Acts 27
The Message
A Storm at Sea
27 1-2 As soon as arrangements were complete for our sailing to Italy, Paul and a few other prisoners were placed under the supervision of a centurion named Julius, a member of an elite guard. We boarded a ship from Adramyttium that was bound for Ephesus and ports west. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, went with us.
3 The next day we put in at Sidon. Julius treated Paul most decently—let him get off the ship and enjoy the hospitality of his friends there.
4-8 Out to sea again, we sailed north under the protection of the northeast shore of Cyprus because winds out of the west were against us, and then along the coast westward to the port of Myra. There the centurion found an Egyptian ship headed for Italy and transferred us on board. We ran into bad weather and found it impossible to stay on course. After much difficulty, we finally made it to the southern coast of the island of Crete and docked at Good Harbor (appropriate name!).
9-10 By this time we had lost a lot of time. We had passed the autumn equinox, so it would be stormy weather from now on through the winter, too dangerous for sailing. Paul warned, “I see only disaster ahead for cargo and ship—to say nothing of our lives!—if we put out to sea now.”
12,11 But it was not the best harbor for staying the winter. Phoenix, a few miles further on, was more suitable. The centurion set Paul’s warning aside and let the ship captain and the shipowner talk him into trying for the next harbor.
13-15 When a gentle southerly breeze came up, they weighed anchor, thinking it would be smooth sailing. But they were no sooner out to sea than a gale-force wind, the infamous nor’easter, struck. They lost all control of the ship. It was a cork in the storm.
16-17 We came under the lee of the small island named Clauda, and managed to get a lifeboat ready and reef the sails. But rocky shoals prevented us from getting close. We only managed to avoid them by throwing out drift anchors.
18-20 Next day, out on the high seas again and badly damaged now by the storm, we dumped the cargo overboard. The third day the sailors lightened the ship further by throwing off all the tackle and provisions. It had been many days since we had seen either sun or stars. Wind and waves were battering us unmercifully, and we lost all hope of rescue.
21-22 With our appetite for both food and life long gone, Paul took his place in our midst and said, “Friends, you really should have listened to me back in Crete. We could have avoided all this trouble and trial. But there’s no need to dwell on that now. From now on, things are looking up! I can assure you that there’ll not be a single drowning among us, although I can’t say as much for the ship—the ship itself is doomed.
23-26 “Last night God’s angel stood at my side, an angel of this God I serve, saying to me, ‘Don’t give up, Paul. You’re going to stand before Caesar yet—and everyone sailing with you is also going to make it.’ So, dear friends, take heart. I believe God will do exactly what he told me. But we’re going to shipwreck on some island or other.”
27-29 On the fourteenth night, adrift somewhere on the Adriatic Sea, at about midnight the sailors sensed that we were approaching land. Sounding, they measured a depth of 120 feet, and shortly after that ninety feet. Afraid that we were about to run aground, they threw out four anchors and prayed for daylight.
30-32 Some of the sailors tried to jump ship. They let down the lifeboat, pretending they were going to set out more anchors from the bow. Paul saw through their guise and told the centurion and his soldiers, “If these sailors don’t stay with the ship, we’re all going down.” So the soldiers cut the lines to the lifeboat and let it drift off.
33-34 With dawn about to break, Paul called everyone together and proposed breakfast: “This is the fourteenth day we’ve gone without food. None of us has felt like eating! But I urge you to eat something now. You’ll need strength for the rescue ahead. You’re going to come out of this without even a scratch!”
35-38 He broke the bread, gave thanks to God, passed it around, and they all ate heartily—276 of us, all told! With the meal finished and everyone full, the ship was further lightened by dumping the grain overboard.
39-41 At daybreak, no one recognized the land—but then they did notice a bay with a nice beach. They decided to try to run the ship up on the beach. They cut the anchors, loosed the tiller, raised the sail, and ran before the wind toward the beach. But we didn’t make it. Still far from shore, we hit a reef and the ship began to break up.
42-44 The soldiers decided to kill the prisoners so none could escape by swimming, but the centurion, determined to save Paul, stopped them. He gave orders for anyone who could swim to dive in and go for it, and for the rest to grab a plank. Everyone made it to shore safely.
* * *
Hechos 27
La Biblia de las Américas
Pablo sale para Roma
27 Cuando se decidió que deberíamos(A) embarcarnos para Italia(B), fueron entregados Pablo y algunos otros presos a un centurión de la compañía[a](C) Augusta, llamado Julio. 2 Y embarcándonos en una nave adramitena que estaba para zarpar hacia las regiones de la costa de Asia[b](D), nos hicimos a la mar acompañados por Aristarco, un macedonio(E) de Tesalónica(F). 3 Al día siguiente llegamos a Sidón(G). Julio trató a Pablo con benevolencia(H), permitiéndole ir a sus amigos y ser atendido por ellos(I). 4 De allí partimos y navegamos al abrigo de la isla de Chipre(J), porque los vientos eran contrarios(K). 5 Y después de navegar atravesando el mar frente a[c] las costas de Cilicia(L) y de Panfilia(M), llegamos a Mira de Licia. 6 Allí el centurión halló una nave alejandrina(N) que iba[d] para Italia(O), y nos embarcó en ella. 7 Y después de navegar lentamente por muchos días, y de llegar con dificultad frente a Gnido, pues el viento no nos permitió(P) avanzar más[e], navegamos al abrigo de Creta(Q), frente a Salmón; 8 y costeándola(R) con dificultad, llegamos a un lugar llamado Buenos Puertos, cerca del cual estaba la ciudad de Lasea.
La tempestad en el mar
9 Cuando ya había pasado mucho tiempo y la navegación se había vuelto peligrosa, pues hasta el Ayuno[f](S) había pasado ya, Pablo los amonestaba, 10 diciéndoles: Amigos[g], veo que de seguro este viaje va a ser con perjuicio y graves pérdidas(T), no solo del cargamento y de la nave, sino también de nuestras vidas. 11 Pero el centurión se persuadió más por lo dicho por el piloto(U) y el capitán[h] del barco, que por lo que Pablo decía. 12 Y como el puerto no era adecuado para invernar, la mayoría tomó la decisión de hacerse a la mar desde allí, por si les era posible arribar a Fenice, un puerto de Creta(V) que mira hacia el nordeste y el sudeste[i], y pasar el invierno allí. 13 Cuando comenzó a soplar un moderado[j] viento del sur, creyendo que habían logrado su propósito, levaron anclas y navegaban(W) costeando a Creta(X). 14 Pero no mucho después, desde tierra[k] comenzó a soplar[l] un viento huracanado(Y) que se llama Euroclidón[m], 15 y siendo azotada[n] la nave, y no pudiendo hacer frente al viento nos abandonamos a él y nos dejamos llevar a la deriva. 16 Navegando[o] al abrigo de una pequeña isla llamada Clauda[p], con mucha dificultad pudimos sujetar el esquife. 17 Después que lo alzaron, usaron amarras[q] para ceñir la nave; y temiendo encallar(Z) en los bancos de Sirte, echaron el ancla flotante[r] y[s] se abandonaron a la deriva. 18 Al día siguiente, mientras éramos sacudidos furiosamente por la tormenta, comenzaron a arrojar la carga[t](AA); 19 y al tercer día, con sus propias manos arrojaron al mar los aparejos de la nave. 20 Como ni el sol ni las estrellas aparecieron por muchos días, y una tempestad no pequeña se abatía sobre nosotros, desde entonces fuimos abandonando toda esperanza de salvarnos. 21 Cuando habían pasado muchos días sin comer[u], Pablo se puso en pie en medio de ellos y dijo: Amigos[v], debierais haberme hecho caso[w] y no haber zarpado de Creta(AB), evitando[x] así este perjuicio y pérdida(AC). 22 Pero ahora os exhorto a tener buen ánimo(AD), porque no habrá pérdida de vida entre vosotros, sino solo del barco. 23 Porque esta noche estuvo en mi presencia(AE) un ángel del Dios(AF) de quien soy y a quien sirvo(AG), 24 diciendo: «No temas, Pablo; has de comparecer ante el César(AH); y he aquí, Dios te ha concedido todos los que navegan contigo(AI)». 25 Por tanto, tened buen ánimo(AJ) amigos[y], porque yo confío en Dios, que acontecerá[z] exactamente como se me dijo. 26 Pero tenemos que encallar(AK) en cierta isla(AL).
27 Y llegada la decimocuarta noche, mientras éramos llevados a la deriva en el mar Adriático, a eso de la medianoche los marineros presentían que se estaban acercando a tierra[aa]. 28 Echaron la sonda y hallaron que había veinte brazas; pasando un poco más adelante volvieron a echar la sonda y hallaron quince brazas de profundidad. 29 Y temiendo que en algún lugar fuéramos a dar contra los escollos[ab](AM), echaron cuatro anclas por la popa y ansiaban que amaneciera[ac]. 30 Como los marineros trataban de escapar de la nave y habían bajado el esquife(AN) al mar, bajo pretexto de que se proponían echar las anclas desde la proa, 31 Pablo dijo al centurión y a los soldados: Si estos no permanecen en la nave, vosotros no podréis salvaros. 32 Entonces los soldados cortaron las amarras(AO) del esquife y dejaron que se perdiera. 33 Y hasta que estaba a punto de amanecer, Pablo exhortaba a todos a que tomaran alimento, diciendo: Hace ya catorce días[ad] que, velando continuamente, estáis en ayunas, sin tomar ningún alimento. 34 Por eso os aconsejo que toméis alimento, porque esto es necesario para vuestra supervivencia; pues ni un solo cabello de la cabeza de ninguno de vosotros perecerá(AP). 35 Habiendo dicho esto, tomó pan y dio gracias a Dios en presencia de todos; y partiéndolo(AQ), comenzó a comer. 36 Entonces todos, teniendo ya buen ánimo(AR), tomaron también alimento. 37 En total éramos en la nave doscientas setenta y seis personas[ae](AS). 38 Una vez saciados, aligeraron la nave arrojando el trigo al mar(AT). 39 Cuando se hizo de día, no reconocían la tierra(AU), pero podían distinguir una bahía que tenía playa, y decidieron[af] lanzar la nave hacia ella[ag], si les era posible. 40 Y cortando las anclas(AV), las dejaron[ah] en el mar, aflojando al mismo tiempo las amarras de los timones; e izando la vela de proa al viento, se dirigieron hacia la playa. 41 Pero chocando contra un escollo[ai] donde se encuentran dos corrientes[aj], encallaron la nave; la proa se clavó y quedó inmóvil, pero la popa se rompía por la fuerza de las olas. 42 Y el plan de los soldados era matar a los presos, para que ninguno de ellos escapara(AW) a nado; 43 pero el centurión, queriendo salvar a Pablo(AX), impidió su propósito, y ordenó que los que pudieran nadar se arrojaran primero por la borda y llegaran a tierra, 44 y que los demás siguieran, algunos en tablones, y otros en diferentes objetos de la nave. Y así sucedió que todos llegaron salvos a tierra(AY).
Footnotes
- Hechos 27:1 O, cohorte; i.e., unidad militar romana compuesta de varias centurias
- Hechos 27:2 I.e., la provincia de la costa occidental de Asia Menor
- Hechos 27:5 Lit., a lo largo de
- Hechos 27:6 Lit., navegaba
- Hechos 27:7 I.e., el viento no les permitió entrar al puerto
- Hechos 27:9 I.e., el Día de Expiación, a fines de septiembre o principios de octubre
- Hechos 27:10 Lit., Hombres
- Hechos 27:11 O, dueño
- Hechos 27:12 O, posiblemente, el suroeste y el noroeste
- Hechos 27:13 Lit., habiendo soplado moderadamente un
- Hechos 27:14 Lit., ella
- Hechos 27:14 Lit., se lanzó
- Hechos 27:14 I.e., un viento del nordeste
- Hechos 27:15 Lit., arrebatada
- Hechos 27:16 Lit., Corriendo
- Hechos 27:16 Algunos mss. antiguos dicen: Cauda
- Hechos 27:17 Lit., refuerzos
- Hechos 27:17 O, posiblemente, la vela
- Hechos 27:17 Lit., así
- Hechos 27:18 Lit., hacían la descarga
- Hechos 27:21 Lit., Y habiendo una larga abstinencia de alimentos, entonces
- Hechos 27:21 Lit., Hombres
- Hechos 27:21 Lit., obedecido
- Hechos 27:21 Lit., obteniendo
- Hechos 27:25 Lit., hombres
- Hechos 27:25 Lit., será
- Hechos 27:27 Lit., que alguna tierra se acercaba a ellos
- Hechos 27:29 O, las rocas
- Hechos 27:29 Lit., oraban para que se hiciera de día
- Hechos 27:33 Lit., Hoy es el decimocuarto día
- Hechos 27:37 Lit., almas
- Hechos 27:39 Lit., decidiendo
- Hechos 27:39 Algunos mss. antiguos dicen: traer la nave a salvo a la costa
- Hechos 27:40 O, dejaban
- Hechos 27:41 Lit., lugar
- Hechos 27:41 Lit., mares
Acts 27
New King James Version
The Voyage to Rome Begins
27 And when (A)it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. 2 So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. (B)Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. 3 And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius (C)treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. 4 When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 5 And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 6 There the centurion found (D)an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board.
7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of (E)Crete off Salmone. 8 Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.
Paul’s Warning Ignored
9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous (F)because [a]the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.
In the Tempest
13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called [b]Euroclydon. 15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her [c]drive. 16 And running under the shelter of an island called [d]Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. 17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the [e]Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven. 18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 On the third day (G)we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands. 20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.
21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 And now I urge you to take [f]heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 (H)For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and (I)whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, (J)for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 26 However, (K)we must run aground on a certain island.”
27 Now when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land. 28 And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29 Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and [g]prayed for day to come. 30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.
33 And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, (L)since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and (M)gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. 36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. 37 And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six (N)persons on the ship. 38 So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.
Shipwrecked on Malta
39 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. 40 And they [h]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. 41 But striking [i]a place where two seas met, (O)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.
42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was (P)that they all escaped safely to land.
Footnotes
- Acts 27:9 The Day of Atonement, late September or early October
- Acts 27:14 A southeast wind that stirs up broad waves; NU Euraquilon, a northeaster
- Acts 27:15 be driven
- Acts 27:16 NU Cauda
- Acts 27:17 M Syrtes
- Acts 27:22 courage
- Acts 27:29 Or wished
- Acts 27:40 cast off
- Acts 27:41 A reef
Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

