Acts 27:35

KJV

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken [it], he began to eat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when he had thus {G5023} spoken {G2036},{G2532} he took {G2983} bread {G740}, and gave thanks {G2168} to God {G2316} in presence {G1799} of them all {G3956}: and {G2532} when he had broken {G2806} it, he began {G756} to eat {G2068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he had said this, he took bread, said the b’rakhah to God in front of everyone, broke it and began to eat.

Berean Standard Bible

After he had said this, Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.

American Standard Version

And when he had said this, and had taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all; and he brake it, and began to eat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:35 captures a profound moment of faith and leadership as the Apostle Paul, a prisoner aboard a storm-battered ship, takes bread, gives thanks to God publicly, breaks it, and begins to eat. This act, performed in the presence of 276 despairing souls who had gone without food for days, served as a powerful demonstration of trust in divine providence, a catalyst for renewed hope, and a practical call to action that ultimately led to the preservation of every life on board.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 27:35 occurs at a critical juncture in Paul's perilous voyage to Rome, where he is being sent as a prisoner to appeal to Caesar. The preceding verses (Acts 27:1-26) detail the ship's encounter with a violent northeasterly gale, the "Euroclydon," which had driven them helplessly for fourteen days, causing all hope of survival to vanish (Acts 27:20). The 276 people on board, including soldiers, sailors, and other prisoners, had become severely weakened from lack of food. Just before this pivotal moment, Paul, having received a divine assurance from an angel that no lives would be lost, though the ship would be destroyed (Acts 27:23-24), had urged everyone to eat for their strength and survival (Acts 27:33-34). His actions in verse 35 directly follow this exhortation, providing a tangible example of faith and leadership that transforms the atmosphere of despair into one of renewed hope and action, setting the stage for the eventual shipwreck and miraculous survival described in the subsequent chapter (Acts 28).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient sea travel was inherently dangerous, especially outside the calmer summer months. Ships were vulnerable to storms, and navigation was rudimentary compared to modern standards. The prolonged deprivation of food, as described, would have led to severe physical weakness, mental fatigue, and profound despair, making the crew and passengers susceptible to illness and further injury. In this setting, Paul's act of taking bread and giving thanks publicly would have been highly unusual and impactful. Communal meals, even simple ones, held significant social and spiritual weight in the ancient world, often symbolizing fellowship, shared life, and divine provision. For a prisoner to assume such a leadership role and perform an act of public worship in front of Roman soldiers and sailors highlights Paul's unique authority, which stemmed not from his status as a prisoner but from his spiritual conviction and divine commission.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's unwavering control over circumstances, even a raging storm, to ensure His purposes are fulfilled, specifically Paul's arrival in Rome (Acts 27:24). Secondly, it exemplifies **Faith in Adversity**, showcasing Paul's profound and unwavering trust in God's promises despite the dire circumstances, serving as a model for believers facing their own "storms." His faith is not passive but active, leading to practical steps for survival. Thirdly, Paul's actions highlight **Spirit-Empowered Leadership and Encouragement**. At a moment of collective despair, Paul steps forward, not just with words of comfort but with a tangible act that inspires hope and action in others. This aligns with the broader theme of the Holy Spirit empowering individuals for ministry and witness, even in unexpected situations (Acts 1:8). Finally, the act of **Thanksgiving in All Circumstances** is prominent. Paul's public act of giving thanks to God, even amidst a life-threatening crisis, transforms a simple meal into a moment of spiritual significance, reminding us of the importance of gratitude regardless of our situation, a theme echoed throughout Paul's epistles (Philippians 4:6-7).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave thanks (Greek, _eucharistéō'_):** (G2168) This word signifies more than a casual "thank you"; it means "to be grateful" and, actively, "to express gratitude." Specifically, it refers to "saying grace at a meal." Its use here connects Paul's act to the broader biblical tradition of blessing God for provision, a practice foundational to Jewish meals and later adopted by the early Christian community. The term is the root of "Eucharist," highlighting a profound sense of blessing and gratitude directed towards God, even in the most desperate circumstances.
* **broken (Greek, _kláō'_):** (G2806) This primary verb specifically means "to break (specially, of bread)." Its particularity is significant, as it is the same verb used to describe Jesus' actions at the Last Supper and in the feeding miracles. In the context of ancient communal meals, the breaking of bread was a common and essential part of the preparation for eating, symbolizing the sharing of a single loaf among many. Here, it signifies the practical preparation of food for consumption, but also carries a rich symbolic weight of shared life, fellowship, and the distribution of sustenance.
* **to eat (Greek, _esthíō'_):** (G2068) This verb means "to eat (usually literal)." While seemingly straightforward, in this context, it signifies the act of physical sustenance and the restoration of strength. After days of starvation, the act of eating was not merely a physical necessity but a profound psychological and spiritual turning point, representing a return to life, hope, and the practical means of survival. It underscores the tangible reality of God's provision through Paul's initiative.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had thus spoken":** This clause connects Paul's action directly to his preceding exhortation (Acts 27:33-34), where he urged everyone to eat for their health and survival. It signifies that his actions were not spontaneous but a deliberate follow-through on his words, adding weight and credibility to his leadership.
* **"he took bread":** This simple act is profound. Paul, a prisoner, takes the initiative to secure and prepare the food. The "bread" (ártos, G740) would have been the staple food, likely a simple loaf. This act demonstrates practical leadership and a tangible step towards addressing the company's physical needs.
* **"and gave thanks to God in presence of them all":** This is the spiritual core of the verse. Paul's public act of gratitude, performed before 276 people of diverse backgrounds and faiths (including pagans and Roman soldiers), transforms a mere meal into an act of worship. It is a bold declaration of his faith in God's sovereignty and provision, even amidst chaos and despair, serving as a powerful witness to those around him.
* **"and when he had broken [it]":** This action, common for sharing bread, carries deep symbolic resonance, echoing Jesus' actions at the Last Supper and the early church's practice of "breaking bread" in fellowship and worship. It signifies the preparation for communal sharing and consumption, making the food accessible to everyone.
* **"he began to eat":** Paul's personal example is crucial. He doesn't just preach; he acts. By being the first to eat, he demonstrates his full confidence in God's promise and in the wisdom of his own counsel. This act of personal conviction encourages everyone else to follow suit, breaking their long fast and beginning the process of physical recovery.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 27:35 is rich with **Symbolism**. The act of "taking bread, giving thanks, breaking it, and eating" immediately evokes the **Eucharist** or the Last Supper, even though this was not a sacrament but a practical meal for survival. This symbolism imbues the scene with spiritual depth, connecting Paul's actions to the very core of Christian communal life and worship. The "bread" itself symbolizes life, sustenance, and God's provision. There is also a powerful use of **Contrast** and **Irony**. Paul, a prisoner, is the one who exhibits true freedom and leadership, providing hope and direction to his captors and fellow passengers. The scene contrasts the external chaos of the storm with the internal peace and conviction of Paul, and the despair of the crowd with the hope ignited by his faith. His actions serve as a **Microcosm** of the Christian life: finding strength and giving thanks to God even in the midst of life's most challenging storms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's actions in Acts 27:35 transcend a simple act of eating; they are a profound theological statement on divine providence, human responsibility, and the power of faith-filled leadership. By taking bread and giving thanks publicly, Paul demonstrates that genuine faith is not passive resignation but active trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem utterly hopeless. This act transforms a moment of physical necessity into a spiritual encounter, reminding all present that God is sovereign over all creation, providing for His people even in the most dire situations. It highlights the Christian call to gratitude in all circumstances, recognizing God's hand in every provision, no matter how small or how desperate the context. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of communal sustenance, both physical and spiritual, and how acts of shared life can foster hope and unity amidst adversity.

* [Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "The Institution of the Lord's Supper")
* [Matthew 14:19](/matthew/14-19 "Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:18](/1_thessalonians/5-18 "Give Thanks in All Circumstances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:35 serves as a timeless paradigm for navigating the "storms" of life, whether they be personal crises, professional challenges, or global uncertainties. Paul's example teaches us that even when all human hope seems lost, our faith in God's promises can be the anchor that stabilizes us and inspires those around us. It's a powerful reminder that leadership, especially spiritual leadership, often manifests not in grand pronouncements but in humble, practical acts of faith and service. When despair threatens to overwhelm, we are called to actively choose gratitude, to "take bread" (whatever provision God has given us, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual) and "give thanks" for it, thereby acknowledging God's sovereignty and inviting His peace into our circumstances. This act of thanksgiving is transformative, shifting our focus from our problems to God's power and presence, enabling us to then "break" and "eat"—to partake of His strength and encourage others to do the same. This verse compels us to be sources of hope and practical help in a world often consumed by fear, demonstrating that active faith, expressed through gratitude and shared sustenance, can turn the tide of despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "storms" of life am I currently facing despair, and how can Paul's example of active faith inspire me?**
* **What "bread" (provisions, blessings, resources) has God given me, for which I need to intentionally give thanks, even in difficult times?**
* **How can I, like Paul, embody courageous leadership and practical encouragement for those around me who are struggling?**
* **What does it mean to "break bread" with others in my community, sharing both physical and spiritual sustenance, especially when circumstances are challenging?**

### FAQ
**Was Paul's act of "breaking bread" in Acts 27:35 a celebration of the Lord's Supper (Communion)?**

Answer: While Paul's actions—taking bread, giving thanks, breaking it, and eating—bear a striking resemblance to the institution of the Lord's Supper (e.g., [Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19 - The Last Supper")), and the early church's practice of "breaking bread" often included communal meals with Eucharistic overtones (e.g., [Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42 - The Fellowship of Believers")), it is unlikely that this particular event was a formal celebration of the Lord's Supper. The context emphasizes a practical need for physical sustenance after a prolonged fast (Acts 27:33). Paul's primary intention was to encourage the 276 people, many of whom were not believers, to eat and regain their strength for survival, demonstrating faith in God's promise. However, his actions were undeniably imbued with spiritual significance, transforming a mundane meal into an act of worship and a powerful witness to God's providence, echoing the spiritual principles inherent in Christian fellowship and the Eucharist.

**Why was Paul's act of giving thanks so significant in this desperate situation?**

Answer: Paul's public act of "giving thanks to God in presence of them all" (Acts 27:35) was profoundly significant because it shifted the focus from the dire circumstances to God's sovereignty and goodness. In a moment of utter despair, starvation, and fear of death, Paul chose gratitude. This act of thanksgiving (Greek: *eucharistéō*) was a bold declaration of faith that transcended the immediate crisis. It demonstrated that true peace and hope come from acknowledging God's control and provision, even when human reason sees no way out. This public expression of faith served as a powerful example and catalyst for the entire company, inspiring them to break their fast and regain hope, ultimately contributing to their miraculous survival (Acts 27:44). It underscores the transformative power of gratitude in the face of adversity, a theme Paul frequently emphasizes in his epistles (e.g., [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Peace Through Prayer and Thanksgiving")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:35, though a narrative of human leadership and divine providence in a storm, finds its deepest fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's act of taking bread, giving thanks, breaking it, and eating powerfully foreshadows and reflects the ultimate provision and sustenance found in Christ. Just as Paul offered physical bread to a perishing company, Christ is the [true bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who offers eternal sustenance to a spiritually perishing humanity. His own actions at the [Last Supper](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper"), where He took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, symbolize His body broken for the world's salvation. Paul's public act of thanksgiving in the face of death mirrors Christ's own submission and gratitude to the Father, even as He faced the cross (John 11:41-42). Ultimately, Jesus is the one who, through His sacrifice, provides the ultimate "meal" of salvation, inviting all to [come and eat](/john/6-53-56 "John 6:53-56 - Eating Jesus' Flesh and Drinking His Blood") of Him and live. Paul, in this moment, acts as a Christ-like figure, embodying the self-sacrificial leadership and life-giving provision that is perfectly realized in our Savior, who not only calms the storms of the sea but also the storms of the human soul (Mark 4:39-41), leading His people to ultimate safety and eternal life.

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

Matthew 15:36

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake [them], and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

1 Corinthians 10:30

For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

2 Timothy 1:8

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

1 Timothy 4:3

Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

1 Timothy 4:4

For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

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.