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Acts 27:41
ESV But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf.
NIV But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.
NASB But they struck a reef where two seas met and ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck firmly and remained immovable, while the stern started to break up due to the force of the waves.
CSB But they struck a sandbar and ran the ship aground. The bow jammed fast and remained immovable, while the stern began to break up by the pounding of the waves.
NLT But they hit a shoal and ran the ship aground too soon. The bow of the ship stuck fast, while the stern was repeatedly smashed by the force of the waves and began to break apart.
KJV And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.
NKJV But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves.

What does Acts 27:41 mean?

The skill of the crew helped their ship survive a storm so fierce they didn't see sun or stars for fourteen days. The grace of God directed the winds so they avoided the dangerous sandbars off the coast of Libya. Rather, the weather turned the ship toward Rome, their ultimate destination. Now, they've reached an island with a port and a beach. If they can reach the beach, they can ground the ship and get to land with minimal struggle. They've already tossed the tackle, cargo, and grain overboard; now they cut away the anchors, loose the rudder, and raise the foresail to gently make their way to the beach (Acts 27:17–19, 20, 29, 33, 38, 40).

That goal will not be attained. Under the water, above the beam of the ship, lies a reef of mud and tenacious clay that grabs the bow and holds it fast. The ship's battered hull has been held together with ropes and cable for two weeks, and it's reached the end of its strength. The surf pounds the stern, breaking the ship apart.

The situation could be worse. The bow is intact, and the crew and passengers can make their way to the water, then swim or ride on flotsam to shore. The soldiers guarding the prisoners realize their dilemma. They can't guard their charges in the water. If they lose a prisoner, their lives could be forfeit. So, they decide to kill the prisoners (Acts 27:42).

Their centurion, however, won't let them. One of the prisoners is Paul—he who predicted the storm, the lost ship and cargo, and promised no one would die. He even warned the soldiers when the crew tried to leave on the lifeboat (Acts 27:1, 9–10, 22, 30–31).

Paul said everyone would reach safety; the centurion is going to make sure that happens.
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