Acts 27:23

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

For {G1063} there stood by {G3936} me {G3427} this {G5026} night {G3571} the angel {G32} of God {G2316}, whose {G3739} I am {G1510}, and {G2532} whom {G3739} I serve {G3000},

For this very night, there stood next to me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve.

For just last night an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood beside me

For there stood by me this night an angel of the God whose I am, whom also I serve,

Commentary

Acts 27:23 captures a pivotal moment of divine assurance amidst a terrifying storm at sea. The Apostle Paul, a prisoner bound for Rome, declares to his fellow travelers the source of his unwavering confidence: a direct angelic visitation from God.

Context

This verse is spoken during a perilous sea voyage where Paul and 275 others are caught in a violent tempest, the "Euroclydon," which has raged for days, stripping them of hope. Paul had previously warned against setting sail (Acts 27:10). As despair grips everyone on board, Paul stands up, not in his own strength, but as a messenger of divine hope, revealing that God has personally intervened to guarantee their safety and his arrival in Rome.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Intervention: The verse highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, even in the most desperate circumstances. God sends an angel to communicate directly with Paul, demonstrating His constant watchfulness over His servants and His sovereign control over creation.
  • Paul's Identity in God: The powerful phrase "whose I am" underscores Paul's profound sense of belonging and ownership by God. This identity is the bedrock of his faith and courage, reminding us that our ultimate security comes from being God's.
  • Devotion and Service to God: Following "whose I am," Paul adds "and whom I serve." This reveals his life's purpose and dedication. Paul's service to God was not merely a duty but a natural outflow of his deep relationship and identity in Christ, providing a powerful example of living a life devoted to God's will.
  • God's Faithfulness in Adversity: Despite the overwhelming natural forces and human despair, God remains faithful to His promises. This divine reassurance through the angel guarantees not only Paul's safety but the safety of all those with him, for Paul's sake.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "whose I am, and whom I serve" is a profound declaration of Paul's personal relationship with God. It expresses both divine ownership and willing, joyful submission. The emphasis is on a complete surrender of self to God's will and purpose. It speaks to a deep, intimate connection that fuels Paul's resilience and mission, echoing his self-identification as a "servant of Christ Jesus" in Romans 1:1.

Practical Application

Acts 27:23 offers immense comfort and challenge for believers today facing their own "storms" of life. It reminds us that:

  • Our Identity Matters: Knowing that we belong to God provides an anchor in times of uncertainty. When we understand "whose we are," our perspective shifts from fear to faith, knowing God is in control.
  • Service Provides Purpose: Living a life dedicated to serving God gives meaning and direction, even amidst chaos. Our service is not just for good times but empowers us through difficult seasons.
  • God is Present in Trials: No matter how dire circumstances may seem, God is always present. He can send reassurance and deliver us from seemingly impossible situations, just as He did for Paul on that stormy sea. We can trust in His unfailing presence and protection.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 23:11

    And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

  • 2 Timothy 4:17

    Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

  • Acts 5:19

    But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

  • Hebrews 1:14

    Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

  • Romans 1:9

    For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

  • Acts 12:8

    And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

  • Acts 12:11

    And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and [from] all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
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