Acts 27:30

KJV

And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} as the shipmen {G3492} were about {G2212} to flee {G5343} out of {G1537} the ship {G4143}, when {G2532} they had let down {G5465} the boat {G4627} into {G1519} the sea {G2281}, under colour {G4392} as though {G5613} they would {G3195} have cast {G1614} anchors {G45} out of {G1537} the foreship {G4408},

Complete Jewish Bible

At this point, the crew made an attempt to abandon ship — they lowered the lifeboat into the sea, pretending that they were about to let out some anchors from the bow.

Berean Standard Bible

Meanwhile, the sailors attempted to escape from the ship. Pretending to lower anchors from the bow, they let the lifeboat down into the sea.

American Standard Version

And as the sailors were seeking to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, under color as though they would lay out anchors from the foreship,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:30 captures a tense and revealing moment during the perilous sea voyage of Paul to Rome, depicting the desperate attempt of the ship's crew to abandon the vessel and its passengers amidst a violent storm. Under the deceptive guise of deploying anchors from the bow to stabilize the ship, the experienced sailors secretly lowered the small boat, intending to flee for their own safety and leave everyone else to face the tempestuous sea. This act underscores the powerful human instinct for self-preservation in the face of overwhelming danger, even at the cost of responsibility and integrity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the dramatic narrative of Paul's voyage to Rome as a prisoner, detailed in [Acts 27](/acts/27 "Acts 27 - Paul's Perilous Voyage to Rome"). The ship has already endured a severe and prolonged storm, described as the "Euroclydon" in [Acts 27:14](/acts/27-14 "Acts 27:14 - The Storm Euroclydon"), which has left the crew and passengers in a state of despair, having given up all hope of being saved ([Acts 27:20](/acts/27-20 "Acts 27:20 - All Hope Abandoned")). Despite this, Paul had received a divine assurance that no lives would be lost, though the ship itself would be destroyed ([Acts 27:23-24](/acts/27-23-24 "Acts 27:23-24 - God's Promise of Safety")). The shipmen's deceitful action in [Acts 27:30](/acts/27-30 "Acts 27:30 - Shipmen Attempt to Flee") directly precedes Paul's crucial intervention in [Acts 27:31](/acts/27-31 "Acts 27:31 - Paul's Intervention"), where he warns the centurion and soldiers that unless the shipmen remain, the passengers cannot be saved, highlighting the interplay between divine promise and human responsibility.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient seafaring was fraught with peril, especially in the Mediterranean during the stormy seasons (late autumn to early spring). Ships were typically wooden vessels, vulnerable to strong winds and waves, and navigation relied heavily on celestial observation and coastal landmarks. The ship in question was likely a large grain carrier, capable of transporting hundreds of people and cargo, but not designed for extreme weather. Sailors (shipmen) were highly skilled professionals, responsible for the vessel and its occupants. In dire emergencies, it was not uncommon for the crew, prioritizing their own survival, to attempt to abandon ship, often using the smaller boat carried for shore landings or emergencies. The "foreship" (prow) was the front part of the vessel, from which anchors would typically be cast to hold position or prevent drifting. The pretense of casting anchors was a plausible, though deceptive, maneuver to mask their true intention of escape.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **human fear and self-preservation** in the face of overwhelming danger, demonstrating how even those responsible for the safety of others can succumb to desperate, self-serving actions. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **deception**, as the shipmen resort to a cunning ruse to facilitate their escape, revealing the moral compromises that can arise under extreme pressure. Thirdly, the narrative implicitly emphasizes **divine providence working through human agency**. While God had promised Paul that all lives would be spared ([Acts 27:24](/acts/27-24 "Acts 27:24 - God's Assurance to Paul")), this promise did not negate the need for human cooperation and discernment. Paul's immediate recognition of the shipmen's treachery and his subsequent intervention in [Acts 27:31](/acts/27-31 "Acts 27:31 - Paul's Timely Warning") become instrumental in the fulfillment of God's promise, showcasing that God often uses human actions to achieve His purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shipmen (Greek, _naútēs'_):** This term refers to sailors or boatmen, the professional crew responsible for operating the ship. Their attempt to flee underscores a profound dereliction of duty, as those most skilled in maritime matters were abandoning their charge and the lives entrusted to them.
* **flee (Greek, _pheúgō'_):** This verb denotes running away, escaping, or shunning. In this context, it vividly portrays the crew's panicked desire to abandon the sinking ship, emphasizing their fear-driven impulse to save themselves, regardless of the fate of the passengers and soldiers.
* **under colour (Greek, _próphasis'_):** This word signifies an "outward showing," a "pretext," or a "pretense." It is crucial for understanding the deceptive nature of the shipmen's actions. They were not genuinely preparing to cast anchors but were using this plausible, legitimate maneuver as a cover for their true, self-serving intention to escape.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship":** This opening clause immediately establishes the critical tension and the crew's desperate intention. The phrase "were about to flee" (μέλλοντες φεύγειν) indicates an imminent action, highlighting their readiness to abandon their posts and the vessel. This reveals their fear-driven self-preservation instinct overriding their professional duty.
* **"when they had let down the boat into the sea":** This action is the physical manifestation of their intent to flee. The small boat, typically used for landing or emergencies, was their means of escape. Lowering it into the turbulent sea under such conditions was a risky maneuver, further emphasizing the extremity of their desperation.
* **"under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship":** This final, crucial clause exposes the deceptive nature of their actions. "Under colour" (πρόφασιν) explicitly states their pretense. They were feigning a legitimate maritime procedure—casting anchors from the bow (foreship)—to stabilize the ship or prevent it from drifting. This ruse was designed to mislead the soldiers and passengers, preventing them from realizing the crew's true intention to escape and leave them behind.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to heighten the drama and convey its meaning. **Irony** is prominent, as the shipmen pretend to perform an act of salvation (casting anchors to save the ship) while secretly executing an act of abandonment (fleeing in the boat). This creates a stark contrast between their outward appearance and their inward intent. There is also significant **Dramatic Tension**, built by the revelation of the crew's desperate and deceptive plan, which immediately raises the stakes for Paul and the other passengers. The reader is left to wonder if their escape will succeed and what the consequences will be. Furthermore, the scene serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Paul's pivotal intervention in the very next verse ([Acts 27:31](/acts/27-31 "Acts 27:31 - Paul's Crucial Intervention")), where his discernment and leadership become essential for the survival of all on board.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:30 offers a stark illustration of human nature under duress, revealing the powerful inclination towards self-preservation that can override professional duty and moral integrity. The shipmen's deceitful attempt to abandon the ship, leaving hundreds of lives to certain doom, underscores the fallenness of humanity and the potential for fear to corrupt even those in positions of responsibility. This moment serves as a powerful reminder that even amidst divine promises of safety, human choices and actions remain significant. God's plan often unfolds through the discernment and intervention of His faithful servants, highlighting the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The narrative challenges believers to consider their own responses in times of crisis, urging integrity and faithfulness even when fear and self-interest press for compromise.

* [Proverbs 24:11-12](/proverbs/24-11-12 "Proverbs 24:11-12 - Rescue the Perishing")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")
* [Matthew 26:41](/matthew/26-41 "Matthew 26:41 - Spirit Willing, Flesh Weak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:30 presents a profound opportunity for reflection on leadership, integrity, and trust in God amidst life's storms. In moments of crisis, the true character of individuals and leaders is often revealed. The shipmen, despite their expertise, succumbed to fear and chose self-preservation over their duty to the passengers and the ship, resorting to deception. This stands in stark contrast to Paul's steadfast faith and clear-headed leadership that follows. For us, this verse challenges us to examine our own responses when faced with overwhelming difficulties or fear. Do we seek to abandon our responsibilities, or do we stand firm, trusting in God's promises and acting with integrity? It reminds us that true leadership involves prioritizing the well-being of others, even at personal risk, and that God's providence often works through our courageous and faithful obedience. Even when circumstances seem hopeless, and others may falter, our commitment to our calling and our trust in God's ultimate control should remain unwavering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically react when faced with overwhelming fear or a crisis that threatens my security?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to prioritize my own self-preservation over my responsibilities to others, especially in difficult situations?**
* **How can I cultivate the kind of discernment and integrity that Paul demonstrated, allowing me to see through deception and act faithfully in a crisis?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the interplay between God's sovereign promises and human responsibility in the unfolding of His will?**

### FAQ

**Why were the shipmen trying to escape the ship?**

Answer: The shipmen were trying to escape because they believed the ship was doomed and that their lives were in grave danger. Despite Paul's earlier assurance of safety based on a divine revelation ([Acts 27:23-24](/acts/27-23-24 "Acts 27:23-24 - God's Promise to Paul")), the professional sailors, relying on their experience with severe storms, had lost all hope of survival ([Acts 27:20](/acts/27-20 "Acts 27:20 - All Hope Abandoned")). Their attempt to flee was a desperate act of self-preservation, prioritizing their own lives over the hundreds of passengers and soldiers on board.

**What does "under colour" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "under colour" (KJV) means "under the pretext," "under the guise," or "as a pretense." It signifies that the shipmen were faking a legitimate action to conceal their true, deceitful intention. They were pretending to lower the small boat to cast anchors from the "foreship" (the front of the vessel), a plausible maneuver to stabilize the ship in a storm. However, their real aim was to use the small boat to escape the sinking ship and abandon everyone else. This highlights their cunning and desperate attempt to deceive the soldiers and passengers.

**How did Paul know what the shipmen were doing?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state how Paul knew, but it implies a combination of spiritual discernment and keen observation. Paul was not a sailor, but he was present on deck, and his previous warnings about the voyage ([Acts 27:10](/acts/27-10 "Acts 27:10 - Paul's Warning")) and his divine revelation of safety ([Acts 27:27-28](/acts/27-27-28 "Acts 27:27-28 - Paul's Vision")) show his spiritual sensitivity. He likely observed their suspicious actions—lowering the small boat in a way that didn't align with actual anchor deployment from the foreship—and, coupled with his spiritual insight, understood their true, treacherous motive. His immediate and decisive intervention in [Acts 27:31](/acts/27-31 "Acts 27:31 - Paul's Intervention") confirms his accurate assessment of the situation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:30, with its depiction of human fear, deceit, and the instinct for self-preservation, powerfully sets the stage for a Christ-centered understanding of salvation. The shipmen's attempt to abandon ship, leaving others to perish, stands in stark contrast to the very nature of Christ. While fallen humanity, in its desperation, seeks to save itself at the expense of others, Jesus Christ, the ultimate Shepherd, willingly laid down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")). His mission was not self-preservation but self-sacrifice, as beautifully articulated in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"), where He humbled Himself, even to death on a cross, to rescue a perishing humanity. The fear of death that drove the shipmen is ultimately conquered by Christ, who through His own death, delivered those who were held in slavery by the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Delivers from Fear of Death")). Just as Paul, an agent of God's saving purpose, intervened to prevent the abandonment and ensure the safety of all on board, so Christ is the one who steps into the storms of our lives, not to abandon us, but to bring us safely to shore, demonstrating His power over all chaos, as seen when He calmed the raging sea ([Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). The ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of salvation, even amidst human failure and the storms of life, is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our faithful captain and deliverer.

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 27:16

And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

Acts 27:32

Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.