Acts 27:39 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore.

NIV: When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could.

NASB: Now when day came, they could not recognize the land; but they did notice a bay with a beach, and they resolved to run the ship onto it if they could.

CSB: When daylight came, they did not recognize the land but sighted a bay with a beach. They planned to run the ship ashore if they could.

NLT: When morning dawned, they didn’t recognize the coastline, but they saw a bay with a beach and wondered if they could get to shore by running the ship aground.

KJV: And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

NKJV: When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible.

Paul appealed his case to a higher court in Rome only because governors in Caesarea Maritima refused to admit he was innocent. They ignored clear evidence that the Sanhedrin's charges were false and gave no hint they would ever release him (Acts 25:6–12). Paul most likely didn't think that going to Rome would involve two weeks in a typhoon, a shipwreck on a tiny island, and soldiers who would rather see their prisoners executed than risk them escaping.

The ship is anchored off an island. The crew has already tried to escape in the lifeboat, but Paul and the centurion forced them to stay (Acts 27:30–32). Now, as the sun rises, the crew sees a convenient beach. They cut away the anchors, raise the foresail, and try to carefully maneuver into the harbor. This trip, however, shows no signs of easing, even in its last moments. The ship hits an underwater reef and holds fast. The surf pounds the aft section of the hull, tearing it apart. The soldiers plan to kill the prisoners, most likely because their lives will be forfeit if any escape. Julius the centurion has great respect for Paul and stops their swords. Those who can swim, jump in the cold water. Those who can't swim grab onto planks and other bits of the ship that still float. Eventually, everyone makes it safely to shore (Acts 27:40–44).

They soon learn the island is Malta, just south of Sicily. Everyone will wait out the winter there and, three months later, a ship will take them to Italy (Acts 28:1, 11). For now, they're just grateful to be on land.

Acts 27:39–44 describes dawn breaking as Paul's ship finally succumbs to the sea and wrecks. The 276 crew members and passengers can see the island they've reached. But it's still a dangerous trek to the shore. Paul and the other prisoners face a hidden reef, strong surf, and murderous Roman soldiers. They finally make it to land—where it promptly starts raining. Fortunately, the locals are friendly and helpful, and after another three months, Paul finally makes it to Rome (Acts 28).

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.