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

Wherefore {G1352}, sirs {G435}, be of good cheer {G2114}: for {G1063} I believe {G4100} God {G2316}, that {G3754} it {G3779} shall be {G2071} even {G2596}{G3739} as {G5158} it was told {G2980} me {G3427}.

So, men, take heart! For I trust God and believe that what I have been told will come true.

So take courage, men, for I believe God that it will happen just as He told me.

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even so as it hath been spoken unto me.

Context

Acts 27:25 is spoken by the Apostle Paul during a terrifying and prolonged storm at sea, known as the `Euroclydon`, while he is a prisoner being transported to Rome. For many days, the ship and its passengers, including the crew, had been battered by the tempest, losing all hope of survival. Just before this verse, an angel of God appeared to Paul, assuring him that no lives would be lost, though the ship would be destroyed, and that Paul must stand before Caesar. Paul's confident declaration to "be of good cheer" is therefore not based on favorable circumstances, but on this direct divine revelation.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Faith in God's Word: Paul's simple yet profound statement, "I believe God," encapsulates a deep, unshakeable trust in the Creator's promises, even when all physical evidence points to disaster. This highlights the power of faith to overcome fear and despair.
  • Divine Assurance Amidst Crisis: The verse showcases how God provides specific, timely revelation to His servants. Paul's confidence stems directly from the angel's message, demonstrating that God's word is a firm foundation in times of extreme uncertainty.
  • Leadership and Encouragement: Despite being a prisoner, Paul emerges as the true leader on board, offering comfort and a message of hope to a terrified and despondent crew and passengers. His calm demeanor and faith serve as a powerful witness to those around him.
  • God's Sovereignty: Even in the midst of a violent, life-threatening storm, God's ultimate plan for Paul's journey to Rome and the safety of those on board is upheld, demonstrating His absolute control over all circumstances, natural and human.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "be of good cheer" comes from the Greek word euthumeo (εὐθυμέω), which means "to be well-spirited, to be courageous, to be cheerful." It denotes an inner state of calm and confidence that is not dependent on external circumstances but springs from an internal source of hope and trust. Paul is not merely suggesting optimism but calling for a deep-seated courage rooted in divine assurance, urging them to find strength in God's promise.

Practical Application

Acts 27:25 offers enduring lessons for believers navigating the "storms" of their own lives:

  • Trust God's Promises: Like Paul, we are called to believe God's word implicitly, even when circumstances seem to contradict it. His promises are steadfast and reliable.
  • Find Hope in Divine Revelation: When despair threatens, seek God's voice through His Word and prayer. His assurances can transform fear into faith and provide inner peace amidst outer turmoil.
  • Be a Source of Hope: Paul's example encourages us to be instruments of comfort and hope to those around us who are struggling, sharing the peace and assurance we find in God's unwavering faithfulness.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Romans 4:20

    He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
  • Romans 4:21

    And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
  • Luke 1:45

    And blessed [is] she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
  • Numbers 23:19

    God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
  • 2 Timothy 1:12

    For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
  • Acts 27:11

    Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:20

    ¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

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