Acts 27:21

KJV

¶ But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} after {G5225} long {G4183} abstinence {G776}{G5119} Paul {G3972} stood forth {G2476} in {G1722} the midst {G3319} of them {G846}, and said {G2036}, Sirs {G5599}{G435}, ye should {G1163}{G3303} have hearkened {G3980} unto me {G3427}, and not {G3361} have loosed {G321} from {G575} Crete {G2914}, and {G5037} to have gained {G2770} this {G5026} harm {G5196} and {G2532} loss {G2209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was then, when they had gone a long time without eating, that Sha’ul stood up in front of them and said, “You should have listened to me and not set out from Crete; if you had, you would have escaped this disastrous loss.

Berean Standard Bible

After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete. Then you would have averted this disaster and loss.

American Standard Version

And when they had been long without food, then Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have set sail from Crete, and have gotten this injury and loss.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:21 presents a critical juncture in Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome, where, after a prolonged period of severe storm and deprivation, the Apostle Paul stands before the despairing crew and passengers. He delivers a poignant, yet validating, reminder that their current "harm and loss" were the direct consequences of their collective decision to disregard his earlier, divinely inspired counsel against sailing from Crete. This moment serves to establish Paul's prophetic credibility and set the stage for the miraculous divine intervention that is soon to follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic narrative of Paul's journey as a prisoner to Rome, meticulously recounted in [Acts chapter 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Voyage to Rome"). Immediately preceding this verse, the ship has been relentlessly battered by the "Euroclydon," a violent northeastern tempest, for many days, leading to utter despair among all on board; "all hope that we should be saved was then taken away" ([Acts 27:20](/acts/27-20 "Acts 27:20 - Despair During the Storm")). Paul's address in verse 21 follows this climax of hopelessness, serving as a pivotal transition from human despair to divine assurance, as he will then deliver a message of hope and safety for all lives, though the ship will be lost ([Acts 27:22-26](/acts/27-22-26 "Acts 27:22-26 - Paul's Prophecy of Deliverance")). His words here are not merely an "I told you so," but a necessary re-establishment of his authority and prophetic insight, which had been dismissed earlier by the centurion and shipmaster ([Acts 27:11](/acts/27-11 "Acts 27:11 - Paul's Warning Ignored")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the treacherous Mediterranean Sea during the sailing season, which typically ended in late autumn due to unpredictable and violent storms. The ship's departure from Fair Havens, Crete, against Paul's advice, was motivated by a desire to reach a more suitable winter harbor, Phoenix ([Acts 27:12](/acts/27-12 "Acts 27:12 - Desire for a Better Harbor")). Ancient seafaring was inherently dangerous, relying on sails and susceptible to the whims of weather. The "Euroclydon" (also known as Euraquilo) was a notorious and powerful cyclonic storm common in the Mediterranean, capable of driving ships far off course and rendering them unmanageable. The "long abstinence" reflects the extreme conditions—constant seasickness, the inability to cook or eat, and the overwhelming struggle for survival—that would have left the crew and passengers physically and mentally exhausted, leading to a prolonged period without proper nourishment. Paul, though a prisoner, was a Roman citizen, which afforded him certain protections and, in this crisis, a platform to speak.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Acts 27 and the broader book. Firstly, it highlights the **Consequences of Disregarding Divine Counsel**, illustrating that human prudence, when it contradicts God's revealed will or prophetic insight, often leads to "harm and loss." Secondly, it underscores **Paul's Prophetic Authority and Leadership**, even in chains; despite his status as a prisoner, Paul consistently emerges as the true leader, whose words carry divine weight and prove accurate. This theme reinforces the idea of God working through His chosen messengers in unexpected ways. Thirdly, the passage implicitly emphasizes **God's Sovereignty Amidst Adversity**. Even when human decisions lead to dire straits, God's ultimate plan for Paul's journey to Rome and the preservation of lives on board remains unthwarted, setting the stage for a powerful display of divine providence and faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **abstinence (Greek, _asitía'_):** From G776, meaning "fasting (the state)" or "without food." In this context, it denotes a prolonged period where the crew and passengers were unable or unwilling to eat due to the extreme severity of the storm, constant seasickness, and the overwhelming struggle for survival, rather than a voluntary spiritual discipline. It vividly portrays the dire physical toll of the ordeal.
* **stood forth (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** From G2476, meaning "to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively):--abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up)." Paul's action of "standing forth in the midst of them" signifies a deliberate, authoritative posture. It communicates a shift from passive suffering to active, confident leadership, capturing attention and asserting his right to speak in a moment of crisis.
* **hearkened (Greek, _peitharchéō'_):** From G3980, meaning "to be persuaded by a ruler, i.e. (genitive case) to submit to authority; by analogy, to conform to advice:--hearken, obey (magistrates)." This word is crucial as it directly addresses the failure to obey or be persuaded by Paul's earlier warning. It implies a failure to submit to sound, divinely-informed counsel, leading to the subsequent suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them,"**: This opening clause establishes the dire physical and psychological state of everyone on board, highlighting the prolonged period of severe hardship. The "long abstinence" underscores the exhaustion and despair that had settled over the ship. Paul's act of "standing forth" is a deliberate, authoritative move, signaling his emergence as the true leader in this moment of crisis, commanding attention from a demoralized group.
* **"and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me,"**: Paul's address begins with a direct, yet respectful, confrontation. The term "Sirs" (G435, _anḗr_, meaning "man" or "fellow") indicates a direct appeal to the men responsible for the ship's course and the passengers. His statement, "ye should have hearkened unto me," is a clear, unambiguous assertion that their current predicament stems from their previous disregard of his counsel. The Greek word for "should" (G1163, _deî_) implies a binding necessity or obligation, emphasizing the imperative nature of his original warning.
* **"and not have loosed from Crete,"**: This clause specifies the precise act of disobedience. "Loosed from Crete" refers to the decision to depart from Fair Havens, the safe harbor in Crete, against Paul's explicit warning in [Acts 27:10](/acts/27-10 "Acts 27:10 - Paul's Warning"). This highlights the specific point of failure in judgment and the human desire for a perceived better outcome overriding divine wisdom.
* **"and to have gained this harm and loss."**: This final clause articulates the bitter consequences of their decision. "Harm" (G5196, _hýbris_) refers to the violent damage or insult inflicted, likely on the ship itself and the physical suffering of the crew. "Loss" (G2209, _zēmía_) refers to the material or financial detriment, encompassing the destruction of the ship and its cargo. Paul's statement is not merely accusatory but serves as a grim validation of his prophetic insight, linking their present suffering directly to their past choices.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 27:21 employs several effective literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Paul, a prisoner, emerges as the voice of wisdom and authority, while those with formal power (the centurion and shipmaster) are shown to have made a catastrophic error in judgment. This highlights the paradox of divine wisdom often being found in unexpected places. The verse also functions as a moment of **Validation** or **Vindication**, where Paul's previously dismissed warning is tragically confirmed by events, solidifying his credibility for the subsequent divine assurances. Furthermore, the phrase "harm and loss" serves as a form of **Merism**, encompassing the totality of the physical, material, and emotional suffering experienced by those on board. The entire statement can also be seen as a form of **Rhetorical Recapitulation**, reminding the audience of a past error to underscore the veracity of the speaker's insight and prepare them for new, more hopeful instruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:21 profoundly illustrates the theological principle that disregarding divine wisdom, whether directly revealed or conveyed through God's messengers, inevitably leads to detrimental consequences. It underscores the tension between human autonomy and the necessity of heeding God's guidance, demonstrating that while humans are free to choose, their choices have real, often painful, repercussions. Yet, even in the midst of the "harm and loss" brought about by human folly, God's sovereign plan remains in effect. Paul's "I told you so" is not delivered out of malice, but as a necessary step to re-establish his prophetic authority, paving the way for the revelation of God's grace and preservation that follows. This moment serves as a powerful reminder that God's warnings are not punitive but protective, designed for our good, and even when we fail to heed them, His redemptive purposes can still prevail.

* [Proverbs 1:24-27](/proverbs/1-24-27 "Proverbs 1:24-27 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom")
* [Isaiah 30:15](/isaiah/30-15 "Isaiah 30:15 - Trusting in Quietness and Confidence")
* [Hebrews 3:7-8](/hebrews/3-7-8 "Hebrews 3:7-8 - Do Not Harden Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's words in Acts 27:21 resonate deeply with the human experience of regret and the consequences of unheeded advice. We often find ourselves in situations where we, or those around us, choose a path based on perceived expediency, comfort, or conventional wisdom, only to discover later that a different, perhaps less popular, counsel would have averted significant "harm and loss." This passage challenges believers to cultivate a posture of humility and discernment, recognizing that true wisdom often comes from unexpected sources, particularly from those who walk closely with God and are attuned to His voice. It urges us to weigh counsel not merely by its worldly appeal or the status of the one offering it, but by its alignment with spiritual truth and the demonstrated character of the messenger. Furthermore, it reminds us that even when our past choices have led to dire circumstances, God's grace is not exhausted. Paul's subsequent actions demonstrate that even after a moment of valid rebuke, the focus shifts to God's unfailing promises and the opportunity for faith to arise amidst despair. This passage calls us to trust in God's protective warnings and His redemptive power, even when we are facing the bitter fruit of our own or others' poor decisions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life have you experienced "harm and loss" due to disregarding wise counsel, whether from God's Word, a spiritual mentor, or a trusted friend?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater openness and humility to receive and "hearken" to counsel that may challenge your immediate desires or conventional wisdom?**
* **How does Paul's example of speaking truth amidst despair, even after being ignored, encourage you to exercise spiritual leadership or discernment in challenging situations?**

### FAQ
**Was Paul's statement in Acts 27:21 an "I told you so" moment?**

Answer: While Paul's words ("ye should have hearkened unto me") certainly carry the weight of vindication and a retrospective "I told you so," his primary intent was not to gloat or condemn. Instead, it was a strategic and necessary re-establishment of his credibility and prophetic authority. In a moment of utter despair where "all hope that we should be saved was then taken away" ([Acts 27:20](/acts/27-20 "Acts 27:20 - Despair During the Storm")), Paul needed to demonstrate that his counsel was not merely human opinion but divinely inspired. By highlighting their past error, he prepared them to receive the incredible message of hope and divine promise he was about to deliver regarding their lives being spared ([Acts 27:22-26](/acts/27-22-26 "Acts 27:22-26 - Paul's Prophecy of Deliverance")). His aim was to build faith and trust in God's word through him, not to shame.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:21, though a narrative of human folly and divine foresight, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul, as a messenger of God whose warnings were initially dismissed, foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Prophet and Wisdom of God, who was "despised and rejected by mankind" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Christ's Rejection")). Just as the crew and passengers suffered "harm and loss" for ignoring Paul's counsel, humanity suffers spiritual "harm and loss"—death and separation from God—for rejecting the perfect counsel and saving work of Jesus Christ. Yet, Christ, like Paul, does not abandon those who have strayed. Instead, He stands forth in the midst of humanity's despair, offering the ultimate deliverance from the storm of sin and death. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of "gaining" salvation for humanity, transforming our "loss" into eternal gain ([Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Gain in Christ")). The preservation of lives on the ship, despite the destruction of the vessel, points to the greater spiritual preservation offered in Christ, where believers are saved from eternal perishing, even if their earthly "vessels" perish ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). Ultimately, Acts 27:21 serves as a poignant reminder that true safety and salvation are found only in hearkening to the voice of the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), Jesus Christ.

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

Cross-References

Genesis 42:22

And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.

Psalms 107:5

Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

Psalms 107:6

Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he delivered them out of their distresses.

Acts 27:33

And while the day was coming on, Paul besought [them] all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

Acts 27:35

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken [it], he began to eat.

Acts 27:7

And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

Acts 27:9

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished [them],