Acts 27:22

KJV

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of [any man's] life among you, but of the ship.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} now {G3569} I exhort {G3867} you {G5209} to be of good cheer {G2114}: for {G1063} there shall be {G2071} no {G3762} loss {G580} of any man's life {G5590} among {G1537} you {G5216}, but {G4133} of the ship {G4143}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But now, my advice to you is to take heart; because not one of you will lose his life — only the ship will be lost.

Berean Standard Bible

But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because you will not experience any loss of life, but only of the ship.

American Standard Version

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer; for there shall be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amidst a terrifying and protracted storm in the Mediterranean Sea, with all hope of survival lost among the 276 people aboard, the Apostle Paul, a prisoner on his way to Rome, steps forward to deliver a divinely revealed message. He exhorts his fellow travelers to take courage, assuring them that despite the inevitable destruction of their ship, not a single life among them will be lost, a testament to God's sovereign protection and unwavering purpose for His servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 27:22 is a pivotal moment within the larger narrative of [Paul's perilous voyage to Rome](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Perilous Voyage to Rome"). The preceding verses detail the severity of the storm, the Euroclydon, which had raged for many days, stripping away all hope from the sailors and passengers alike ([Acts 27:18-20](/acts/27-18-20 "Acts 27:18-20 - The Storm's Fury")). Paul had previously warned them against setting sail ([Acts 27:9-10](/acts/27-9-10 "Acts 27:9-10 - Paul's Warning Ignored")), a warning that was disregarded. Now, after a period of intense despair and fasting, Paul, having received a direct angelic visitation and divine assurance ([Acts 27:23-24](/acts/27-23-24 "Acts 27:23-24 - Angelic Assurance to Paul")), stands up to deliver God's word. This verse marks the turning point from utter hopelessness to a divinely inspired hope, setting the stage for the shipwreck and subsequent events on Malta.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The journey described in [Acts 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Voyage to Rome") takes place during the Roman Empire, a time when sea travel was common but fraught with immense danger, especially outside the calmer summer months. The Mediterranean Sea, though well-traveled, was notorious for sudden and violent storms like the "Euroclydon" (a northeasterly tempest). The ship itself was likely a large grain transport vessel, capable of carrying hundreds of people and cargo, making its loss a significant economic disaster. Paul was traveling as a Roman prisoner, under the custody of a centurion named Julius, highlighting the Roman legal system's role in his journey to stand trial before Caesar. The despair of the crew and soldiers was a realistic response to being lost at sea for days without sun or stars, facing certain death by drowning or starvation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [the book of Acts](/acts "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles") and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's ultimate control over natural forces and human circumstances, even for His imprisoned servant. God's plan for Paul to bear witness in Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul")) is inviolable, and He will preserve all necessary for that purpose. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Hope in Despair**, as Paul's faith, grounded in God's explicit promise, stands in stark contrast to the surrounding hopelessness, offering a beacon of light and courage. This resonates with the idea that [God works all things for good](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good") for those who love Him. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Value of Human Life over Material Possessions**, as God decrees the loss of the ship but the preservation of every soul. Finally, it showcases **Paul's Spiritual Authority and Leadership**, as he, despite being a prisoner, emerges as the true leader on board, his unwavering faith and divine revelation guiding seasoned sailors and soldiers alike through the crisis.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **exhort (Greek, _parainéō'_):** From G3867, meaning "to mispraise, i.e. recommend or advise (a different course):--admonish, exhort." Paul's address is not merely a suggestion but a strong, authoritative counsel, born from divine revelation. He is not just cheering them up superficially but advising them to adopt a new, divinely-revealed course of action – one of hope and trust in God's promise.
* **good cheer (Greek, _euthyméō'_):** From G2114, meaning "to cheer up, i.e. (intransitively) be cheerful; neuter comparative (adverbially) more cheerfully:--be of good cheer (merry)." This word implies an inner state of courage and confidence, not a naive optimism. It's a call to find strength and resolve in the face of overwhelming fear, rooted in the certainty of God's word. It suggests a mental and emotional fortitude that transcends the dire external circumstances.
* **loss (Greek, _apobolḗ'_):** From G580, meaning "rejection; figuratively, loss:--casting away, loss." This term specifically denotes a complete and definitive loss or casting away. In this context, it refers to the complete destruction and abandonment of the ship, distinguishing its fate from the lives on board.
* **life (Greek, _psychḗ'_):** From G5590, meaning "breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from πνεῦμα, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from ζωή, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew נֶפֶשׁ, רוּחַ and חַי):--heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you." Here, _psychḗ_ refers to the animating principle of a living being, the physical life, breath, or soul in its most basic sense. The emphasis is on the preservation of every individual's physical existence, contrasting sharply with the material loss of the ship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now I exhort you to be of good cheer":** Paul, having received a divine message, takes the initiative to address the despairing company. His exhortation is a command to shift from their current state of hopelessness to one of courage and confidence, not based on their circumstances but on a higher truth. The "now" emphasizes the immediacy and urgency of this divine intervention after days of unrelenting terror.
* **"for there shall be no loss of [any man's] life among you":** This clause provides the foundational reason for Paul's exhortation. It is a direct, unequivocal promise from God that despite the perilous situation, not a single person will perish. The phrase "no loss of any man's life" underscores the absolute nature of this divine guarantee, extending to everyone on board.
* **"but of the ship":** This final clause clarifies the extent of the divine promise by specifying what *will* be lost. The ship, a valuable material possession and their only means of transport, is explicitly designated for destruction. This stark contrast highlights the biblical principle of the supreme value of human life over material possessions, even in the face of catastrophic loss.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Exhortation** is central, as Paul directly commands the despairing passengers to "be of good cheer," shifting their focus from their dire circumstances to God's promise. This is immediately followed by a stark **Contrast** between the fate of the ship and the lives of those on board; the inanimate object will be lost, but every living soul will be preserved. This contrast serves to emphasize the immeasurable value of human life. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Paul's declaration explicitly predicts the shipwreck, which will indeed occur later in the chapter. Furthermore, the scene presents a subtle **Irony**: Paul, a prisoner, becomes the true authority and source of hope, while the experienced sailors and soldiers are paralyzed by fear. His message, based on a divine encounter, underscores the **Symbolism** of God's providential care, where even in the midst of chaos and destruction, His purposes for His people will prevail, and their lives will be preserved.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:22 stands as a profound testament to God's meticulous providence and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, particularly concerning His chosen servants and their mission. It illustrates that even when human efforts fail and despair reigns, God's sovereign plan cannot be thwarted by natural forces or human limitations. Paul's confidence is not born of personal strength but of a direct, divine revelation, demonstrating that true hope in crisis is rooted in God's explicit word. This passage reminds us that God's primary concern is often the preservation of life and the fulfillment of His redemptive purposes, even if it means allowing material losses. It underscores the biblical truth that God is not distant from our storms but actively present, working His will even through seemingly chaotic events.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious")
* [Psalm 107:23-30](/psalms/107-23-30 "Psalm 107:23-30 - God Delivers from Storms at Sea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:22 offers timeless encouragement for believers navigating the "storms" of life, whether they be personal crises, professional setbacks, or global uncertainties. Paul's exhortation to "be of good cheer" is a powerful reminder that our hope should not be anchored in the stability of our circumstances, which are often as unpredictable as the sea, but in the unshakeable promises of God. When all human solutions fail, and despair threatens to overwhelm, we are called to actively choose faith, remembering that God's presence and purpose remain constant. This passage challenges us to examine where we place our ultimate trust – in the "ship" of our material security and plans, or in the God who controls the winds and waves. Like Paul, we are also called to be agents of hope to those around us, sharing the divine assurance we have received, even when we ourselves are in the midst of the storm. Our unwavering faith, expressed through words of confidence and calm action, can be a beacon of light for others, pointing them to the ultimate source of peace and security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "ship" in your life are you currently clinging to, that God might be asking you to release in order to preserve what truly matters?**
* **In what current "storm" are you facing, and how can Paul's exhortation to "be of good cheer" rooted in God's promise, transform your perspective?**
* **How can you, like Paul, be a source of hope and divine assurance to others who are experiencing despair, even when you are also in the midst of a trial?**
* **What specific promises of God can you cling to when circumstances seem to contradict all hope?**

### FAQ

**Why was Paul so confident in his declaration, especially as a prisoner?**

Answer: Paul's confidence was not based on his own insight, experience, or status, but on a direct, divine revelation. As he explains in the very next verses, [Acts 27:23-24](/acts/27-23-24 "Acts 27:23-24 - Angelic Assurance to Paul"), "For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee." His assurance was a prophetic word from God Himself, guaranteeing his safety and the safety of everyone on board for his sake. This divine promise superseded all natural fears and human despair.

**Does this verse imply that God will always save lives in similar dangerous situations?**

Answer: While this verse powerfully demonstrates God's sovereign power to save in the midst of danger, it does not guarantee that God will always intervene in the same way in every perilous situation. God's actions are always consistent with His character, but His specific methods and purposes vary. In Paul's case, the preservation of every life was directly tied to God's specific plan for Paul to reach Rome and testify before Caesar ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul")). While we can always trust in God's care and providence, this passage highlights a unique instance of divine intervention for a particular redemptive purpose, rather than a universal promise for all shipwrecks or dangers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:22, with its powerful message of preserved life amidst impending destruction, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. Paul, as a messenger of divine hope, foreshadows Christ, the ultimate bringer of "good cheer" and salvation to a humanity lost in the storms of sin and despair. Just as Paul assured the physical preservation of lives on the ship, Christ guarantees the eternal preservation of those who trust in Him. He is the one who calms not just the physical storms ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) but the spiritual tempests of the soul, offering a peace that transcends all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). The "loss of the ship" but the "preservation of life" beautifully illustrates the gospel: while our earthly "vessels" and temporal possessions are subject to decay and loss, our eternal "life" in Christ is secure and indestructible ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Eternal Life in Christ")). Christ Himself endured the ultimate "loss" on the cross, sacrificing His own life, so that we might gain eternal life and be delivered from the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Delivers from Fear of Death")). He is our true anchor in the storms of life, the one through whom we can always "be of good cheer," knowing that our ultimate destination is secure in Him ([Colossians 3:3-4](/colossians/3-3-4 "Colossians 3:3-4 - Your Life is Hidden with 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

Acts 27:25

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Acts 27:36

Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took [some] meat.

2 Corinthians 4:8

¶ [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair;

2 Corinthians 4:9

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Isaiah 43:1

¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Psalms 112:7

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.