Acts 27:35

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.

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}.

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

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.

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

Acts 27:35 describes a pivotal moment during Paul's perilous sea journey to Rome, showcasing his remarkable faith and leadership amidst a life-threatening storm.

Context

Paul, a prisoner on his way to appeal to Caesar, found himself aboard a ship caught in a violent storm, the "Euroclydon", for many days. The 276 people on board had lost all hope of survival and, consequently, had not eaten for a long time, weakening them further. Just prior to this verse, Paul had received divine assurance from an angel that no lives would be lost, though the ship would be destroyed. Armed with this promise, Paul steps forward to encourage the despairing crew and passengers, urging them to eat for their strength and survival.

Key Themes

  • Faith in Adversity: Paul's actions demonstrate profound trust in God's promise, even when circumstances seemed hopeless. He models unwavering faith in the face of imminent danger.
  • Leadership and Encouragement: At a point of utter despair, Paul takes initiative, not just with words, but with a tangible act of faith and sustenance. His example invigorates the entire company.
  • Thanksgiving in All Circumstances: Despite the desperate situation, Paul pauses to give thanks to God. This act transforms a simple meal into a moment of spiritual significance and hope.
  • Divine Providence: God's plan for Paul to reach Rome is evident, and He uses Paul's faith and practical actions to preserve the lives of everyone on board, fulfilling His earlier promise to Paul.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "gave thanks to God" translates the Greek word eucharisteō, from which we derive "Eucharist." This term signifies a deep sense of gratitude and blessing, not merely a casual thank you. Paul's act of "breaking bread" (Greek: klasas) carries significant echoes of Jesus' actions at the Last Supper and the common practice of the early church in sharing communal meals, often with spiritual significance. It was a familiar, deeply symbolic gesture of shared life and fellowship.

Practical Application

Acts 27:35 offers powerful lessons for believers today. In our own "storms" of life—whether personal crises, financial hardship, or health challenges—Paul's example encourages us to:

  • Maintain Faith: Trust in God's promises even when all seems lost.
  • Be a Source of Hope: Step up and encourage those around you, offering practical help and spiritual assurance.
  • Practice Gratitude: Give thanks to God in all circumstances, recognizing His sovereignty and provision. This act of thanksgiving can shift our perspective and bring peace.
  • Take Action: While trusting God, also take practical steps for survival and well-being. Paul didn't just pray; he encouraged them to eat.

This verse reminds us that genuine faith is active, compassionate, and unwavering, even in the most dire of circumstances.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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