Acts 27:24

KJV

Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {G3004}, Fear {G5399} not {G3361}, Paul {G3972}; thou {G4571} must {G1163} be brought before {G3936} Caesar {G2541}: and {G2532}, lo {G2400}, God {G2316} hath given {G5483} thee {G4671} all {G3956} them that sail {G4126} with {G3326} thee {G4675}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Sha’ul! you have to stand before the Emperor. Look! God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’

Berean Standard Bible

and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’

American Standard Version

saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must stand before Cæsar: and lo, God hath granted thee all them that sail with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:24 records a pivotal moment of divine intervention and prophetic assurance delivered to the Apostle Paul by an angel during a life-threatening storm at sea. Amidst the despair and hopelessness of a ship battered by a relentless tempest, God's message unequivocally declares Paul's destined appearance before Caesar and, remarkably, guarantees the safety of every soul on board for Paul's sake, powerfully demonstrating God's unwavering sovereignty, faithfulness, and intercessory grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 27:24 is situated within the dramatic narrative of Paul's perilous voyage to Rome as a prisoner, following his appeals to Caesar. The preceding verses (Acts 27:1-23) detail the journey's initial stages, Paul's prophetic warning against setting sail from Fair Havens ([Acts 27:10](/acts/27-10 "Paul's Warning at Fair Havens")), and the subsequent engulfment of the ship in a violent, prolonged storm known as Euroclydon. For fourteen days, the crew and passengers endured extreme hardship, throwing cargo and ship's tackle overboard in a desperate attempt to survive, losing all hope of being saved as neither sun nor stars appeared. It is in this context of utter despair and the brink of shipwreck that Paul, who had been a voice of caution, now becomes the bearer of divine hope and a prophetic message, standing among the demoralized company to declare God's specific will and promise of deliverance. This moment shifts the narrative focus from human futility to divine omnipotence and serves as a powerful testament to Paul's spiritual authority and God's sovereign control over seemingly uncontrollable circumstances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's journey to Rome was not merely a prisoner transfer but a divinely ordained mission to bear witness to Christ before the highest authorities, including Caesar ([Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Ananias' Vision of Paul's Calling")). Sea travel in the ancient world, especially during the stormy seasons (generally late autumn to early spring), was extremely hazardous. Ships were relatively small, navigation relied on celestial bodies, and storms could easily disorient and destroy vessels. The specific "northeasterly wind" (Euroclydon, Acts 27:14) was notorious for its ferocity in the Mediterranean. The presence of Roman soldiers, sailors, and other prisoners on board was typical for such a transport. The Roman legal system required a prisoner who appealed to Caesar to be brought before him, underscoring the political and judicial necessity for Paul to reach Rome. The cultural understanding of divine intervention, whether through dreams, visions, or angelic appearances, was widespread in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, making the angel's appearance a culturally intelligible, albeit extraordinary, event.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 27:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's absolute control over natural forces and human affairs, ensuring His purposes are fulfilled regardless of adversity. Paul's destiny to stand before [Caesar](/acts/27-24 "Acts 27:24 - Paul Before Caesar") is an unshakeable divine decree. This verse also highlights **God's Faithfulness to His Servants**, as He directly intervenes to reassure Paul and confirm His protective presence. A remarkable theme is **Intercessory Grace**, where the lives of 276 people ([Acts 27:37](/acts/27-37 "Acts 27:37 - Number of Souls on Board")) are spared solely due to God's purpose for one man, Paul, illustrating how God's favor on an individual can extend to benefit many others. Furthermore, the passage underscores **Courage and Trust in Adversity**, as Paul's "Fear not" echoes numerous biblical assurances, inviting unwavering faith even in the face of overwhelming despair. Finally, it reinforces the **Unstoppable Advance of the Gospel**, as Paul's journey to Rome, though fraught with danger, is ultimately a means for the Gospel to reach the heart of the Roman Empire, fulfilling the mandate to witness to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** From G1163, this word signifies a divine necessity or obligation. It indicates that Paul's appearance before Caesar is not merely a possibility or a human plan, but an absolute divine imperative. It conveys the idea of something that "behoved" or "ought" to happen, implying a binding, unalterable purpose of God. This term underscores the certainty of God's will being accomplished, regardless of the storm's fury.
* **lo (Greek, _idoú'_):** From G2400, this is an imperative, meaning "behold" or "see." It functions as an exclamation drawing immediate attention to a significant, often divinely revealed, truth or event. In this context, it signals the arrival of a crucial piece of information—God's gracious gift of the lives of all on board—and emphasizes the certainty and wonder of the divine declaration that follows.
* **hath given (Greek, _charízomai'_):** From G5483, this verb in the perfect tense (as seen in the KJV's "hath given") denotes an action completed in the past with ongoing results, emphasizing the permanence of the gift. The core meaning is "to grant as a favor," "gratuitously," or "in kindness." It highlights that the preservation of the lives of all on the ship is not earned but is a free, unmerited gift of grace from God, extended to Paul and, through him, to everyone else.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying, Fear not, Paul;":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine source of the message, conveyed by an angel to Paul. The command "Fear not" (Greek: _mē phobou_) is a common biblical idiom of divine reassurance, frequently used by God or His messengers to calm individuals facing overwhelming circumstances or fear-inducing revelations. It directly addresses Paul's emotional state amidst the terrifying storm, serving as an immediate antidote to despair and a call to trust.
* **"thou must be brought before Caesar:":** This clause reveals the specific, unalterable divine purpose for Paul's life. The word "must" (Greek: _deî_) signifies divine necessity, indicating that Paul's appearance before the Roman emperor is a non-negotiable part of God's plan. This declaration serves as a powerful reminder that despite the immediate danger, God's ultimate will for Paul's ministry—to bear witness to Christ before kings ([Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Paul's Calling to Kings"))—will be fulfilled.
* **"and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.":** This final clause presents a remarkable extension of God's grace. The interjection "lo" (Greek: _idoú_) draws attention to the profound nature of what follows. God, in His sovereign kindness, has "given" (Greek: _charízomai_, a gratuitous gift) to Paul the lives of everyone on the ship. This means that the 276 souls (Acts 27:37), including sailors, soldiers, and other prisoners, would be spared from the shipwreck solely because of God's purpose for Paul and His favor upon him. It underscores the concept of intercessory grace, where one person's divine calling and faithfulness can become the means of salvation (physical preservation in this context) for many others.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 27:24 employs several powerful literary devices. **Divine Address** is central, as an angel directly communicates God's message to Paul, lending an authoritative and supernatural weight to the words. The phrase "Fear not, Paul" is an example of **Exhortation** and **Assurance**, a recurring motif in biblical narratives where God calms His servants in moments of distress, often preceding a significant revelation or promise. The declaration "thou must be brought before Caesar" functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling a future event and emphasizing the **Divine Imperative** behind Paul's journey. This prophecy serves to reinforce God's sovereignty over human circumstances. Finally, the statement "God hath given thee all them that sail with thee" is a profound example of **Intercessory Grace**, where the safety of a large group is granted for the sake of one individual. This also contains an element of **Hyperbole** (or perhaps divine generosity) in its sweeping inclusiveness, emphasizing the vast extent of God's protective hand extended through Paul.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:24 is a profound testament to God's unwavering sovereignty and His meticulous providence over the lives of His servants and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. It illustrates that even in the most chaotic and hopeless human circumstances, God remains in absolute control, guiding events to fulfill His predetermined purposes. The angel's message not only reassures Paul of his personal destiny but also reveals a remarkable act of corporate preservation, where the lives of 276 individuals are spared solely because of God's favor on His chosen apostle. This highlights the powerful principle that God's grace often overflows from His relationship with one individual to encompass and benefit many others, demonstrating His expansive mercy and the ripple effect of faithfulness.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "The Lord Foils the Plans of Nations")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "All Things Work for Good")
* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's Promise to Abraham")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:24 offers profound encouragement and practical wisdom for believers navigating the storms of life. Just as Paul faced a literal tempest that threatened to consume him, we too encounter metaphorical storms of anxiety, uncertainty, and overwhelming challenges. This verse reminds us that even when all human hope seems lost, God's purposes for our lives remain unshakeable. His divine "must" for our destiny will prevail, and no circumstance, however dire, can thwart His ultimate plan. We are called to "fear not," trusting in the sovereign God who speaks peace into our chaos and provides assurance of His presence and protection. Furthermore, the incredible truth that God spared an entire ship for Paul's sake challenges us to consider the far-reaching impact of our own faith and obedience. Our walk with God is not just about our individual salvation; it can become a conduit through which God's grace, protection, and blessing flow to those around us, even those who do not yet know Him. Our steadfastness in trials can be a powerful testimony, transforming adversity into a platform for God's glory and a means of bringing unexpected blessings to others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storm" are you currently facing that feels overwhelming, and how can the command "Fear not" from God's word speak into your situation?**
* **How does the certainty of God's plan for Paul's life (to stand before Caesar) encourage you regarding God's purpose for your own life, even amidst difficulties?**
* **In what ways might your faithfulness and walk with God be a source of unexpected blessing or protection for those in your sphere of influence?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty when circumstances seem chaotic and beyond your control?**

### FAQ
**Why did God save everyone on the ship for Paul's sake?**

Answer: God saved everyone on the ship (276 people, [Acts 27:37](/acts/27-37 "Acts 27:37 - Number on Board")) for Paul's sake primarily because of His specific, unalterable purpose for Paul's life: he "must be brought before Caesar" ([Acts 27:24](/acts/27-24 "Acts 27:24 - Paul Before Caesar")). God's plan for Paul to bear witness to Christ before the highest Roman authority was paramount. The preservation of all on board demonstrates God's sovereign power and His overflowing grace. It illustrates the biblical principle of intercessory grace, where God's favor on one righteous individual can extend to benefit many others, even those who may not share that individual's faith. This act also served to magnify God's power and faithfulness through Paul, providing a powerful testimony to the pagan sailors and soldiers on board.

**What was the significance of Paul being brought before Caesar?**

Answer: Paul's appearance before Caesar was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it fulfilled a divine prophecy given at Paul's conversion, that he would bear Christ's name "before Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel" ([Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Ananias' Vision of Paul's Calling")). Reaching Caesar, the highest earthly authority of the Roman Empire, represented the ultimate fulfillment of witnessing to kings. Secondly, it was a strategic move in the spread of the Gospel. Paul, as a prisoner, gained an audience and a platform in the imperial capital that he might not have otherwise achieved, allowing the message of Christ to penetrate the highest echelons of Roman society. Lastly, it underscored the sovereignty of God, demonstrating that even the Roman legal system and the emperor himself were instruments in God's hands to advance His eternal purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:24, while a powerful narrative of divine intervention in Paul's life, ultimately points to the greater work of Christ. The angelic assurance to Paul, "Fear not... God hath given thee all them that sail with thee," foreshadows the ultimate intercessory work of Jesus Christ. Just as the lives of 276 souls were spared for Paul's sake, so too are countless souls saved from eternal destruction for the sake of Christ. Jesus is the true Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His singular sacrifice, God "has given" to Him all who believe, granting them eternal life ([John 6:39](/john/6-39 "John 6:39 - All Given to Christ")). Furthermore, Paul's divinely ordained journey through a storm to reach Caesar, despite all odds, mirrors Christ's own journey to the cross and resurrection, which was a necessary "must" ([Luke 24:46](/luke/24-46 "Luke 24:46 - Christ Must Suffer")) for the salvation of humanity. Christ's sovereignty over the forces of nature, as demonstrated when He calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), is the ultimate display of the power that preserved Paul and his shipmates. In Christ, we find the ultimate "Fear not" ([Matthew 14:27](/matthew/14-27 "Matthew 14:27 - Jesus Walks on Water")), for He has overcome the world and secured our eternal destiny, guaranteeing that all whom the Father has given Him will be brought safely to His presence ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - My Sheep Will Never Perish")).

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 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 4:16

¶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.

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.

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Genesis 19:29

And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

Acts 9:15

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

James 5:16

Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.