27:26 27:26

Acts 27:27

27:28 27:28

Bible Versions

But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;
But {G1161} when {G5613} the fourteenth {G5065} night {G3571} was come {G1096}, as we {G2257} were driven up and down {G1308} in {G1722} Adria {G99}, about {G2596} midnight {G3319}{G3571} the shipmen {G3492} deemed {G5282} that they {G846} drew near {G4317} to some {G5100} country {G5561};
It was the fourteenth night, and we were still being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, when around midnight the sailors sensed that we were nearing land.
On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea. About midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land.
But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven to and fro in the sea of Adria, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were drawing near to some country:

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of the dramatic narrative of Paul's perilous voyage to Rome as a prisoner. The journey, detailed in Acts chapter 27, describes a severe and prolonged storm that threatened to destroy the ship and all its occupants. The phrase "the fourteenth night" emphasizes the relentless duration of the tempest, highlighting the extreme exhaustion and despair of those on board. "Adria" in this context refers not just to the modern Adriatic Sea, but to a broader region of the central Mediterranean, encompassing the waters between Greece, Italy, and North Africa. The "shipmen" were experienced mariners, and their suspicion that they were nearing land, even in the dead of night, suggests a significant change in the sound of the waves or other navigational cues, indicating an impending crisis or potential salvation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence Amidst Peril: Despite the overwhelming natural forces and human despair, God's hand is evident. This verse marks a turning point, as the crew senses a change, hinting at the fulfillment of God's promise to Paul that no lives would be lost (Acts 27:24).
  • Endurance and Hope: After two weeks of relentless storm, the faint glimmer of hope emerges. This period of extreme trial tested the limits of human endurance, yet it also set the stage for God's faithfulness to be dramatically displayed.
  • Human Skill and Divine Guidance: The expertise of the "shipmen" in discerning their proximity to land, even in such conditions, shows human skill at work, yet it is ultimately guided by divine providence towards the destined outcome on Malta.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "deemed" is hypenooun (ὑπενοοῦν), which means "to suspect," "to surmise," or "to suppose." It implies an educated guess or a strong suspicion based on observations, such as the depth of the water (which they would soon confirm by taking soundings, as seen in Acts 27:28). This wasn't merely a wishful thought but a professional assessment, indicating a change in their immediate environment after days of being "driven up and down."

Practical Application and Reflection

Acts 27:27 offers profound encouragement for those facing prolonged and intense trials. Just as the shipmen sensed a change after "the fourteenth night," believers can trust that even in the longest and darkest storms of life, God is actively at work, bringing His purposes to pass. The "fourteenth night" reminds us that God's deliverance often comes after extended periods of waiting and hardship, strengthening our faith and revealing His unwavering commitment. It encourages us to remain vigilant and hopeful, trusting that even when we feel "driven up and down," God is guiding us towards our ultimate destination, fulfilling His promises as He did for Paul and all on board.

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.
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