27:39 27:39

Acts 27:40

27:41 27:41

Bible Versions

And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed [themselves] unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
And {G2532} when they had taken up {G4014} the anchors {G45}, they committed {G1439} themselves unto {G1519} the sea {G2281}, and {G260} loosed {G447} the rudder {G4079} bands {G2202}, and {G2532} hoised up {G1869} the mainsail {G736} to the wind {G4154}, and made {G2722} toward {G1519} shore {G123}.
So they cut away the anchors and left them in the sea; at the same time, they loosened the ropes that held the rudders out of the water. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and headed for the beach.
Cutting away the anchors, they left them in the sea as they loosened the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach.
And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time loosing the bands of the rudders; and hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.

Acts 27:40 vividly portrays a moment of intense maritime skill and desperate hope during Paul's perilous voyage to Rome. After days of being tossed by a furious storm, the crew and passengers, having been assured of their safety through Paul's prophetic word, finally spot land. This verse details their immediate, strategic actions to bring the ship to shore.

Context

This verse is found at the climax of the shipwreck narrative in Acts chapter 27, one of the most detailed ancient accounts of a sea voyage. The ship, carrying the Apostle Paul as a prisoner, had endured fourteen days of a relentless tempest. Having previously jettisoned cargo and ship's tackle, they had, during the night, dropped four anchors from the stern to prevent the ship from being dashed against rocks (Acts 27:29). As day broke, they sighted a bay with a beach and decided to attempt to run the ship aground, hoping to save all 276 souls on board, following God's promise to Paul that no life would be lost.

Key Themes

  • Human Diligence and Ingenuity: Despite the divine assurance of safety, the sailors were not passive. They actively employed their knowledge of ancient seafaring, carefully executing maneuvers to navigate the damaged ship to shore. This highlights the biblical principle that God often works through human effort and skill.
  • Divine Providence and Human Responsibility: The narrative beautifully illustrates the interplay between God's sovereign plan and human action. God had promised to save everyone, yet the crew's strategic efforts were crucial to the outcome. This mirrors the call for believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, knowing God is at work within them.
  • Decisive Action in Crisis: After prolonged despair and hardship, the crew took swift, decisive action. They didn't hesitate but immediately implemented a plan to achieve their goal of reaching land, demonstrating the importance of resolve when facing critical circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV text of Acts 27:40 uses specific nautical terms that shed light on ancient shipbuilding and navigation:

  • "taken up the anchors": This refers to raising the anchors that had been deployed from the stern to hold the ship's position during the night. Lifting them allowed the ship to move forward.
  • "loosed the rudder bands": Ancient ships typically had two large steering oars (rudders) at the stern. During a storm, these would often be secured or tied to prevent damage or uncontrolled movement. Loosing these "bands" (or ropes) allowed the crew to regain control and steer the vessel effectively towards the shore.
  • "hoised up the mainsail to the wind": While "mainsail" might imply the largest sail, in this context of a damaged ship attempting a controlled beaching, scholars suggest it refers to a smaller foresail or "artemon" sail. This sail was hoisted not for speed, but to catch the wind and help steer the ship, driving its bow forward and preventing it from being broadsided by waves as it approached the beach.

Practical Application

Acts 27:40 offers valuable lessons for contemporary life:

  • Active Faith: Even when we have God's promises, we are called to be active participants in our circumstances. Faith is not passive waiting but diligent effort, trusting that God will work through our actions.
  • Perseverance to the End: The crew's determination to act even after days of severe hardship reminds us to persevere through trials, bringing all our skill and effort to bear until the very end, much like the call to stand firm against spiritual challenges.
  • Strategic Response to Crisis: The detailed actions of the sailors highlight the importance of thoughtful, strategic decision-making even under immense pressure. When facing difficulties, it's crucial to assess the situation, utilize available resources, and take decisive steps towards a solution.
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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