Acts 27 · Robertson's Word Pictures
1That we should sail (tou apoplein emas). This genitive articular infinitive with ekrithe like the LXX construction translating the Hebrew infinitive construct is awkward in Greek. Several similar examples in Lu 17:1; Ac 10:25; 20:3 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1068). Luke alone uses this old verb in N.T. He uses nine compounds of pleo, to sail. Note the reappearance of "we" in the narrative. It is possible, of course, that Luke was not with Paul during the series of trials at Caesarea, or at least, not all the time. But it is natural for Luke to use "we" again because he and Aristarchus are travelling with Paul. In Caesarea Paul was the centre of the action all the time whether Luke was present or not. The great detail and minute accuracy of Luke's account of this voyage and shipwreck throw more light upon ancient seafaring than everything else put together. Smith's Voyage and Shipwreck of St. Paul is still a classic on the subject. Though so accurate in his use of sea terms, yet Luke writes like a landsman, not like a sailor. Besides, the character of Paul is here revealed in a remarkable fashion.
They delivered (paredidoun). Imperfect active omega form rather than the old -m form paredidosan as in 4:33, from paradidom. Perhaps the imperfect notes the continuance of the handing over.
Certain other prisoners (tinas eterous desmotas). Bound (desmotas) like Paul, but not necessarily appellants to Caesar, perhaps some of them condemned criminals to amuse the Roman populace in the gladiatorial shows, most likely pagans though eterous does not have to mean different kind of prisoners from Paul.
Of the Augustan band (speires Sebastes). Note Ionic genitive speires, not speiras. See on Mt 27:1; Ac 10:1 . Choortis Augustae. We do not really know why this cohort is called "Augustan." It may be that it is part of the imperial commissariat (frumentarii) since Julius assumes chief authority in the grain ship (verse 11). These legionary centurions when in Rome were called peregrini (foreigners) because their work was chiefly in the provinces. This man Julius may have been one of them.
2In a ship of Adramyttium (ploio Hadramunteno). A boat belonging to Adramyttium, a city in Mysia in the province of Asia. Probably a small coasting vessel on its way home for the winter stopping at various places (topous). Julius would take his chances to catch another ship for Rome. The usual way to go to Rome was to go to Alexandria and so to Rome, but no large ship for Alexandria was at hand.
We put to sea (anechthemen). First aorist passive of anago, usual word in Luke.
Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us (ontos sun emin Aristarchou Makedonos Thessalonikeos). Genitive absolute. Ramsay suggests that Luke and Aristarchus accompanied Paul as his slaves since they would not be allowed to go as his friends. But Luke was Paul's physician and may have gained permission on that score.
3The next day (te etera). Locative case with emera understood.
We touched (katechthemen). First aorist passive of katago, the usual term for "coming down" from the seas as anago above (and verse 4) is for "going up" to sea. So it looks to sailors. Sidon was 67 miles from Caesarea, the rival of Tyre, with a splendid harbour. The ship stopped here for trade.
Treated Paul kindly (philanthropos to Paulo chresamenos). "Using (chresamenos, first aorist middle participle of chraoma, to use) Paul (instrumental case used with this verb) kindly" (philanthropos, "philanthropically," adverb from phil-anthropos, love of mankind). He was kindly to Paul throughout the voyage (verse 43; 28:16 ), taking a personal interest in his welfare.
Refresh himself (epimeleias tuchein). Second aorist active infinitive of tunchano (to obtain) with the genitive epimeleias, old word from epimeles, careful, only here in the N.T. Whether it was mere hospitality we do not know. It may have been medical attention required because of Paul's long confinement. This is Paul's first visit to Sidon, but Christians were already in Phoenicia ( 11:19) and so Paul had "friends" here.
4We sailed under the lee of Cyprus (upepleusamen ten Kupron). First aorist active indicative of upopleo, to sail under. Cyprus was thus on the left between the ship and the wind from the northwest, under the protection of Cyprus.
Because the winds were contrary (dia to tous anemous eina enantious). The articular infinitive after dia and the accusative of general reference (anemous) with predicate accusative (enantious, facing them, in their very teeth if they went that way). The Etesian winds were blowing from the northwest so that they could not cut straight across from Sidon to Patara with Cyprus on the right. They must run behind Cyprus and hug the shore of Cilicia and Pamphylia.
5When we had sailed across (diapleusantes). First aorist active participle of diapleo (another compound of pleo).
The sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia (to pelagos to kata ten Kilikian ka Pamphulian). Pelagos is properly the high sea as here. In Mt 18:6 (which see) Jesus uses it of "the depth of the sea." Only these examples in the N.T. The current runs westward along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia and the land would protect from the wind.
We came to Myra of Lycia (katelthamen eis Murra tes Lukias). Literally, "We came down." This town was two and a half miles from the coast of Lycia. The port Andriace had a fine harbour and did a large grain business. No disciples are mentioned here nor at Lasea, Melita, Syracuse, Rhegium.
6Sailing for Italy (pleon eis ten Italian). This was the opportunity for which Lysias had been looking. So he put (enebibasen, first aorist active of embibazo, to cause to enter. Cf. epibantes in verse 2) prisoners and soldiers on board. This was a ship of Alexandria bound for Rome, a grain ship ( 38) out of its course because of the wind. Such grain ships usually carried passengers.
7When we had sailed slowly (braduploountes). Present active participle of braduploeo (bradus, slow, plous, voyage). Literally, "sailing slowly," not "having or had sailed slowly." Only here and in Artemidorus (sec. cent. A.D.). It may mean "tacking" before the wind. Polybius uses tachuploeo, to sail swiftly.
Many days (en ikanais emerais). See on Lu 7:6 for ikanos. Literally, "in considerable days."
With difficulty (molis). Used in old Greek, like mogis (Lu 9:39 ) from molos, toil (see Ac 14:18 ).
Over against Cnidus (kata ten Knidon). "Down along Cnidus." A hundred and thirty miles from Myra, the southwest point of Asia Minor and the western coast. Here the protection of the land from the northwest wind ceased.
The wind not further suffering us (me proseontos emas tou anemou). Genitive absolute with present active participle of proseao, one of the few words still "not found elsewhere" (Thayer). Regular negative me with participles. They could not go on west as they had been doing since leaving Myra.
We sailed under the lee of Crete (upepleusamen ten Kreten). See under verse 4. Instead of going to the right of Crete as the straight course would have been they sailed southwest with Crete to their right and got some protection against the wind there.
Over against Salmone (kata Salmonen). Off Cape Salmone, a promontory on the east of the island.
8Coasting along (paralegomeno). Present middle participle of paralego, to lay beside, not from lego, to collect or lego, to say. Diodorus Siculus uses paralegoma in precisely this sense of coasting along, like Latin legere oram. In N.T. only here and verse 13.
Fair Havens (Kalous Limenas). This harbour is named Kalus Limeonas, a small bay two miles east of Cape Matala. It opens to the East and Southeast, but is not fit to winter in. This harbour would protect them for a time from the winds.
The city of Lasea (polis Lasea). Neither Lasea nor Fair Havens is mentioned by any ancient writer, two of the hundred cities of Crete.
9Where much time was spent (Hikanou chronou diagenomenou). Genitive absolute again with second aorist middle participle of diaginoma, to come in between (dia). "Considerable time intervening," since they became weatherbound in this harbour, though some take it since they left Caesarea.
And the voyage was now dangerous (ka ontos ede episphalous). Genitive absolute, "and the voyage being already (ede=Latin jam) dangerous" (old word from ep and sphallo, to trip, to fall, and so prone to fall, here only in N.T.).
Because the Fast was now already gone by (dia to ka ten nesteian ede pareleluthena). Accusative (after dia) of the articular infinitive perfect active of parerchoma, to pass by, with the accusative of general reference (nesteian, the great day of atonement of the Jews, Le 16:29ff. ) occurring about the end of September. The ancients considered navigation on the Mediterranean unsafe from early October till the middle of March. In A.D. 59 the Fast occurred on Oct. 5. There is nothing strange in Luke using this Jewish note of time as in 20:6 though a Gentile Christian. Paul did it also (1Co 16:8 ). It is no proof that Luke was a Jewish proselyte. We do not know precisely when the party left Caesarea (possibly in August), but in ample time to arrive in Rome before October if conditions had been more favourable. But the contrary winds had made the voyage very slow and difficult all the way (verse 7) besides the long delay here in this harbour of Fair Havens.
Paul admonished them (pareine o Paulos). Imperfect active of paraineo, old word to exhort from para and aineo, to praise ( 3:8), only here and verse 22 in N.T. It is remarkable that a prisoner like Paul should venture to give advice at all and to keep on doing it (imperfect tense inchoative, began to admonish and kept on at it). Paul had clearly won the respect of the centurion and officers and also felt it to be his duty to give this unasked for warning.
I perceive (theoro). Old word from theoros, a spectator. See Lu 10:18 . Paul does not here claim prophecy, but he had plenty of experience with three shipwrecks already (2Co 11:25 ) to justify his apprehension.
Will be (mellein esestha). Infinitive in indirect assertion followed by future infinitive after mellein in spite of ot which would naturally call for present indicative melle, an anacoluthon due to the long sentence (Robertson, Grammar, p. 478).
With injury (meta ubreos). An old word from uper (above, upper, like our "uppishness") and so pride, insult, personal injury, the legal word for personal assault (Page). Josephus (Ant. III. 6, 4) uses it of the injury of the elements.
Loss (zemian). Old word, opposite of kerdos, gain or profit (Php 3:7f. ). Nowhere else in N.T.
Lading (phortiou). Diminutive of phortos (from phero, to bear) only in form. Common word, but in N.T. only here in literal sense, as metaphor in Mt 11:30; 23:4; Lu 11:46; Ga 6:5 .
But also of our lives (alla ka ton psuchon). Common use of psuche for life, originally "breath of life" (Ac 20:10 ), and also "soul" ( 14:2). Fortunately no lives were lost, though all else was. But this outcome was due to the special mercy of God for the sake of Paul (verse 24), not to the wisdom of the officers in rejecting Paul's advice. Paul begins now to occupy the leading role in this marvellous voyage.
11Gave more heed (mallon epeitheto). Imperfect middle of peitho, to yield to (with the dative case). The "Frumentarian" centurion ranked above the captain and owner. As a military officer the centurion was responsible for the soldiers, the prisoners, and the cargo of wheat. It was a government ship. Though the season was not advanced, the centurion probably feared to risk criticism in Rome for timidity when the wheat was so much needed in Rome (Knowling).
To the master (to kubernete). Old word from kubernao, to steer, and so steersman, pilot, sailing-master. Common in this sense in the papyri. In N.T. only here and Re 18:17 .
And to the owner of the ship (ka to nauklero). Old word compounded of naus and kleros and used for owner of the ship who acted as his own skipper or captain. The papyri examples (Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary) all have the meaning "captain" rather than "owner."
12Because the haven was not commodious to winter in (aneuthetou tou limenos uparchontos pros paracheimasian). Genitive absolute again present tense of uparcho: "The harbour being unfit (aneuthetou, this compound not yet found elsewhere, simplex in Lu 9:62; 14:35; Heb 6:7 ) for wintering" (paracheimasia, only here in N.T., but in Polybius and Diodorus, in an inscription A.D. 48, from paracheimazo).
The more part advised (o pleiones ethento boulen). Second aorist middle indicative of tithem, ancient idiom with boulen, to take counsel, give counsel. Lysias held a council of the officers of the ship on the issue raised by Paul.
If by any means they could reach Phoenix and winter there (e pos dunainto katantesantes eis Phoinika paracheimasa). The optative dunainto (present middle of dunama) here with e is a condition of the fourth class with the notion of purpose implied and indirect discourse (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1021). "We vote for going on the chance that we may be able" (Page). Phoenix is the town of palms (Joh 12:13 ), the modern Lutro, the only town in Crete on the southern coast with a harbour fit for wintering, though Wordsworth and Page argue for Phineka which suits Luke's description better. The verb paracheimazo, to winter, is from para and cheimon (see also 28:11). Used in several Koine writers.
Looking northeast and southeast (bleponta kata liba ka kata choron). There are two ways of interpreting this language. Lips means the southwest wind and choros the northwest wind. But what is the effect of kata with these words? Does it mean "facing" the wind? If so, we must read "looking southwest and northwest." But kata can mean down the line of the wind (the way the wind is blowing). If so, then it is proper to translate "looking northeast and southeast." This translation suits Lutro, the other suits Phoenike. Ramsay takes it to be Lutro, and suggests that sailors describe the harbour by the way it looks as they go into it (the subjectivity of the sailors) and that Luke so speaks and means Lutro which faces northeast and southeast. On the whole Lutro has the best of the argument.
13When the south wind blew softly (upopneusantos notou). Genitive absolute with aorist active participle of upopneo, old verb to blow under, then to blow gently, here only in N.T. "A south wind having blown gently," in marked contrast to the violent northwest wind that they had faced so long. They were so sure of the wisdom of their decision that they did not even draw up the small boat attached by a rope to the vessel's stern (verse 16). It was only some forty miles to Lutro.
Their purpose (tes protheseos, set before them, from protithem), genitive after krateo (kekratekena, perfect active infinitive in indirect discourse).
They weighed anchor (arantes). First aorist active participle of airo, old verb used in technical sense with tas ankuras (anchors) understood as in Thucydides I. 52; II. 23, "having lifted the anchors." Page takes it simply as "moving."
Sailed along Crete (parelegonto ten Kreten). Imperfect middle. See verse 8, "were coasting along Crete."
Close in shore (asson). Comparative adverb of ank, near, and so "nearer" to shore. Only here in N.T.
14After no long time (met' ou polu). Litotes again.
Beat down from it (ebalen kat' autes). Second aorist active indicative of ballo, to throw. Here "dashed" (intransitive). Autes is in the ablative, not genitive case, beat "down from it" (Crete), not "against it or on it." (Robertson, Grammar, p. 606). Autes cannot refer to ploion (boat) which is neuter. So the ablative case with kata as in Mr 5:13 , Homer also. The Cretan mountains are over 7,000 feet high.
A tempestuous wind which is called Euraquilo (anemos tuphonikos o kaloumenos Eurakulon). Tuphon=Tuphos was used for the typhoon, a violent whirlwind (turbo) or squall. This word gives the character of the wind. The Eurakulon (reading of Aleph A B against the Textus Receptus Eurokludon) has not been found elsewhere. Blass calls it a hybrid word compounded of the Greek euros (east wind) and the Latin athuilo (northeast). It is made like euronotos (southeast). The Vulgate has euroaquilo. It is thus the east north east wind. Page considers Euroclydon to be a corruption of Euraquilo. Here the name gives the direction of the wind.
15When the ship was caught (sunarpasthentos tou ploiou). Genitive absolute again with first aorist passive of sunarpazo, old word, in N.T. only Lu 8:29; Ac 6:12; 19:29 , and here. Graphic picture as if the ship was seized by a great monster.
Face the wind (antophthalmein to anemo). Dative case with the vivid infinitive of antophthalmeo from antophthalmos, looking in the eye, or eye to eye (ant, facing and opthalmos, eye). Eyes were painted on the prows of vessels. The ship could not face the wind enough to get to Phoenix. Modern sailors talk of sailing into the eye of the wind. We were not able to look the wind in the eye. Koine verb used by Polybius. Some MSS. have it in Ac 6:11 , but only here in N.T. In Wisdom of Sol. 12:14 it is used of a prince who cannot look God in the face. Clement of Rome 34 uses it of an idle workman not able to look his employer in the face (Milligan and Moulton's Vocabulary).
We gave way (epidontes). Second aorist active participle of epididom, giving way to the wind.
Were driven (epherometha). Imperfect passive of phero, "we were being borne along." We "scudded before the gale" (Page). "The suddenness of the hurricane gave no time to furl the great mainsail" (Furneaux).
16Running under the lee of (upodramontes). Second aorist active participle of upotrecho. Same use of upo as in upepleusamen (verses 4,8 ) for "under the lee", under the protection of. Nesion is diminutive of nesos, a small island. The MSS. vary between Cauda (B) and Clauda (Aleph).
To secure the boat (perikrateis genestha tes skaphes). "To become masters (perikrateis from per and kratos, power over, found in Susannah and ecclesiastical writers, and here only in N.T.) of the boat ("dug out," like Indian boats, literally, from skapto, to dig, old word, here only in N.T. and verses 30,32 ). The smooth water behind the little island enabled them to do this.
When they had hoisted it up (en arantes). "Which (the little boat) having hoisted up (arantes, verse 13)." Even so it was "with difficulty" (molis). Perhaps the little boat was waterlogged.
Used helps (boetheiais echronto). Imperfect middle of chraoma with instrumental case. The "helps" were ropes or chains, no doubt.
Under-girding the ship (upozonnuntes to ploion). Present active participle of upozonnum. Old verb, here only in N.T. Probably cables (upozomata) or ropes were used under the hull of the ship laterally or even longitudinally, tightly secured on deck. This "frapping" was more necessary for ancient vessels because of the heavy mast. The little island made it possible to do this also.
Lest we be cast upon the Syrtis (me eis ten Surtin ekpesosin). Final clause after verb of fearing (phoboumeno) with me and the second aorist active subjunctive of ekpipto, old verb to fall out or off, to be cast away. So here and verses 26,29 , a classical use of the verb for a ship driven out of its course on to shoals or rocks (Page who cites Xenophon, Anab. VII. 5, 12). The Syrtis was the name for two quicksands between Carthage and Cyrenaica, this clearly being the Syrtis Major most dangerous because of the sandbanks (surtis, from suro). The wind would drive the ship right into this peril if something were not done.
They lowered the gear (chalasantes to skeuos). First aorist active participle of chalao (cf. Lu 5:4 for lowering the nets). Skeuos means vessel or gear. They slackened or reduced sail, especially the mainsail, but leaving enough to keep the ship's head as close to the wind as was practicable.
So were driven (outos epheronto). Imperfect passive indicative again as in verse 15 with the addition of outos (thus). The ship was now fixed as near to the wind (E N E) as possible (seven points). That would enable the ship to go actually W by N and so avoid the quicksands. J. Smith has shown that, a day being lost around Cauda, the ship going 36 miles in 24 hours in 13 days would make 468 miles. The Island of Malta (Melita) is precisely in that direction (W by N) from Cauda and is 480 miles. Page sees a difficulty about this explanation of the steady drift of the ship in the word diapheromenon in verse 27, but that was at the end of the drifting and the varied winds could have come then and not before. The whole narrative as explained carefully in Smith's Voyage and Shipwreck of St. Paul is a masterpiece of precise and accurate scholarship. A resume of his results appears in my Luke the Historian in the Light of Research.
18As we laboured exceedingly with the storm (sphodros cheimazomenon emon). Genitive absolute with present passive participle of cheimazo, old verb to afflict with a tempest (cheima, stormy weather), to toss upon the waves, here alone in N.T.
They began to throw overboard (ekbalen epoiounto). Literally, "They began to make (inchoative imperfect middle of poieo) a casting out" (ekbolen from ekballo, to cast out, old word, only here in N.T.). Cf. Latin jacturam facere. This to lighten the ship by throwing overboard the cargo. The grain in the ship would shift and make it list and so added to the danger.
They cast out (eripsan). Third person plural aorist active of ripto, not eripsamen as Textus Receptus.
With their own hands (autocheires). Old word (autos, cheir) but here alone in N.T. Vivid and graphic touch by Luke who, of course, watched every movement day by day.
The tackling (ten skeuen). The furniture of the ship that could be spared. It was becoming desperate.
20When neither sun nor stars shone upon us (mete eliou mete astron epiphainonton). Genitive absolute again.
For many days (ep pleionas emeras). For more days than a few.
No small tempest (cheimonos ouk oligou). Litotes again.
All hope that we should be saved was now taken away (loipon perieireito elpis pasa tou sozestha emas). "For the rest (or future) there began to be taken from around us (perieireito inchoative imperfect and see use of the verb in 2Co 13:16 of the veil) all hope of the being saved so far as we were concerned." Despair was beginning to settle like a fog on all their hopes. Had Paul lost hope?
21When they had been long without food (polles te asitias uparchouses). Genitive absolute, the old word asitia from asitos (verse 33) a privative and sitos, food, here alone in N.T. Literally, "There being much abstinence from food." They had plenty of grain on board, but no appetite to eat (sea-sickness) and no fires to cook it (Page). "Little heart being left for food" (Randall). Galen and other medical writers use asitia and asitos for want of appetite.
Stood forth (statheis). As in 1:15; 2:14; 17:22 . Pictorial word (Page) that sets forth the vividness and solemnity of the scene (Knowling).
Ye should have hearkened unto me (ede men peitharchesantas mo). Literally, "It was necessary for you hearkening unto me not to set sail (me anagestha)." It was not the "I told you so" of a small nature, "but a reference to the wisdom of his former counsel in order to induce acceptance of his present advice" (Furneaux). The first aorist active participle is in the accusative of general reference with the present infinitive anagestha.
And have gotten this injury and loss (kerdesa te ten ubrin tauten ka ten zemian). This Ionic form kerdesa (from kerdao) rather than kerdena or kerdana is common in late Greek (Robertson, Grammar, p. 349). The Revised Version thus carries over the negative me to this first aorist active infinitive kerdesa from kerdao (cf. on Mt 16:26 ). But Page follows Thayer in urging that this is not exact, that Paul means that by taking his advice they ought to have escaped this injury and loss. "A person is said in Greek 'to gain a loss' when, being in danger of incurring it, he by his conduct saves himself from doing so." This is probably Paul's idea here.
22And now (ka ta nun). Accusative plural neuter article of general reference in contrast with men in verse 21. Paul shows modesty (Bengel) in the mild contrast.
No loss of life (apobole psuches oudemia). Old word from apoballo, to throw away, only twice in N.T. Ro 11:15 (rejection) and here. He had foretold such loss of life as likely (verse 10), but he now gives his reason for his changed view.
23For there stood by me (pareste gar mo). Second aorist active (intransitive) indicative of paristem with the locative case (beside me). The very form used by Paul of his trial (2Ti 4:17 ) when "the Lord stood by me" (o de kurios mo pareste) when others deserted him. This angel of the God whom Paul serves (in distinction from the heathen gods) is the reason for Paul's present confidence.
24Thou must stand before Caesar (Kaisar se de parastena). Note the same de (must) as in 23:11 when Jesus appeared to Paul in Jerusalem and the same verb parastena (second aorist active infinitive) used in verse 23.
Hath granted thee (kecharista so). Perfect middle indicative of charizoma and that from charis, a gift or grace. The lives of those that sailed with Paul God had spared as a gift (charis) to Paul.
25Wherefore be of good cheer (dio euthumeite). God had spoken. That was enough. This old verb from euthumos in the N.T. only here, verse 25; Jas 5:13 . See the adjective 27:36.
For I believe God (pisteuo gar to theo). This is Paul's reason for his own good cheer and for his exhortation to confidence in spite of circumstances so untoward. Paul had doubtless prayed for his own life and for the lives of all. He was sure that he was to bear his witness in Rome.
26We must be cast (de emas ekpesein). It is necessary for us to fall out (ekpesein, second aorist active infinitive of ekpipto). It was not revealed to Paul what island it would be.
27As we were driven to and fro (diapheromenon emon). Genitive absolute with present passive participle of diaphero, old verb to bear different ways (dia=duo, two), this way and that. Continued to be tossed to and fro in the rough seas. It would seem so to those on board. It does not necessarily mean that the wind had changed. The fourteenth night is reckoned from the time they left Fair Havens.
In the sea of Adria (en to Hadria). Not the Adriatic Sea as we now call the sea between Italy and the mainland of Illyricum, but all the lower Mediterranean between Italy and Greece. Luke's usage is like that of Strabo.
Surmised (upenooun). Imperfect active indicative of uponoeo, inchoative, began to suspect.
That they were drawing near to some country (prosagein tina autois choran). Infinitive with accusative of general reference in indirect assertion. Prosago is here used intransitively and Luke writes from the sailor's standpoint that a certain land was drawing near to them (autois, dative). The sailors heard the sound of breakers and grew uneasy.
28They sounded (bolisantes). First aorist active participle of bolizo rare verb only here and in Eustathius who says it was familiar in ancient Greek. Apparently from bolis, a missile or dart, and so to throw down the lead into the sea, to heave the lead, to take soundings. The inscriptions give bolimos for "leaden."
Twenty fathoms (orguias eikos). This old word, from orego, to stretch, means the distance from one outstretched middle finger tip to the other likewise out-stretched.
After a little space (brachu diastesantes). Literally, "standing apart a little" (second aorist active participle of diistem), that is, the ship going a short distance further on. A ship today approaching St. Paul's Bay by the rocky point of Koura would pass first twenty, then fifteen fathoms (Furneaux).
29Lest haply we should be cast ashore on rocky ground (me pou kata tracheis topous ekpesomen). The usual construction after a verb of fearing (me and the aorist subjunctive ekpesomen). Literally, "Lest somewhere (pou) we should fall out down against (kata) rocky places." The change in the soundings made it a very real fear. Tracheis (rough) is old adjective, but in the N.T. only here and Lu 3:5 (from Isa 40:4 ).
Four anchors (ankuras tessaras). Old word from anke. In N.T. only in this chapter, with ripto here, with ekteino in verse 30, with periaireo in verse 40; and Heb 6:19 (figuratively of hope).
From the stern (ek prumnes). Old word, but in N.T. only in Mr 4:38 ; here and 41 in contrast with proira (prow). The usual practice was and is to anchor by the bows. "With a view to running the ship ashore anchoring from the stern would, it is said, be best" (Page). Nelson is quoted as saying that he had been reading Ac 27 the morning of the Battle of Copenhagen (April, 1801) where he anchored his ships from the stern.
Wished for the day (euchonto). Imperfect middle, kept on praying for "day to come" (emeran genestha) before the anchors broke under the strain of the storm or began to drag. If the ship had been anchored from the prow, it would have swung round and snapped the anchors or the stern would have faced the beach.
30The sailors (ton nauton). Old word from naus (ship), in N.T. only here, verse 30; Re 18:17 .
Were seeking (zetounton). Genitive absolute again with present active participle of zeteo to seek.
Had lowered (chalasanton). Aorist active participle of chalazo.
Under colour (prophase). Possibly the same word as "prophecy" (from pro-phem, to speak forth), but here pretence, pretext, although it may come from prophaino, to show forth. The use here is an old one and appears also in Mr 12:40; Lu 20:47; 1Th 2:5; Php 1:18 .
As though (os). The alleged reason, a common Greek idiom with os and the participle (Robertson, Grammar, p. 966). Here with mellonton.
From the foreship (ek proires). Old word for prow of the ship. In the N.T. only here and verse 41. Note here ekteinein (lay out, stretch out) rather than ripsantes (casting) in verse 29, for they pretended to need the small boat to stretch out or lay out the anchors in front.
31Except these abide in the ship (Ean me outo meinosin en to ploio). Condition of the third class (undetermined, but with hope, etc.). Paul has no hesitancy in saying this in spite of his strong language in verse 24 about God's promise. He has no notion of lying supinely down and leaving God to do it all. Without the sailors the ship could not be properly beached.
32The ropes (ta schoinia). Diminutive of schoinos, old word, but in N.T. only here and Joh 2:15 . Paul is now saviour of the ship and the soldiers quickly cut loose the skiff and "let her fall off" (eiasan auten ekpesein) rather than be the means of the escape of the sailors who were needed. This dastardly scheme of the sailors would have brought frightful loss of life.
33While the day was coming on (achr ou emera emellen ginestha). More likely here achr ou (for achr toutou o) with the imperfect emellen, has its usual meaning, "until which time day was about to come on (ginestha, present middle infinitive, linear action)." That is Paul kept on exhorting or beseeching (parekale, imperfect active) them until dawn began to come on (cf. verse 39 when day came). In Heb 3:13 achr ou with the present indicative has to mean "so long as" or while, but that is not true here (Robertson, Grammar, p. 975). See on Ac 2:46 for the same phrase for partaking food (metalambano trophes, genitive case) as also in 27:34. Paul wanted them to be ready for action when day really came. "Fourteenth day" repeated (verse 27), only here in the accusative of duration of time (emeran). It is not clear whether the "waiting" (prosdokontes, present active participle predicate nominative complementary participle after diateleite, Robertson, Grammar, p. 1121) means fourteen days of continuous fasting or only fourteen successive nights of eager watching without food. Galen and Dionysius of Halicarnassus employ the very idiom used here by Luke (asitos diateleo).
Having taken nothing (methen proslabomeno). Second aorist middle participle of proslambano with the accusative methen rather than the more usual meden. Probably Paul means that they had taken no regular meals, only bits of food now and then.
34For this is for your safety (touto gar pros tes umeteras soterias uparche). Note soteria in sense of "safety," literal meaning, not spiritual salvation. This is the only instance in the N.T. of the use of pros with the ablative meaning "from the side of" your safety, though a classic idiom (Robertson, Grammar, p. 623), an example of Luke's literary style.
Perish (apoleita). Future middle (intransitive) of apollum (-uo), to destroy. So the oldest MSS. rather than peseita from pipto, to fall. This proverbial expression occurs also in Lu 21:18 which see and in 1Sa 14:45; 2Sa 14:11; 1Ki 1:52 .
35Gave thanks to God (eucharistesen to theo). First aorist active indicative of eucharisteo from which our word "Eucharist" comes. It was saying grace like the head of a Hebrew family and the example of Paul would encourage the others to eat. Probably Paul, Luke, and Aristarchus had memories of the Lord's supper (Ac 2:42 ) while to others it was only an ordinary meal (Lu 24:30 ).
36Then were they all of good cheer (euthumo de genomeno). More exactly, "Then all becoming cheerful," because of Paul's words and conduct.
Took food (proselabonto trophes). Partitive genitive here (some food), not accusative as verse 33. Paul's courage was contagious.
37Two hundred three-score and sixteen souls (diakosia ebdomekonta ex). The Vatican Manuscript (B) has os in place of diakosia (two hundred) which Westcott and Hort put in the margin. But Alford is probably correct in suggesting that the scribe of B wrote os by repeating the omega in ploio with s = 200 (Greek numeral). If the number 276 seems large, it is to be remembered that we do not know the size of the ship. Josephus (Life, 3) says that there were 600 on the ship that took him to Italy. The grain ships were of considerable size. The number included sailors, soldiers, and prisoners. A muster or roll call may have been made.
38When they had eaten enough (koresthentes trophes). First aorist passive of korennum, old verb to satisfy, to satiate, with the genitive. Literally, "Having been satisfied with food." Here only in the N.T.
They lightened (ekouphizon). Inchoative imperfect active, began to lighten. Old verb from kouphos and originally to be light, but transitive to lighten, as here, from Hippocrates on.
Throwing out the wheat (ekballomeno ton siton). The cargo of wheat. The second ekbole (verse 18) or casting out and overboard which was only partially done at first.
39They knew not (ouk epeginoskon). Imperfect active of epiginosko, to recognize. Probably conative, tried to recognize and could not (Conybeare and Howson). The island was well-known ( 28:1, epegnomen), but St. Paul's Bay where the wreck took place was some distance from the main harbour (Valetta) of Melita (Malta).
They perceived (katenooun). Imperfect active of katanoeo, gradually perceived after some effort as in 11:16. This beach seemed their only hope.
They took counsel (ebouleuonto). Imperfect middle showing the process of deliberation and doubt. The bay "having a beach" (echonta aigialon) is a phrase found in Xenophon's Anabasis VI. 4, 4.
Whether they could drive (e dunainto eksosa). This use of the optative with e in questions of this sort (implied indirect) is a neat Greek idiom (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1021). B C Bohairic read eksosa (first aorist active infinitive of eksozo), to save out (so Westcott and Hort), instead of exosa (from exotheo, to push out, as Textus Receptus).
40Casting off (perielontes). Second aorist active of periaireo. Literally, "Having taken away from around," that is all four anchors from around the stern. Cf. the other verbs with ankuras in verse 29,30 .
They left them in the sea (eion eis ten thalassan). Imperfect active of eao, either descriptive or inchoative. They let the anchors go and the ropes fell down into the sea.
At the same time loosing the bands of the rudders (ama anentes tas zeukterias ton pedalion). On the use of ama with the participle, old Greek idiom see Robertson, Grammar, p. 1139. The second aorist active participle of aniem, to relax, loosen up. Old verb, in N.T. Ac 16:26; 27:40; Eph 6:9; Heb 13:5 . Thayer notes that zeukterias (bands) occurs nowhere else, but several papyri use it of yokes and waterwheels (Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary). The word for rudders (pedalion) is an old one (from pedon, the blade of an oar), but in the N.T. only here and Jas 3:4 . Page notes that the ancient ships had a pair of paddle rudders like those of the early northmen, one on each quarter. The paddle rudders had been fastened while the ship was anchored.
Hoisting up the foresail to the wind (eparantes ton artemona te pneouse). Supply aura (breeze) after pneouse (blowing). It is not clear what "sail" is meant by "artemona." No other example in Greek is known, though the scholiast to Juvenal XII. 68 explains selo prora suo by artemone solo. Hence "foresail" is probably correct.
They made for the beach (kateichon eis ton aigialon). Imperfect active of katecho, to hold down, perhaps inchoative. "They began to hold the ship steadily for the beach."
41But lighting upon (peripesontes de). Second aorist active participle of peripipto, old verb to fall into and so be encompassed by as in Lu 10:30; Jas 1:2 . There is a current on one side of St. Paul's Bay between a little island (Salmonetta) and Malta which makes a sand bank between the two currents. Unexpectedly the ship stuck in this sandbar.
Where two seas met (dithalasson). Used in Strabo and Dio Chrysostom for divided seas (dis, thalassa).
They ran the vessel aground (epekeilan ten naun). First aorist active indicative of old verb epikello, to run a ship ashore. Only here in N.T. Here also we have the only N.T. use of naus for ship (from nao, neo, to swim) so common in ancient Greek. Our word navy is from this word through the Latin.
Struck (ereisasa). First aorist active participle of ereido, old verb to fix firmly. Only here in N.T.
Unmoveable (asaleutos). From a privative and saleuo to shake. Old word. In N.T. only here and Heb 12:28 .
Began to break up (elueto). Inchoative imperfect passive of the old verb luo, to loosen. The prow was stuck in the sand-bar, and the stern was breaking to pieces by the opposing waves lashing on both sides. It was a critical moment.
42Counsel was to kill (boule egeneto ina--apokteinosin). The soldiers did not relish the idea of the escape of the prisoners. Hence there came this "counsel" (boule). Regular Greek idiom for purpose (ina and aorist active subjunctive of apokteino, to kill). Soldiers were responsible for the lives of prisoners (Ac 12:19 ).
Swim out (ekkolumbesas). First aorist active participle of ekkolumbao, old verb to swim out and so away.
Escape (diaphuge). Second aorist (effective) active subjunctive of diapheugo, to make a clean (dia) escape.
43To save Paul (diasosa ton Paulon). Effective first aorist active infinitive of diasozo. And no wonder for the centurion knew now how much they all owed to Paul.
Stayed them from their purpose (ekoleusen autous tou boulematos.) Ablative case of boulema after ekoleusen (from koleuo, to hinder, common verb).
And get first to land (protous eis ten gen exiena). This classic verb exeim occurs four times in Acts (13:42; 17:15; 20:7; 27:32 ) and nowhere else in the N.T. It was a wise command.
44Some on planks (ous men ep sanisin). Common Greek idiom (ous men--ous de) for "some--some." The only N.T. instance of the old Greek word sanis for board or plank. The breaking of the ship gave scraps of timber which some used.
They all escaped safe (pantas diasothena). First aorist passive infinitive of diasozo (the very word used for the desire of the centurion about Paul) with accusative of general reference, the clause being subject of egeneto. So Luke in this marvellous narrative, worthy of any historian in any age, shows how Paul's promise was fulfilled (verse 24). Paul the prisoner is the hero of the voyage and shipwreck, a wonderful example of God's providential care.
Acts 28