Acts 27:36

KJV

Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took [some] meat.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} were {G1096} they {G846}{G1096} all {G3956} of good cheer {G2115}, and they {G4355} also {G2532} took {G4355} some meat {G5160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With courage restored, they all ate some food themselves.

Berean Standard Bible

They were all encouraged and took some food themselves.

American Standard Version

Then were they all of good cheer, and themselves also took food.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:36 captures a pivotal moment on a storm-tossed ship, where the passengers and crew, after days of despair and fasting, experienced a profound shift from hopelessness to renewed courage and physical strength. Following Paul's faith-filled example and divine assurance, they collectively embraced a practical act of sustenance, symbolizing the restoration of morale and the interplay of divine providence with human responsibility in the face of extreme adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the immediate culmination of a dramatic narrative in Acts 27, detailing Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome. For fourteen days, the ship had been relentlessly battered by the tempestuous "Euroclydon" wind, leading to widespread despair and a prolonged refusal to eat, as noted in [Acts 27:14](/acts/27-14 "Acts 27:14 - The Euroclydon Storm"). Just prior to this, Paul, despite being a prisoner, had emerged as the spiritual and practical leader. He had received a divine assurance from an angel that no lives would be lost, though the ship would be destroyed ([Acts 27:23-25](/acts/27-23-25 "Acts 27:23-25 - Angel's Assurance to Paul")). Paul then publicly exhorted everyone to eat, breaking bread himself and giving thanks to God ([Acts 27:33-35](/acts/27-33-35 "Acts 27:33-35 - Paul's Exhortation and Thanksgiving")). This act of faith and practical wisdom served as a powerful catalyst, transforming the morale of all 276 people on board, shifting their focus from imminent death to renewed hope and the necessity of sustaining themselves for the challenges ahead.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Sea travel in the ancient Mediterranean was inherently dangerous, especially during the stormy autumn months (the "fasting" season, [Acts 27:9](/acts/27-9 "Acts 27:9 - The Dangerous Sailing Season")). Prolonged fasting, whether voluntary or forced by circumstances, would severely weaken individuals, making them vulnerable to disease and incapable of effective action. In the Roman world, a prisoner like Paul would typically have little authority, yet his spiritual conviction and practical wisdom allowed him to transcend his status and assume de facto leadership over the ship's captain and centurion. The act of eating together, even under duress, was a communal practice that could reinforce bonds and restore a sense of normalcy and shared purpose, essential for survival in a crisis.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 27:36 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Human Responsibility**, showing that God's promise of safety ([Acts 27:24](/acts/27-24 "Acts 27:24 - God's Promise to Paul")) did not negate the need for human effort and practical steps, such as eating to gain strength. Secondly, it highlights **Transformative Leadership**, as Paul, through his unwavering faith and compassionate action, shifts the entire atmosphere from panic to purpose, demonstrating a [Christ-like example](/1_corinthians/11-1 "1 Corinthians 11:1 - Imitate Christ") of leading in crisis. Thirdly, the verse underscores the theme of **Hope in Adversity**, portraying how a renewed spirit and physical sustenance are crucial for resilience when facing overwhelming challenges, even when the outcome is uncertain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eúthymos (Greek, _eúthymos'_):** Translated "of good cheer," this word signifies a state of being in fine spirits, cheerful, courageous, or optimistic. It points to a profound psychological and emotional transformation among the ship's occupants, moving from a state of despair and fear of death to one of renewed courage and mental fortitude. This cheerfulness was not a naive optimism but a grounded hope stemming from Paul's divine assurance and practical example.
* **proslambánō (Greek, _proslambánō'_):** Rendered "took," this verb means "to take to oneself," specifically in the context of taking food or receiving someone into friendship/hospitality. Here, it emphasizes the active, deliberate choice of the passengers and crew to partake of the food, indicating a willingness to accept sustenance and, by extension, the hope and strength it offered. It implies a communal act of sharing and receiving.
* **trophḗ (Greek, _trophḗ'_):** Translated "meat" in the KJV, this word broadly means "nourishment" or "food" in general, not exclusively animal flesh. This clarifies that they were taking any available provisions to replenish their strength after a prolonged fast. The choice of this general term highlights the basic, essential need for sustenance to survive the ordeal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then were they all of good cheer":** This clause describes the immediate and widespread emotional impact of Paul's actions. After days of fear, despair, and a debilitating fast, Paul's public act of breaking bread and giving thanks, coupled with his confident declaration of God's promise, instilled a collective sense of courage and renewed hope. The Greek term "eúthymos" emphasizes this shift from despondency to a more positive, resilient state of mind, essential for facing the impending shipwreck.
* **"and they also took [some] meat":** This clause details the practical response to the renewed morale. The phrase "took some meat" (meaning food or provisions) signifies a communal decision to eat and regain physical strength. This act was not merely about satisfying hunger but was a vital step for survival, providing the necessary energy and mental clarity to endure the shipwreck and subsequent challenges. It illustrates the critical link between spiritual encouragement and practical, physical action.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Contrast** to highlight the dramatic shift in atmosphere on the ship. It contrasts the prior state of despair, fear, and fasting (implied from the preceding verses) with the sudden emergence of "good cheer" and the willingness to eat. This creates a powerful emotional arc in the narrative. There is also an element of **Symbolism** present, where the act of eating "meat" (food) transcends mere physical sustenance to symbolize the restoration of hope, life, and the will to survive. The food becomes a tangible representation of the renewed spirit and God's provision. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Narrative Shift**, marking the transition from a period of passive endurance and hopelessness to one of active engagement and preparation for the next stage of their ordeal, demonstrating a turning point in the unfolding drama.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:36 profoundly illustrates the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God had explicitly promised Paul that no lives would be lost, this promise did not negate the need for practical human action, such as eating to regain strength. This mirrors a consistent biblical theme: God's miraculous provision often works *through* human effort and obedience. The verse also underscores the importance of community and mutual encouragement, demonstrating how one person's faith and leadership can transform the morale of an entire group, enabling them to face adversity with renewed courage. It teaches us that even in the most dire circumstances, attending to basic physical needs is a spiritual act of stewardship over the body, which is a temple of the Holy Spirit.

* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Peace in Anxiety")
* [Matthew 6:25-34](/matthew/6-25-34 "Do Not Worry")
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "Faith Without Works Is Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:36 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating the storms of life today. In moments of personal crisis, collective uncertainty, or overwhelming despair, this verse reminds us that true faith is not passive but actively engages with reality, seeking both divine strength and practical solutions. Paul's example calls us to be agents of hope and encouragement, recognizing that our spiritual fortitude can inspire those around us. Just as the travelers needed physical nourishment to endure the impending shipwreck, we too must prioritize our holistic well-being—spiritual, emotional, and physical—to maintain resilience and effectively engage with life's challenges. Trusting God's promises does not exempt us from taking responsible, prudent steps; rather, it empowers us to act with courage and wisdom, knowing that God often works through our efforts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's example of leadership in crisis challenge my approach to difficult situations, particularly in how I might encourage others?**
* **In what ways do I tend to neglect my physical or emotional well-being when under spiritual or emotional stress, and how can I better attend to these needs as an act of faith?**
* **Considering the communal shift in morale, how can I be a source of "good cheer" and practical encouragement to others in my community or family, especially when they are experiencing despair or uncertainty?**

### FAQ
**What does "of good cheer" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Acts 27:36, "of good cheer" (Greek: _eúthymos_) signifies a profound and widespread emotional transformation among the ship's passengers and crew. After fourteen days of relentless storm, fear of death, and a debilitating fast ([Acts 27:33](/acts/27-33 "The Long Fast")), Paul's confident declaration of God's promise that no lives would be lost ([Acts 27:25](/acts/27-25 "Paul's Faith in God's Promise")) and his practical example of breaking bread and giving thanks, instilled a renewed sense of courage, optimism, and mental fortitude. It marked a shift from utter despair to a resilient and hopeful outlook, enabling them to face the next stage of their ordeal.

**Why was eating "meat" so important, and what kind of "meat" was it?**

Answer: The word translated "meat" in the King James Version (KJV) is the Greek word _trophḗ_ (τροφῆς), which broadly means "food" or "nourishment" in general, not specifically animal flesh. This clarifies that they were taking any available provisions, likely ship's biscuits or other dry stores, to replenish their strength. Eating was critically important because after a prolonged fast ([Acts 27:33](/acts/27-33 "The Long Fast")), the 276 people on board were physically weakened and mentally exhausted. This act of eating provided the necessary physical sustenance and renewed energy, which was vital for their survival and for them to be able to actively participate in saving themselves during the impending shipwreck. It was a practical and essential step for their physical and mental resilience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:36, though a narrative of human survival and leadership, beautifully foreshadows and points to the ultimate "good cheer" and sustenance found in Christ. Paul, in his role as a bringer of hope and life to the despairing crew, serves as a type of Christ. Just as Paul offered physical bread to a people starved of hope and nourishment, Jesus offers himself as the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life"), providing spiritual sustenance that truly satisfies and brings eternal "good cheer." The shift from despair to courage on the ship mirrors the spiritual transformation that occurs when individuals encounter Christ, moving from the fear of death and sin to the abundant life He offers ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Life Abundant")). Ultimately, our strength and ability to endure life's storms come not from our own resources, but from the spiritual nourishment and empowerment found in Him who strengthens us ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Strength in Christ")). He is the author and finisher of our faith, enabling us to run the race with endurance, looking to Him as our ultimate source of hope and joy ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")).

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

2 Corinthians 1:4

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 Corinthians 1:6

And whether we be afflicted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, [it is] for your consolation and salvation.

Acts 27:22

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of [any man's] life among you, but of the ship.

Psalms 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Acts 27:25

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.