Acts 27:40 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach.

NIV: Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach.

NASB: And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while at the same time they were loosening the ropes of the rudders; and they hoisted the foresail to the wind and were heading for the beach.

CSB: After cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and headed for the beach.

NLT: So they cut off the anchors and left them in the sea. Then they lowered the rudders, raised the foresail, and headed toward shore.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore.

Paul and Aristarchus are prisoners on a ship from Alexandria on their way to Rome; Luke is with them (Acts 27:1). Their trip has been detoured by a fierce winter storm that hid the sun and stars for two weeks (Acts 27:20, 27). Finally, they have reached an island, but no one knows where they are. During the night, the crew dropped anchor, fore and aft, so the ship points toward the island and won't spin with the tides. They've apparently also tied down the rudder to keep the ship pointed inland.

The crew dropped the sails shortly after they entered the storm. They also jettisoned the cargo, the wheat, and the ship's tackle (Acts 27:17–19, 38). Now they cut away the anchors, trying to get the deep-drafted ship as high above the water—and hidden reefs—as they can. They also free the rudder so they can steer into the bay, and raise the foresail, hoping the wind will gently drive them onto the beach.

It's enough to get them within swimming distance of the beach. The bow hits a reef. The waves batter the stern and tear it apart. But Paul's worries aren't over, yet. The soldiers are inclined to kill the prisoners, so they won't escape. Fortunately, the centurion stops them (Acts 27:41–43).

As God promised Paul, everyone makes it to shore, worse for wear, but alive (Acts 27:22–25).

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.