raging elements.
"the tackling of the ship"
This specifies what was being jettisoned. Unlike the cargo (freight) thrown overboard the previous day, the "tackling" refers to the ship's vital equipment, such as spare sails, ropes, and perhaps even parts of the rigging or internal fittings. Discarding these items signifies a last-ditch effort, indicating that the ship was being stripped bare in a desperate attempt to reduce weight and prevent it from being swamped or capsizing.
Literary Devices
The narrative in Acts 27:19 employs several literary devices to convey the gravity of the situation. Narrative Pacing is evident as Luke meticulously details the escalating measures taken by the crew: first the cargo (Acts 27:18), then the "tackling" on the third day, demonstrating a progressive shedding of assets that builds tension and illustrates the worsening conditions. This Escalation of actions emphasizes the growing desperation and the relentless nature of the storm. Furthermore, there is an element of Irony in this human effort; despite all their strenuous and rational attempts to save the ship, it will ultimately be lost, yet their lives will be miraculously preserved through divine intervention. The act of casting out the tackling can also be seen as Symbolism, representing the shedding of human control and self-reliance in the face of overwhelming circumstances, paving the way for the necessity of divine intervention and Paul's faith-filled message.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 27:19, though a description of human desperation, subtly points to profound theological truths. It illustrates the limits of human effort and ingenuity when confronted with forces beyond our control. Despite the crew's strenuous and rational attempts to save the ship, their actions highlight the ultimate need for divine intervention and sovereignty. This passage reminds us that while we are called to act responsibly and diligently in life's storms, our ultimate hope and salvation rest not in our own strength or resources, but in God's overarching plan and power. The shedding of valuable "tackling" can be seen as a metaphor for relinquishing control and trusting in a higher power when all human solutions are exhausted.
Reflection and Application
The scene in Acts 27:19 offers powerful lessons for contemporary life. In our own "storms"—whether they be financial crises, health challenges, relational breakdowns, or spiritual struggles—we often find ourselves in situations where our usual resources and strategies prove insufficient. Just as the crew had to jettison valuable equipment, we too may be called to "cast out" things we hold dear: perhaps certain expectations, comforts, perceived securities, or even habits and attitudes that hinder our navigation through the storm. This verse encourages us to actively engage with our difficulties, exercising diligence and using all available means, but also to recognize the limits of our control. It calls for a blend of human effort and profound trust in God's providence, reminding us that sometimes, letting go of what we can control is the very act that prepares us for God's miraculous intervention and preservation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What exactly was the "tackling" that was cast out?
The "tackling" (Greek: skeuḗ) refers to the ship's equipment, gear, or apparatus. In a maritime context, it would include non-essential but valuable items such as spare sails, ropes, rigging, and perhaps even internal fittings or furniture that contributed to the ship's weight or could impede its stability in the violent seas. Unlike the cargo (freight) thrown overboard the previous day, which was the ship's payload, the tackling was part of the ship's operational equipment, signifying a more desperate measure to lighten the vessel and prevent it from sinking. This act indicated that the crew was stripping the ship of its very means of control and navigation in a last-ditch effort for survival, as described in Acts 27:19.
Why did they throw out the tackling after the cargo?
The sequence of jettisoning the cargo first (Acts 27:18) and then the ship's "tackling" on the third day (Acts 27:19) indicates an escalating crisis. They started with the least essential items (the freight) to lighten the ship. When the storm persisted and the danger increased, they resorted to throwing out more vital, but still dispensable, parts of the ship's equipment. This progression highlights the growing desperation and the severity of the storm, as they were forced to take increasingly drastic measures to keep the ship afloat and prevent it from being overwhelmed by the tempest.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Acts 27:19, while a historical account of human struggle, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader biblical narrative. The desperate act of casting out the ship's "tackling" foreshadows the ultimate "shedding" required for true salvation and life found in Christ. Just as the ship had to be stripped bare to save its occupants, so too does humanity, in its own spiritual storms, find salvation not in its own efforts or "tackling" of self-righteousness, but in the complete surrender to Christ. Jesus, the Lord of creation, demonstrated His ultimate sovereignty over the fiercest storms, not by jettisoning equipment, but by His authoritative word, as seen when He calmed the raging sea. Furthermore, Christ Himself "cast out" everything—His divine prerogatives, His very life—in His ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). In Him, we find the true anchor and pilot for our souls, one who not only endures the storm with us but has conquered the very forces of chaos and death, ensuring our safe arrival in the harbor of eternal life, even when all human efforts fail.