Acts 27:26

KJV

Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit {G1161} we {G2248} must {G1163} be cast {G1601} upon {G1519} a certain {G5100} island {G3520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nevertheless, we have to run aground on some island.”

Berean Standard Bible

However, we must run aground on some island.”

American Standard Version

But we must be cast upon a certain island.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:26 encapsulates a pivotal moment of divine assurance and prophetic certainty delivered by the Apostle Paul amidst a harrowing sea voyage. As a prisoner bound for Rome, Paul declares to the terrified ship's company that despite the raging storm and imminent shipwreck, their lives will be spared, and they are divinely destined to be cast ashore on a specific island. This verse underscores God's unwavering sovereignty and the certainty of His purposes, even in the most perilous circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 27:26 is situated within the dramatic narrative of Paul's perilous sea journey to Rome, detailed in Acts 27-28. Preceding this verse, the ship has been caught in a violent, prolonged storm, the "Euroclydon" ([Acts 27:14](/acts/27-14 "Acts 27:14 - The Tempestuous Wind Euroclydon")), leading to extreme despair among all on board, as "all hope that we should be saved was then taken away" ([Acts 27:20](/acts/27-20 "Acts 27:20 - All Hope Lost")). Paul had previously warned against sailing ([Acts 27:10](/acts/27-10 "Acts 27:10 - Paul's Warning")), but his advice was ignored. In this context of utter hopelessness, Paul stands forth as a messenger of divine revelation. An angel of God had appeared to him, confirming God's earlier promise that Paul would stand before Caesar ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - God's Promise to Paul in Jerusalem")), and assuring him that for his sake, all on board would be saved, though the ship would be lost ([Acts 27:24](/acts/27-24 "Acts 27:24 - The Angel's Assurance to Paul")). Verse 26 is Paul's public declaration of this specific, divinely ordained outcome, providing a concrete detail that would soon be fulfilled on the island of Malta ([Acts 28:1](/acts/28-1 "Acts 28:1 - Landing on Malta")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The journey described in Acts 27 took place during the Roman imperial period, where sea travel was common but fraught with danger, especially outside the calmer summer months. The Mediterranean Sea was notorious for sudden, violent storms, particularly in late autumn (after "the Fast," likely Yom Kippur, as mentioned in [Acts 27:9](/acts/27-9 "Acts 27:9 - Paul's Journey and the Fast")). Ships were typically sailing vessels, vulnerable to strong winds and lacking sophisticated navigation or weather forecasting. Shipwreck was a common and often fatal occurrence. Prisoners, like Paul, were transported by Roman authorities, usually under military guard. The "island" referred to would later be identified as Malta, a strategic island south of Sicily, known for its harbors and as a stopping point for ships. The cultural context emphasizes the widespread fear and despair that would grip ancient mariners in such a storm, contrasting sharply with Paul's calm, divinely-inspired confidence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over natural forces and human destiny, even in the face of chaos. Despite the storm's fury, God's plan for Paul's journey to Rome and the preservation of all lives on board remains inviolable. Another key theme is **Faith Amidst Adversity**, as Paul's unwavering trust in God's promises allows him to be a beacon of hope and leadership in a desperate situation. His declaration is not mere optimism but a **Prophetic Certainty**, rooted in a direct revelation from God, underscoring the reliability of God's word. Furthermore, the narrative showcases **God's Preservation of His Servants** and those associated with them, as the lives of 276 people are spared for Paul's sake ([Acts 27:37](/acts/27-37 "Acts 27:37 - Number of Souls on Board")). This episode also foreshadows the **Spread of the Gospel**, as the shipwreck on Malta provides a new opportunity for Paul to minister and demonstrate God's power ([Acts 28:7-10](/acts/28-7-10 "Acts 28:7-10 - Paul's Ministry on Malta")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Howbeit (Greek, _dé'_):** This particle introduces a contrasting or continuative idea. In this context, it marks a shift from the previous despair and uncertainty to a declaration of divine certainty. It functions as "nevertheless" or "but," signaling that despite the dire circumstances and human expectations, a divinely ordained outcome is certain.
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** This word conveys a strong sense of divine necessity or inevitability. It's not merely a prediction or a possibility, but a declaration of what is divinely ordained and absolutely certain to happen. This "must" highlights God's sovereign will and purpose, indicating that the shipwreck and landing on an island are not accidental but part of God's unchangeable plan.
* **be cast (Greek, _ekpíptō'_):** Literally meaning "to fall out" or "to drop away," in this context, it signifies being driven by force onto something, specifically ashore. It implies an involuntary, forceful landing, consistent with a shipwreck where the vessel is no longer under human control but is being driven by the elements. The passive voice ("be cast") further emphasizes that the event is happening *to* them, not *by* their own navigation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit we must be cast":** This opening clause introduces the divine imperative and the certainty of the future event. "Howbeit" (or "nevertheless") serves as a strong contrast to the preceding despair, signaling a turning point. The "we" includes Paul and everyone else on board. The crucial phrase "must be cast" (from the Greek _deî ekpíptō_) conveys an absolute divine necessity. It's not a mere prediction but a declaration that this event is part of God's unalterable plan. Despite the chaos of the storm, their destiny is fixed by God, not by chance or human effort.
* **"upon a certain island.":** This specifies the divinely ordained destination. The phrase "a certain island" (Greek _tìs nēsos_) indicates that Paul doesn't yet name the island (which is later revealed as Malta in [Acts 28:1](/acts/28-1 "Acts 28:1 - Landing on Malta")), but he knows with certainty that *an* island is their appointed landing place. This detail provides a concrete, tangible anchor of hope amidst the abstract terror of the storm. It narrows down their fate from total destruction to a specific, albeit challenging, outcome that includes survival.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 27:26 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as Paul's statement is a direct, divinely revealed declaration of a future event that will inevitably occur. This functions as a **Foreshadowing** of the landing on Malta in the subsequent chapter, building narrative tension and demonstrating the reliability of divine revelation. The use of the Greek word _deî_ (translated "must") creates a powerful sense of **Divine Necessity** or **Modality**, emphasizing that this outcome is not accidental but divinely willed and unavoidable. This stands in stark **Contrast** to the human despair and lack of control described earlier in the chapter, highlighting God's ultimate sovereignty over chaotic circumstances. The verse also serves as a moment of **Assurance** and **Reassurance**, as Paul, acting as God's mouthpiece, brings a message of certain survival to a terrified company, transforming their hopelessness into a specific, albeit challenging, expectation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:26 profoundly illustrates the theological truth of God's sovereign control over all creation and human affairs. Even in the midst of natural disaster and seemingly insurmountable odds, God's purposes for His people, and indeed for all humanity, remain steadfast and unthwarted. This verse emphasizes that divine will is not merely a possibility but a certainty, a "must" that will be accomplished regardless of circumstances. It showcases God's faithfulness to His promises, not only to Paul personally but also to those whose lives are intertwined with His chosen servants. The preservation of life, despite the loss of the ship, points to God's valuing of human life and His ability to bring about salvation even through seemingly destructive means. This episode serves as a powerful testament to the fact that God's ultimate destination for His people is secure, even if the journey is fraught with peril.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "God's Unchanging Counsel")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Many Plans, One Purpose")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:26 offers profound spiritual nourishment for believers navigating the storms of life. It reminds us that even when our circumstances seem utterly out of control, when "all hope" of our own making is gone, God's ultimate plan for us remains secure. Just as Paul's journey had a divinely appointed destination, so too does our spiritual journey have a sovereignly ordained end. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep faith in God's unwavering promises, allowing His certain word to anchor our souls amidst fear and uncertainty. It challenges us to move beyond mere optimism to a confident assurance rooted in God's character and His revealed will. Furthermore, it highlights the potential for believers to be sources of hope and stability for others in times of crisis, not through human strength, but by faithfully relaying God's truth. Our "shipwrecks" may be painful, but they are often the very means by which God brings us to our appointed "island" of safety and new opportunity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "storms" are you currently facing where all human hope seems to have vanished?**
* **How does the certainty of God's "must" in Acts 27:26 speak to your sense of control or lack thereof in your present circumstances?**
* **In what ways can you, like Paul, be a conduit of God's certain hope and assurance to those around you who are in despair?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the word "must" in Acts 27:26?**

Answer: The word "must" (Greek: _deî_) is highly significant because it conveys a sense of divine necessity or inevitability. It's not merely a prediction of what might happen, but a declaration of what is divinely ordained to happen. This emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and control over the situation, asserting that the shipwreck and landing on a specific island are not accidental but part of God's unchangeable plan for Paul and those with him. It underscores that God's purposes will be accomplished, regardless of the chaos or human despair.

**How does Paul know they "must be cast upon a certain island"?**

Answer: Paul knows this because an angel of God appeared to him during the storm and revealed God's plan. As recorded in [Acts 27:23-24](/acts/27-23-24 "Acts 27:23-24 - The Angel's Message to Paul"), Paul states, "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 has given thee all them that sail with thee." The angel's message confirmed God's earlier promise that Paul would reach Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - God's Promise to Paul in Jerusalem")) and added the assurance that for Paul's sake, all lives on board would be spared, though the ship would be lost. The specific detail of being "cast upon a certain island" is part of this divine revelation, providing a concrete outcome to their perilous journey.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 27:26 directly speaks to God's providential care and the certainty of His will in a specific historical event, it resonates with the broader Christ-centered narrative of God's sovereign plan for salvation. Just as Paul "must" reach Rome to bear witness to Christ, so too was it divinely necessary for Christ to fulfill His redemptive mission. Jesus Himself declared, "The Son of Man **must** suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised on the third day" ([Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection")). This "must" (the same Greek word _deî_) underscores the divine necessity of Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection as the predetermined means of salvation for humanity. The storm-tossed ship finding its divinely appointed "island" foreshadows the ultimate safe harbor found in Christ, who is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble ([Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge")). Through His sacrifice, Christ ensures that those who are "in Him" will ultimately reach their eternal destination, the New Heavens and New Earth, despite the trials and tribulations of this life ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). He is the Lamb of God, whose shed blood provides the certain "way" to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")), ensuring that all who are "cast upon" Him in faith will not perish but have everlasting life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

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 28:1

¶ And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

Acts 27:17

Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

Acts 27:29

Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.