Acts 27:14-38

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Acts 27:14-38

14But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island.
15Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. So we gave way and let ourselves be driven along.
16Passing to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we barely managed to secure the lifeboat.
17After hoisting it up, the crew used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and were driven along.
18We were tossed so violently that the next day the men began to jettison the cargo.
19On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands.
20When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the great storm continued to batter us, we abandoned all hope of being saved.
21After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete. Then you would have averted this disaster and loss.
22But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because you will not experience any loss of life, but only of the ship.
23For just last night an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood beside me
24and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’
25So take courage, men, for I believe God that it will happen just as He told me.
26However, we must run aground on some island.”
27On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea. About midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land.
28They took soundings and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep. Going a little farther, they took another set of soundings that read fifteen fathoms.
29Fearing that we would run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.
30Meanwhile, the sailors attempted to escape from the ship. Pretending to lower anchors from the bow, they let the lifeboat down into the sea.
31But Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain with the ship, you cannot be saved.”
32So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and set it adrift.
33Right up to daybreak, Paul kept urging them all to eat: “Today is your fourteenth day in constant suspense, without taking any food.
34So for your own preservation, I urge you to eat something, because not a single hair of your head will be lost.”
35After he had said this, Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.
36They were all encouraged and took some food themselves.
37In all, there were 276 of us on board.
38After the men had eaten their fill, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.
— Acts 27:14-38

Related Resources from Heartlight

Jesus' Presence in Your Storms
Devo: Unstoppable!

"[After fourteen days of fighting a severe northeaster storm, the sailors and all the passengers on board the ship with Paul were exhausted and..."

Paul Takes Charge
Devo: Unstoppable!

"[Paul and his companions were caught on a ship that was storm-tossed and about to break up.] No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called....."

Futile Efforts at Sailing
Devo: Unstoppable!

"[Luke described Paul's difficult journey sailing to Rome:] We sailed along the sheltered side of a small island named Cauda, where with great..."

Grace in Godly Influence
Devo: Unstoppable!

"[After fourteen days in the storm, the ship carrying Paul was in peril of breaking up on the rocks of the shoreline.] Then the sailors tried to..."

Praying for Daylight
Devo: Unstoppable!

"[As the ship that carried Paul as a prisoner bound for Rome was caught in a storm, he placed his faith in the Lord and called for those around him to..."

Treacherous Travels
Devo: A Year with Jesus

"Dear Follower of The Way, Paul's path to Rome was difficult. First, he faced a series of legal hearings before he even left for Rome. Then, he faced...."

Spurgeon PM Devo for Apr. 10th
Devo: Morning & Evening

"Tempest and long darkness, coupled with imminent risk of shipwreck, had brought the crew of the vessel into a sad case; one man alone among them..."

Listening to the Wrong Voices
Devo: Unstoppable!

"[Because of potentially bad weather, Paul told the ship's officers of his concern about continuing the trip to Rome:] "Men," he said, "I believe..."

Winning the Hearts of Your Critics
Devo: A Year with Jesus

"Dear Friend, Just as Paul faced his legal ordeals and challenging travels to Rome, My disciples in Asia Minor faced growing criticism, ostracism, and..."

Cross References for Acts 27:14-38

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.