Acts 27:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the midst of a violent, prolonged storm that had stripped all hope from the ship's passengers and crew, the Apostle Paul, a prisoner on board, confidently declares to "be of good cheer." His profound assurance is rooted not in the dire circumstances, but in a direct divine revelation from an angel of God, who promised that no lives would be lost and that Paul would surely reach Rome to stand before Caesar. This verse encapsulates Paul's unwavering faith and his powerful role as a spiritual leader, offering hope and courage to a despairing company based solely on the reliability of God's word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 27:25 is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome. The preceding verses ([Acts 27:14-20](/acts/27-14-20 "Acts 27:14-20 - The Euroclydon Storm")) describe the relentless battering of the ship by a tempestuous northeasterly wind, the "Euroclydon," which had lasted for many days, causing the crew to jettison cargo and tackle, and ultimately leading to the abandonment of all hope for survival. Just prior to this verse, an angel of God appeared to Paul during the night, assuring him that he must stand before Caesar and that God had granted him the lives of all those sailing with him ([Acts 27:23-24](/acts/27-23-24 "Acts 27:23-24 - Angelic Assurance to Paul")). Paul's declaration in verse 25 is therefore a direct response to this divine intervention, serving as a pivotal moment that shifts the atmosphere from despair to a renewed, divinely-grounded hope, setting the stage for the miraculous preservation of all lives during the subsequent shipwreck.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's journey was undertaken as a prisoner being transported to Rome to appeal his case to Caesar, a right afforded to Roman citizens. Ancient Mediterranean seafaring was inherently dangerous, especially during the "closed season" for navigation (roughly September to May), which this voyage falls into. The "Euroclydon" (or Euraquilo) was a notorious and feared cyclonic storm in the Mediterranean, known for its sudden onset and violent, unpredictable winds, capable of driving ships off course for extended periods. The ship itself was likely a large Alexandrian grain ship, carrying a significant number of people (276, as noted in [Acts 27:37](/acts/27-37 "Acts 27:37 - Number of Souls on Board")), including soldiers, sailors, and other prisoners. In such a dire situation, the cultural norm would be widespread panic and a reliance on pagan deities or superstitions; Paul's monotheistic faith and calm demeanor would have been strikingly counter-cultural and profoundly impactful.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over natural forces and human circumstances to accomplish His purposes, specifically Paul's safe arrival in Rome to preach the gospel ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - The Lord's Assurance to Paul")). It underscores the theme of **Unwavering Faith in God's Word**, as Paul's confidence is founded solely on a divine promise, not on favorable external conditions, serving as a model for believers to trust God even when all human hope is lost. The verse also showcases **Leadership and Encouragement in Crisis**, as Paul, despite being a prisoner, emerges as the true leader, offering comfort and a message of hope to a terrified company. Finally, it exemplifies the **Power of the Gospel Witness**, as Paul's steadfast faith and the subsequent miraculous deliverance undoubtedly served as a powerful testimony to the pagan sailors and soldiers on board, demonstrating the reality and power of the God he served.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wherefore (Greek, _dió'_):** This particle signifies a logical consequence, meaning "through which thing, i.e. consequently." Paul uses it to directly link his exhortation to "be of good cheer" with the divine revelation he has just received. It underscores that his confidence is not arbitrary but flows directly from God's explicit promise.
* **be of good cheer (Greek, _euthyméō'_):** Derived from a root meaning "well-spirited," this word means "to cheer up, to be cheerful, to be courageous." It denotes an inner state of calm and confidence that is not dependent on external circumstances. Paul is not merely suggesting optimism but calling for a deep-seated courage and inner fortitude rooted in divine assurance, urging them to find strength in God's promise rather than succumbing to despair.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** This verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." Paul's "I believe God" is a profound declaration of active trust and reliance on God's character and word. It's not mere intellectual assent but a complete entrustment of himself and the lives of those on board to the faithfulness of the Almighty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer:"**: Paul addresses the entire company, including the pagan sailors and soldiers, with a command to abandon their despair. The "wherefore" directly connects this command to the preceding divine revelation, indicating that his exhortation is based on a solid, supernatural foundation. The call to "be of good cheer" is a summons to inner courage and a confident spirit, urging them to rise above their fear despite the dire circumstances.
* **"for I believe God,"**: This is the bedrock of Paul's confidence and the fundamental reason for his exhortation. His faith is not a vague hope but a firm, personal conviction in the character and word of God. This deeply personal and unwavering belief is presented as the singular, all-sufficient ground for hope in an otherwise hopeless situation.
* **"that it shall be even as it was told me."**: This clause specifies the content of Paul's belief and the divine promise. The "it" refers to the angel's assurance that no lives would be lost and that Paul would stand before Caesar. The phrase "even as it was told me" emphasizes the direct, specific, and utterly reliable nature of the divine revelation, affirming that God's word is immutable and will be fulfilled precisely as declared.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 27:25 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Ethos** is powerfully established through Paul's character; despite being a prisoner, his calm demeanor and unwavering faith in the face of certain death lend him immense credibility and moral authority among the despairing crew and passengers. This allows his words to carry weight far beyond his social standing. **Dramatic Irony** is present, as the audience (and Paul) is privy to the divine promise of safety, while the other characters on board remain consumed by fear and hopelessness, unaware of God's intervention. This contrast heightens the tension and underscores the miraculous nature of the impending deliverance. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** to highlight the stark difference between human despair and divine assurance. The chaotic, life-threatening storm outside is juxtaposed with Paul's inner peace and the hope he offers, emphasizing the transformative power of faith in God's word. Finally, Paul's declaration serves as **Foreshadowing**, confidently predicting the outcome of the voyage—the preservation of all lives—which subsequently unfolds in the narrative, validating the truth of God's promise and Paul's faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:25 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of faith and God's sovereignty. Paul's declaration, "I believe God," is not a mere intellectual assent but a profound act of trust in the immutable character and infallible word of the Almighty, even when all physical evidence points to disaster. This unwavering faith demonstrates that true hope is anchored in God's faithfulness and His revealed promises, not in favorable circumstances or human capability. It underscores the biblical truth that God's plans cannot be thwarted, and His purposes will prevail, even amidst the most chaotic and life-threatening situations. Paul's experience serves as a powerful testament to the truth that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, providing specific guidance and assurance to His servants, and that His ultimate control extends over all creation, including the elements of nature.
* [Romans 4:20-21](/romans/4-20-21 "Romans 4:20-21 - Abraham's Unwavering Faith")
* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Definition of Faith")
* [2 Corinthians 1:8-10](/2_corinthians/1-8-10 "2 Corinthians 1:8-10 - God Delivers in Despair")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:25 offers enduring and vital lessons for believers navigating the "storms" of their own lives. Just as Paul faced a literal tempest that threatened to engulf him and all on board, we frequently encounter metaphorical storms—crises of health, financial hardship, relational brokenness, professional setbacks, or spiritual doubt—that can strip away our hope and leave us feeling adrift. In such moments, the natural human inclination is to succumb to fear, anxiety, and despair, much like the ship's company. However, Paul's example calls us to a radically different response: to anchor our souls in the unwavering promises of God. His simple yet profound declaration, "I believe God," is not a passive statement but an active, defiant act of trust that has the power to transform the atmosphere of fear into one of profound peace and hope. This verse challenges us to cultivate a deep, personal, and active faith in God's Word, allowing it to be the firm foundation upon which we stand when everything else is shaking. It reminds us that our hope is not found in the absence of storms, but in the steadfast presence and unfailing faithfulness of the God who controls them. Furthermore, Paul's leadership in a desperate situation encourages us to be instruments of comfort and hope to those around us who are struggling, sharing the divine assurance that sustains us, and pointing them to the ultimate source of peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storms" are you currently facing in your life that tempt you to lose hope and give in to despair?**
* **How does Paul's declaration, "I believe God," challenge your own faith in the midst of uncertainty and overwhelming circumstances?**
* **In what practical ways can you, like Paul, be a source of encouragement and hope to others who are experiencing fear or hopelessness?**
* **What specific promises of God can you cling to and declare over your current situation, even when circumstances seem dire?**

### FAQ
**What was the "Euroclydon" and why was it so dangerous?**

Answer: The "Euroclydon," also referred to as Euraquilo in some translations, was a violent, tempestuous northeasterly wind that was notoriously dangerous in the Mediterranean Sea, especially during the autumn and winter months. It was characterized by its unpredictable and shifting nature, often accompanied by heavy seas, making ancient sailing extremely perilous. Its ferocity is highlighted in [Acts 27:14-20](/acts/27-14-20 "Acts 27:14-20 - The Euroclydon Storm"), where it drove Paul's ship uncontrollably for days, stripped away all hope of survival, and eventually led to the shipwreck. This type of storm demonstrated the immense power of nature against which ancient maritime technology was largely helpless, underscoring the miraculous nature of God's intervention.

**How did Paul know what "it was told me" meant, and why did he believe it so strongly?**

Answer: Paul's unwavering confidence stemmed from a direct, personal, and unmistakable angelic visitation. As recorded in [Acts 27:23-24](/acts/27-23-24 "Acts 27:23-24 - Angelic Assurance to Paul"), an angel of the God "whose I am and whom I serve" stood by him during the night, explicitly assuring him that he must stand before Caesar and that God had graciously given him the lives of all those sailing with him. This divine revelation provided specific, trustworthy information that formed the absolute basis of Paul's faith. His strong belief was rooted in his lifelong experience of God's faithfulness and the direct, clear communication he received, leaving no room for doubt despite the overwhelming external circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's unwavering faith in God's promise amidst the raging tempest in [Acts 27:25](/acts/27-25 "Acts 27:25 - Paul's Declaration of Faith") powerfully foreshadows the ultimate source of peace and security found in Jesus Christ. Just as Paul's divinely-inspired words brought calm and hope to a terrified ship, Christ Himself is the one who ultimately calms the storms of life, both literal and metaphorical. His disciples witnessed Him rebuke the wind and the waves, bringing about a "great calm" in [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm"), demonstrating His divine authority over all creation. Paul's confidence in the spoken word of God finds its ultimate anchor in the incarnate Word, Jesus, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ Unchanging")). In Christ, believers find the ultimate fulfillment of all divine promises, a steadfast hope that transcends all earthly circumstances, and the assurance of eternal life, even in the face of death ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). He is the true "good cheer," the one in whom all God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen," providing an unshakeable foundation for faith and a living hope that sustains through every storm ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in 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

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.