Acts 27:29 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come.

NIV: Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight.

NASB: Fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.

CSB: Then, fearing we might run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight to come.

NLT: At this rate they were afraid we would soon be driven against the rocks along the shore, so they threw out four anchors from the back of the ship and prayed for daylight.

KJV: Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

NKJV: Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come.

After two weeks of wind, waves, zero visibility, and no appetite, the crew and passengers of the Alexandrian ship are finally close to land. Paul has prophesied that the ship and cargo will be lost but everyone will survive. The crew apparently takes this to mean maybe they can save the ship and remaining cargo, but they're getting off (Acts 27:21–27).

The seabed is quickly rising (Acts 27:28). Undoubtedly, rocks and reefs are hiding in the waves and darkness. Morning is still hours away, but the sailors know which direction the land is. They drop anchors at the stern to keep the ship from moving forward. They then make their way to the bow. If they drop anchors at the bow, the tides and waves can't spin the ship around. When daylight comes, they can maneuver the ship to a safe place to run aground. At least, that's what they appear to be doing.

Normally, the lifeboat is towed behind the ship. Weeks before, when the storm first caught them, the boat was in danger of filling with water and sinking, so the crew hauled it up and secured it to the bow of the ship (Acts 27:16–17). Now, they pretend to drop the anchors at the bow but they're really lowering the lifeboat, intending to climb in and leave the passengers behind. Paul senses what they're planning, however, and warns the centurion. The centurion orders his soldiers to cut the lifeboat loose, and the sailors have no option but to stay and, when daylight comes, steer the ship to a spot where it will be destroyed, but everyone can escape (Acts 27:30–32, 39–44).

Acts 27:27–32 continues the story of a fierce storm, which has battered Paul's ship for a full two weeks. Paul has announced that the ship and cargo will be destroyed, but the people will live. When the sailors realize they're getting close to shore, they plan their escape in the lifeboat. Paul warns the centurion who orders his soldiers to cut the boat loose. Paul then encourages the crew and passengers to eat for the first time in fourteen days before the ship hits the reef and everyone swims for their lives.

Acts 27 is an account of a famous sea voyage. Paul, Luke, and Aristarchus travel from Caesarea Maritima on their way to Rome. False charges and two years of imprisonment in Caesarea led Paul to appeal his case to a higher Roman court, and he is now on his way to that court. The chapter can be divided into seven paragraphs, alternating between descriptions of the sea voyage and Paul trying to keep everyone alive during a horrific storm. Eventually, they shipwreck on Malta. The ship and cargo are a complete loss, but no one dies.

Twice the Sanhedrin brought unfounded charges against Paul. In both cases, the ruling governor knew Paul was innocent but refused to let him go. Finally, Paul appealed his case to Caesar (Acts 24:22–27; 25:1–12). He, Luke, Aristarchus, and 273 others sail for Rome. But they shipwreck on a reef off the island of Malta. When they finally reach Rome, Paul will meet with Jewish leaders and tell them how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah. Some will believe and some won't. This leads Paul to resolve, once again, to focus his efforts on the Gentiles (Acts 28).

The summary of the book of Acts is provided in Jesus' words in Acts 1:8: ''But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'' In Acts 2:1–13, the Christ-followers receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:14—7:60 describes the rapid growth of the church in Jerusalem. Chapters 8—12 find Jewish persecution inadvertently spreading the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria. And in chapters 13—28, Paul and his companions spread the good news throughout the Roman Empire.