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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Acts 27:39 - 27:44
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Act_27:39-44
39When day came, they could not recognize the land; but they did observe a bay with a beach, and they resolved to drive the ship onto it if they could. 40And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while at the same time they were loosening the ropes of the rudders; and hoisting the foresail to the wind, they were heading for the beach. 41But striking a reef where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern began to be broken up by the force of the waves. 42The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim away and escape; 43but the centurion, wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from their intention, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44and the rest should follow, some on planks, and others on various things from the ship. And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land.
Act_27:39 They could still control the ship to some degree (cf. Act_27:40).
There is a Greek manuscript variant related to "drive the ship onto it" (cf. MSS à , A, B2) and "land the ship safely" (cf. MSS B* and C). These two words sound very similar (exôsai vs. eksôsai). Ancient Greek manuscripts were often read by one and copied by many. Similar sounding terms were often confused.
Act_27:40 These reefs along the shore caused many a ship wreck. In this case a reef developed where the ocean waves and the bay waters met.
NASB, NKJV,
NJV"rudders"
NRSV, TEV "steering-oars"
This refers to the dual rudders, which were typical on larger ships. Jas_3:4 uses this same word for "rudder."
▣ "the foresail" This is a rare term, but it must refer to a small sail on the bow (cf. Juvenal, Sat. 12.69).
Act_27:42 "The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners" If they escaped the soldiers would have had to bear their penalty!
Act_27:43 Paul's words, faith, and actions had convinced the leader of the Roman contingent to trust him and protect him.
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