Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 27:43
But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from [their] purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast [themselves] first [into] the [sea], and get to land:
43. But the centurion, willing to save ] The Gk. word indicates an active desire, and not a mere willingness. Read (with R. V.) “desiring to save.” The centurion could not fail to feel that it was to the Apostle that the safety of the whole party was due, and he could hardly help feeling admiration for the prisoner, after all he had seen of him. From the first (see Act 27:3) he had been well disposed toward Paul, and the after events would not have lessened his regard. So to save him, he stops the design of his men, and saves the whole number of the prisoners.
kept them ] Better, “hindered them” or (with R. V.) “stayed them.” The verb is a forcible word, and shews that the centurion was in full command of his men, and had not in the confusion lost his thoughtfulness and presence of mind.
they which could swim ] This was the wisest course to adopt. Thus there would be a body ready on the shore to help those who only could float thither by the aid of something to which they were clinging. As St Paul had already been thrice shipwrecked and had been in the deep a night and a day (2Co 11:25) we may be sure that he was among those who were told off to swim ashore.
should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land ] [ R. V. “should east themselves overboard and get first to the land ”] What is represented in the A.V., by “into the sea” is merely the preposition compounded with the verb “to cast.” This the R. V. represents by “overboard,” and so brings the word “first” into its proper and emphatic position. The swimmers were to get into safety first of all, that then they might be in readiness to succour those who drifted to the land on the floating spars and planks.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
But the centurion, willing to save Paul – He had at first been disposed to treat Paul with kindness, Act 27:3. And his conduct on board the ship; the wisdom of his advice Act 27:10; the prudence of his conduct in the agitation and danger of the tempest; and not improbably the belief that he was under the divine protection and blessing, disposed him to spare his life.
Kept them from their purpose – Thus, for the sake of this one righteous man, the lives of all were spared. The instance here shows:
(1) That it is possible for a pious man, like Paul, so to conduct in the various trying scenes of life – the agitations, difficulties, and temptations of this world – as to conciliate the favor of the people of this world; and.(2) That important benefits often result to sinners from the righteous. Pauls being on board was the means of saving the lives of many prisoners; and God often confers important blessings on the wicked for the sake of the pious relatives, friends, and neighbors with whom they are connected. Ten righteous men would have saved Sodom Gen 18:32; and Christians are in more ways than one the salt of the earth, and the light of the world, Mat 5:13-14. It is a privilege to be related to the friends of God – to be the children of pious parents, or to be connected with pious partners in life. It is a privilege to be connected with the friends of God in business; or to dwell near them; or to be associated with them in the various walks and dangers of life. The streams of blessings which flow to fertilize their lands, flow also to bless others; the dews of heaven which descend on their habitations, descend on all around; and the God which crowns them with loving-kindness, often fills the abodes of their neighbors and friends with the blessings of peace and salvation.
And commanded – Probably they were released from their chains.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 43. Willing to save Paul, c.] Had one fallen, for the reasons those cruel and dastardly soldiers gave, so must all the rest. The centurion save that Paul vas not only an innocent, but an extraordinary and divine man and therefore, for his sake, he prevented the massacre; and, unloosing every man’s bonds, he commanded those that could to swim ashore and escape. It is likely that all the soldiers escaped in this way, for it was one part of the Roman military discipline to teach the soldiers to swim.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The centurion, willing to save Paul; because Paul was a Roman citizen, whose death he durst not be accessory unto. It may be also, that this centurion, (if there were no more), as the Samaritan that was cleansed, did this in thankfulness unto Paul.
Should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land; that they might be helpful to others in getting on shore.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
43. the centurion, c.Greatmust have been the influence of Paul over the centurion’s mind toproduce such an effect. All followed the swimmers in committingthemselves to the deep, and according to the divine pledge and Paul’sconfident assurance given them, every soul got safe to landyetwithout miracle. (While the graphic minuteness of this narrative ofthe shipwreck puts it beyond doubt that the narrator was himself onboard, the great number of nautical phrases, which all criticshave noted, along with the unprofessional air which the wholenarrative wears, agrees singularly with all we know and have reasonto believe of “the beloved physician” see on Ac16:40).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
But the centurion, willing to save Paul,…. Not only because he was a Roman citizen, but because he perceived he was some extraordinary person; and chiefly because he was moved there unto by a superior influence, that Satan might not have his end; and that the will of God might be fulfilled, that he should go to Rome, and there bear a testimony of Christ.
Kept them from their purpose; would not suffer them to execute their design, restrained them from it, and laid his commands upon them to the contrary.
And commanded that they which could swim, should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land; which some restrain to the Roman soldiers, as if the centurion’s speech was only directed to them; though it seems rather to have respect to the whole company, the mariners, who generally can swim, and the soldiers, as many of them as could, and the rest of the prisoners or passengers; though it may be, he might chiefly regard the soldiers, who were usually learned to swim, that they might the more readily pass rivers, in their marches, where they could find no bridges, that so he might be the sooner rid of them, and break their purpose.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
To save Paul ( ). Effective first aorist active infinitive of . And no wonder for the centurion knew now how much they all owed to Paul.
Stayed them from their purpose ( .) Ablative case of after (from , to hinder, common verb).
And get first to land ( ). This classic verb occurs four times in Acts (Acts 13:42; Acts 17:15; Acts 20:7; Acts 27:32) and nowhere else in the N.T. It was a wise command.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “But the centurion, willing to save Paul,” (ho de hekatontarches) “Then the centurion,” (boulomenos diasosai ton Paulon) “Being disposed (minded) to save Paul from death,” willing, if possible, to save Paul from death. He had affection, respect, and good will for Paul, to whom he apparently now believed he may have owed his own life, because of Paul’s testimony and self composure thru the storm, Act 27:10; Act 27:21-25; Act 27:33-36.
2) “Kept them from their purpose; (ekolusen autous tou boulematos) “Forbid them from doing what they intended,” to kill all the prisoners. Thus, one man of God, stood by reputation and good will, for the salvation of the lives of all prisoners upon the sinking ship. What an influence for good one person can be, wholly separated unto God, Rom 12:1-2; 1Co 9:22-23. Moses also stood in the breach lest all Israel be slain, at one time, Psa 106:23,
3) “And commanded that they which could swim,” (ekeleusen te yous dunamenos kolubou) “He then commanded those who were able to swim;” The centurion gave abandon ship orders, at least to the prisoners, including Paul, resolving to save their lives from drowning by shipwreck, if possible.
4) “Should cast themselves first,” (aporipsantas protous) “Should first cast themselves overboard,” swimming out to test the depth and distance to where they might safely return, to help others out, who could not swim.
5) “Into the sea, and get to land: (epi ten gen eksienai) “To go out upon the land,” to swim to shore first, where they might later be able to help others to safety, those who would try to reach shore by holding on to some floating object and paddle against the waves, struggling to reach shore.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
(43) But the centurion, willing to save Paul.Better, wishing, as expressing a stronger desire than the sense of mere acquiescence which has come to be attached to willing. The Apostle had, we have seen, from the outset gained the respect of the centurion Julius (Act. 27:1). The courage and thoughtfulness of the night that had just passed was likely to have turned that respect into something like admiration.
Commanded that they which could swim . . .The order which was observed shows that the centurion kept his head clear, and had the power to enforce discipline. It was not the rush of a sauve qui peut. The swimmers were to plunge in first so as to get to the beach and be in readiness to help their comrades. St. Paul, who had thrice been shipwrecked, and had once passed a night and day in the open sea (2Co. 11:25), was probably among the former group, and the order itself may well have been suggested by him.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
43. Willing Determining.
To save Paul It illustrates how unimpressible this company was, that of all the military none revolted from murdering their benefactor save Julius. He, probably, not only appreciated the apostle, but felt competent safely to assume the responsibility of risking the escape of the prisoners. And thus a second time we have the phenomenon of wicked men saved by a merit not their own.
They which could swim Whether prisoners or not. The whole were now divided into two parts, the able to swim and the not able. The first go first, and the last remain until they see the result.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Act 27:43. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, &c. Thus God, for St. Paul’s sake, not only saved all the rest of the ship’s company from being lost in the sea, but kept the prisoners from being murdered according to the unjust and barbarous proposal of the soldiers; who could have thought of no worse scheme, had they been all condemned malefactors; and had these guards, instead of conveying them to their trial, been carrying them to the place of execution. As we purpose at the end of this book to make some general observations upon it, with respect to the proofs which it affords of the truth of Christianity, we will anticipate a little, and subjoin he
Inferences on ch. 27: and 28:How great is the force of a virtuous character and a worthy and honourable behaviour, towards engaging the esteem of all around us! Julius the centurion conceives a reverence and affection for St. Paul, which, as in the beginning of this dangerous voyage it procured him the satisfaction of conversing with his friends at Sidon, and receiving the fruit of their affection, so was it, in the progress of the voyage, the occasion of saving this great apostle’s life, and with it that of the rest of the prisoners. Let us learn thus to soften the fierce, and to convince the prejudiced; humbly trusting in that God, who, if our ways please him, can turn our enemies into friends, and preserve and bless us by means of those who were intended to be only the instruments of affliction.
From the account which is here given us of the danger and distress suffered by St. Paul and his companions, let us learn to pity those, who, being providentially engaged in a sea-faring life, are often in such deaths as these. When we hear the stormy winds raging around us, let us send up, as it were upon their rapid wings, our compassionate cries to the Almighty who holdeth them all in his grasp, (Pro 30:4.) that he would help and save those, who are ready to be swallowed up alive in a watery grave; and perhaps many of them, while just on the brink of eternity, in the number of those who are of all others most unprepared for it!
Alas! to what perils will persons expose themselves, either to raise a fortune, or to gain a livelihood, or in obedience to the commands of men! yet how few are there who would expose themselves to the same for the sake of God! They commit their all to the mercy of the waves; they trust their life to a plank,to a pilot; and yet it is often with great difficulty that they can trust themselves to the providence of that God, whose knowledge, goodness and power, are infinite, and the visible effects of which they have so many times experienced.
Happy the man, in whatever extremities of danger he may be circumstanced, who is conscious of a relation to the God of heaven, as his God and his Fatherwho can say, like St. Paul, in this blessed parenthesis, whose I am, and whom I serve! May we be enabled to use the same language, to take the comfort of it, and commit ourselves to the guardian care of our God with cheerfulness. Let our faith put a reality into all his promises. Thus may we continually encourage ourselves in our God; nor will the event in that case shame our hopes; but we shall find, by happy experience, that perseveringly cleaving to this faithful God, he will not only save us from ruin, but conduct us to joy, as well as to safety everlasting.
The conduct of St. Paul offers a remarkable illustration of the obligations we are under, to use the most proper means for security and success, even while we are committing ourselves to the care of divine Providence, and waiting the accomplishment of God’s own promises: for it would be most unreasonable to imagine that he ever intended any promise to encourage rational creatures to act in a wild and irrational manner, or to remain inactive, when he has given them natural capacities of doing something, at least, for their own benefit. It is in exerting these capacities, that we are to expect his powerful aid; and all the grace, beauty, and wisdom of the promise, would be lost if we were to take it in any other view. To abuse it in a contrary view, is at best vain and dangerous presumption, if all pretence to relying upon it be not profane hypocrisy.
How solicitous are men in danger, for the preservation of this perishing life. They cast out their goods in a storm; they throw away the tackling of the ship to lighten it, and for many succeeding days can abstain even from eating their accustomed bread. O when shall we see a solicitude any thing like this, about the concerns of their never-dying souls! Alas! amid the extremest danger, they are rather like those, who in such a storm as is here described, sleep on the top of the mast: (Pro 23:34.) Let us not wonder therefore, if when awakened on a sudden, and made to see and feel the extremity of their case, they are for a while taken off from attending to their secular affairs; nor rashly censure that as madness, which may be the first entrance of true wisdom into their minds.
We see how cheerful St. Paul was, amid the rage of winds and waves, under a sense of the faithful care of his God; and how the assurance which he gave the rest, that their lives should be preserved, animated them to eat their bread with cheerfulness. It was to St. Paul that the lives of those who sailed with him were given. And his fellow-prisoners owed to him a double preservationboth from the sword, and from the sea. To be a prisoner in the company of a Paul, is a privilege preferable to liberty. Thus may a relation to God’s faithful servants, and a community of interests with them, prove the means of great temporal advantages, even to those who know not God themselves. Happy these men, had they known that he was also still more truly the minister of an eternal salvation! Surely after so many remarkable circumstances pointing out the apostle to the company of this ship as a teacher commissioned by God, and favoured with extraordinary intercourses with him, they must have been very inexcusable, if they did not henceforward commence his attentive hearers and disciples; and yet, though they all escape safe to land on St. Paul’s account, according to his prediction in the name of God, we hear not one word of gratitude and acknowledgment either to the Almighty preserver, or to him.
The customs of Greece and Rome taught them to call every nation but their own barbarous; but surely the generosity which the uncultivated inhabitants of Malta shewed, was far more valuable than all the varnish which the politest education could give, where it taught not humanity and compassion. It is with pleasure we trace among them the force of conscience and the belief of Providence, which some more learned people have stupidly thought it philosophy to despise;yet they erred, as every one must err, in concluding that calamities are always to be interpreted as divine judgements. Let us guard against the same mistake, lest, like them, we unwarily censure not only the innocent but the excellent of the earth; candidly willing to correct and confess our erroneous sentiments when means of better information offer, and studious to adjust our notions of men’s characters according to truth, that so we may neither falsely calumniate nor fondly deify them, but judge righteous judgment.
Happy wreck, on the ruins of which the temple of the Lord was built, and by occasion whereof barbarians were transformed into Christians! Who can say how many distempered minds were healed, how many sons and daughters born to God and to glory, in these three months spent in Malta by St. Paul and St. Luke? For modest as that beloved physician of souls as well as of bodies is in every thing relating to himself, we cannot imagine that he was inactive or unsuccessful in his pious labours of love.
It is most extremely probable, that the indulgence shewn to St. Paul at Rome, the remains of liberty which he enjoyed while in bonds there, and the much more valued opportunities of usefulness which that liberty gave him, were in some degree at least owing to the experience and report of these extraordinary events. Thus, O Lord! shalt thou lead us into whatever difficulties and dangers thou pleasest, and we will cheerfully wait the happy event which shall at length prove the wisdom and kindness of thy most mysterious conduct. In the mean time, even while travelling in the bonds of affliction, may we see thine hand in all the countenance which we meet with from our Christian brethren. Cheered with their converse and friendly offices, may we, like the blessed apostle, thank thee and take courage in an humble assurance that thou wilt stand by us in every future unknown extremity; and either manifest thy power and goodness in raising up human supports, or display thy all-sufficient grace in a yet more glorious manner by bearing us up when they fail us!
Who can avoid observing with pleasure that uniform tenor of Christian zeal, and compassionate regard to the salvation of men, which, reigned in the mind of St. Paul, even to the very period, not of this history only, but to that of his life? No sooner is he arrived at Romea prisoner,destitute,afflicted,despised, but an earnest desire to communicate the blessings of the gospel, to his kinsmen according to the flesh, engages him to send for them, and to confer with them concerning the kingdom of God, generously forgetting his own wrongs, and waving those complaints which he might so justly have urged against his accusers and persecutors.Yet he found them here, as well as in Judea, under prejudices which he could not conquer with all his strength of reason and eloquence. They call Christianity a sect, and maintain that it is every where spoken against. But if this were indeed the case, how far was it from being a reason against embracing and obeying the gospel! since calumny is no discrimination of truth, and men might as well pluck the sun from its sphere, as by all their malice and rage dethrone that blessed Redeemer, whom God hath established by a decree firmer than the ordinances of heaven. That a religion every where opposed and spoken against, should be every where received, in so short a time, is surely no small or inconsiderable miracle;especially when this religion is so far from promising any thing here below, to allure sensual men to embrace it, that it directly contradicts all their inclinations. All false religions have been readily received. The Christian system is that alone which, from its infancy, stood exposed to all the powers of the earth, and which, notwithstanding, in a little time spread its influences over the whole world. What stronger evidence can be offered, that it is indeed what it assumes to be,the power of God unto salvation?
No scripture of the Old Testament is more frequently referred to in the New, than those words of Isaiah, which contain so just a description of the state of the Jewish nation both in the days of that prophet, and in those of Christ and his apostles. How deplorable a case!to be spiritually blind and deaf under the mid-day splendours of the gospel and its loudest proclamations!to harden the heart against the most gracious offers of healing and life, and arm themselves against their own salvation with weapons of eternal death! May divine pity and help be extended to those, who are marching on by large steps toward the same character, and, as it is justly to be feared, to the same end! Mean time, let us bless the Lord that there are many who yield to be saved by grace. To them the ministers of Christ may turn with pleasure, and find in their faithful attention to the gospel a sufficient recompence for all the labours and hazards they encounter in a zealous concern for its propagation.
To conclude. Let us humbly and thankfully contemplate that gracious Providence, which secretly interposed to moderate the apostle’s confinement, and thereby gave him an opportunity of performing various and extensive services to the church, of which he must otherwise have been incapable. Thus it is that the wrath of man praises God, and the remainder of it he restrains (Psa 76:10.). The sacred history now closing upon us, affords many illustrations of this remark of the Psalmist. May we be duly thankful for this history; and while we peruse its important contents, let us indulge those reflections which so obviously arise from them, to establish our faith in the gospel, and to quicken our obedience to its laws. Amen.
REFLECTIONS.1st, How long St. Paul continued at Caesarea, is not said; probably on the first opportunity he was shipped for Rome. We have,
1. His embarkation. St. Paul and some other prisoners were put on board a ship of Adramyttium, under the care of one Julius, a centurion of the legion which bore the name of Augustus. St. Luke the evangelist, and Aristarchus a Macedonian, accompanied the apostle, whose presence and society could not but be a singular blessing to him in this tedious voyage.
2. His progress. The next day after they sailed, they touched at Sidon; where Julius reposed such confidence in his prisoner, that, on his parole, he permitted him to visit his friends, that he might have the comfort of refreshing himself with their company and conversation, and be supplied with proper provisions for the voyage. Loosing thence, they beat up under the island of Cyprus, the wind being against them, and, coasting the Cilician and Pamphylian shores, they arrived at Myra a city of Lycia. There the centurion finding a ship of Alexandria sailing to Italy with a lading of wheat and other articles, he contracted for a passage, and carried the prisoners, and the companions of the apostle, aboard, and putting to sea, they made but little way, through contrary winds, scarce reaching Cnidus in many days: and, instead of leaving Crete on the left, they were forced upon the other side, over against the eastern cape called Salmone, and, with great difficulty weathering the point, cast anchor in a bay called, The Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea. Note; (1.) In our voyage through this tempestuous world, we may expect to meet many an unfavourable gale. (2.) Though the wind of afflictions and temptations blow hard against us, and we can scarcely bear up against it, if we steadily hold on our course, we shall at last reach the fair Havens where we would be.
3. His advice. As the autumn was far advanced, and the fast on the day of Atonement was now passed, the season of the year began to grow tempestuous, and sailing to be dangerous. St. Paul therefore admonished them not to proceed farther till the spring, foretelling by a prophetic impulse, that if they did they would repent their rashness, and not only sustain great damage in the loss of their ship, but also greatly endanger their lives. But the master and owner of the ship being of a different opinion, the centurion, who chose rather to be guided by their judgment in this matter, disregarded St. Paul’s admonition; and the Fair Havens being an inconvenient port to winter in, the majority of the ship’s company advised to sail for Phenice, a haven in Crete at no great distance, which was made by two points of land that ran south-west and north-west, and was more sheltered from the winds, and more commodious for a winter station.
2nd, In consequence of the advice of the majority, we have,
1. The ship pursuing her voyage with a prosperous gale. The south wind blowing gently, encouraged them to put to sea; and now, concluding that they could not fail to reach their desired port, they coasted along the island of Crete: but the gale of prosperity is often but a short-lived delusion. For,
2. The wind suddenly shifted to an opposite quarter, and a hurricane, called Euroclydon, arose, and blew so vehemently, that the ship was ready to be swallowed up in the waves; so that, unable to bear up against the storm, or keep their course, they let her drive at random; and running under an island called Clauda, with great difficulty they hoisted the boat on board; then, undergirding the ship with ropes to prevent her going to pieces, and fearing lest she should be driven on some shore, they reefed their sails, and drove before the wind under the bare poles. Thus they continued to be tossed about violently, while lowering clouds obscured the skies, and neither sun nor stars for many days appeared; so that they knew not where they were. Note; We should never be too much elated: the transition from the height of prosperity to the depth of adversity, is often very sudden.
3. All attempts which human prudence dictated, they now made use of. The next day after the storm began, in order to lighten the ship, they cast out part of the merchandise into the sea; and, when still the danger increased, the passengers as well as seamen were called upon deck; and the third day they threw overboard the utensils and unnecessary tackling of the ship; when their lives were each moment in jeopardy, they cared not for any loss besides: but when, after all their efforts, for many days the storm raged with unabating severity, despair sat in general upon the countenances of the seamen, and they expected nothing but to be swallowed up of the merciless waves. Note; If men are so prodigal of their goods to save their bodies, when in danger, how much readier should we be to part with them at the peril of our souls?
3rdly, Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity: when we are in the utmost danger he can still open a door for us to escape.
1. St. Paul cheers their hearts with the assurance, that though they gave themselves over for lost, and abandoned themselves to despair, not a man of the company should perish.
[1.] He gently reminds them of his advice which they had disregarded. They should have followed his prophetic warning, and then they would have prevented the danger, loss, and injury, which they had now sustained. Note; Many of the miseries in which we involve ourselves, are owing to our own obstinacy and disregard of the admonitions of our wiser friends.
[2.] He confidently assures them of the safety of their persons, though their ship would be wrecked; and therefore exhorts them to be of good cheer. Notwithstanding their contempt of his advice, he desired to revive their desponding hearts, and to quicken them to rouse themselves in the confidence of being preserved through the divine mercy. Note; Though others involve themselves in trouble by neglecting our counsel, we must nevertheless be ready to lend them our assistance, to comfort them under their trials, or to extricate them from their difficulties.
[3.] He produces divine authority for what he said, that they might rest satisfied with the truth of his assertion, however improbable it might appear. There stood by me this night the angel of God, a celestial messenger sent from that glorious God, whose I am; his peculiar property by adoption as well as creation, and by his special appointment constituted an apostle; and whom I serve, making it the business and happiness of my life to promote his glory in the gospel of his dear Son, and yielding up my body, soul, and spirit, with unreserved devotedness, to his blessed work and service. And this heavenly minister addressed me, saying, Fear not, Paul: thou art safe in the midst of danger; for thou must be brought before Caesar: and lo! God hath given thee all them that sail with thee, who for thy sake shall be preserved. Such a public blessing is one good man; and they who are hated and persecuted of the world, as not worthy to live, are indeed the very persons for whose sake it is preserved.
[4.] He comforts them, and encourages them to trust in God: Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me, and doubt not but the event will confirm his gracious promise.
[5.] He tells them, they must, however, expect to be shipwrecked on a certain island, which, among other things, when it came to pass, would evidence the divine inspiration by which the apostle spoke.
2. After many days of terror and dismay, on the fourteenth night, as they were tossed to and fro by the tempest in the Adriatic sea, the seamen about midnight apprehended they were near land; and sounding, at first found twenty fathoms of water, and a little farther, fifteen: lest therefore they should be driven ashore in the dark, or strike upon some rock, they cast anchor, and longed impatiently for day-light, that they might see in what situation they were. Note; In the dark and stormy night of temptation or affliction, the anchor of hope, which enters into that within the vail, must take fast hold upon Christ, and then we shall find in him sufficient, yea, almighty strength.
3. The sailors, disregarding St. Paul’s assurances of safety, thought to secure themselves, whatever became of the rest; and therefore, hoisting out the boat, under pretence of casting anchor out of the foreship, they intended to make for the shore, and leave the ship and the passengers to shift for themselves. St. Paul, probably by divine intimation, perceived their design, and immediately acquainted the centurion and soldiers, assuring them, that though God had promised to preserve them, it was to be effected in the use of the necessary means; and that if the seamen, who should work the ship, were suffered to escape, they must not expect to be saved. In the way of duty we may only hope for the fulfilment of the promises. The soldiers therefore, apprized of the danger, immediately cut the ropes, and let the boat drive.
4. While they waited for the morning light, St. Paul, the comforter and encourager of his dejected shipmates, besought them all to take meat, and refresh themselves after their toils, saying, this day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried, in suspense between life and death, and continued fasting, without any inclination to food, having taken nothing, at least no regular nor hearty meal: wherefore I pray you to take some meat; for this is for your health, and will conduce to your safety: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus animated them with his cheerful counsel and countenance, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all for their past preservation, the promise of assured safety, and the provision that was now before them: and when he had broken it, he began to eat, setting them an example. Revived by this repeated assurance and exhortation, and seeing him so satisfied, they all took refreshment, their number consisting of two hundred and threescore and sixteen persons: and, being strengthened by a hearty meal, they cleared the ship, casting the wheat of which part of her cargo consisted, into the sea, that he might draw the less water, as they intended to run her ashore.
5. When welcome day-light appeared, they descried the land not very distant, though what country it was they knew not: but observing a creek which ran up within the shore, they resolved, if possible, to steer the ship thither; and weighing the anchors, or slipping the cables, they hoisted the main-sail, and loosed the rudder or rudders which had been fastened, and made for shore: but striking on a shoal where two currents met, the prow stuck fast, and, the waves dashing on the stern, she soon went to pieces.
6. In this extremity, the inhuman soldiers proposed the bloody expedient of murdering all the prisoners, lest any of them should escape, and they become answerable for them: a shocking proposal! But the centurion, who now saw more reason than ever to value St. Paul, would not for his sake permit so cruel a project to be executed; and therefore commanded every one to consult in the best manner possible for his own safety; whereupon, some by swimming, and others on part of the wreck, got safe to shore; and not one person of the whole company was drowned, according to St. Paul’s prediction. Note; After long beating on life’s tempestuous ocean, though we leave earth and all its things behind us, yet, if faithful unto death, we shall not regret their loss, when we feel ourselves entered into the land of rest which remaineth for the people of God.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea , and get to land:
Ver. 43. Willing to save Paul ] By whom he had been hitherto saved; and in whom he saw that goodness that could not but attract all hearts not congealed into steel and adamant. I read of a monster, who that night that his prince pardoned and released him, got out and slew him; this was Michael Balbus. (Zonaras in Annal.) Such another was bloody Bonner, active in bringing the Lord Cromwell (who had been his great patron) to an untimely death. In like sort dealt Bishop Watson by Mr Rough, and Bishop Bourn by Mr Bradford, who had saved their lives with the hazard of their own. William Parry was for burglary condemned to die, but saved by Queen Elizabeth’s pardon; this ungrateful man afterwards sought to requite her, by vowing her death, A. D. 1584, and was therefore worthily executed as a traitor; and indeed hanging was too good for him. (Speed.) The senate of Basil first tortured, and then burnt to ashes, a villain called Paulus Sutor, that murdered an old man that had done him many fatherlike courtesies, A.D. 1565, as judging, that to render evil for evil is brutish, but to render evil for good is devilish. (Lonicer.) Lycurgus the Lacedaemonian lawgiver would make no law against such, quod prodigiosa res esset beneficium non rependere, because it could not be imagined that any would be so unworthy as not to recompense one kindness with another. If this centurion should have done otherwise than he did in saving Paul, by whose prayers and for whoso sake he and his company had escaped, no time would have worn out his utter disgrace and infamy.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
43. ] is reflective, sc. .
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Act 27:43 . : “desiring,” R.V.; the centurion had from the first, Act 27:3 , treated Paul with respect, and the respect had no doubt been deepened by the prisoner’s bearing in the hour of danger, and he would naturally wish to save the man to whom he owed his own safety, and that of the whole crew. , even if he cared little for the rest he was determined “to save Paul to the end,” literally, so C. and H. There is no reason whatever to regard the words . . as an interpolation. .: only here with this construction, accusative of person and genitive of thing, but similar usage in Xenophon, Polybius. For the resultative aorist, i.e. , the aorist of a verb whose present implies effort or intention, commonly denoting the success of the effort, cf. also Mat 27:20 , Act 7:36 , Burton, p. 21. . : probably Paul was amongst the number; he had thrice been shipwrecked, and had passed a day and a night in the open sea, 2Co 11:25 (Felten, Plumptre). : four times in Acts, nowhere else in N.T., Act 13:42 , Act 17:15 , Act 20:7 . : “should cast themselves overboard and get first to the land,” R.V., where they could help the others to safety, so Breusing, Goerne, Renan; A.V. not so expressive, : here used reflexively, see instance in Wetstein.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
willing = purposing. Greek. boulomai. App-102.
save. Greek. diasozo. See Mat 14:36.
kept = hindered.
purpose. Greek. boulema. App-102. Only here and Rom 9:19.
could = were able to.
swim. Greek. kolumbao. Only here. Compare Act 27:42.
should, &c. = having first cast (themselves) overboard. Greek. aporrhipto. Only here.
and get. Literally should go forth. Greek. exeimi. See Act 13:42.
to = upon. Greek. epi. App-104.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
43.] is reflective, sc. .
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Act 27:43. ) viz. .
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
willing: Act 27:3, Act 27:11, Act 27:31, Act 23:10, Act 23:24, Pro 16:7, 2Co 11:25
Reciprocal: Jer 26:24 – that Jer 40:5 – gave him Mat 8:5 – a centurion Mat 27:54 – the centurion Mar 15:39 – the centurion Luk 7:2 – centurion’s Act 10:1 – a centurion Act 22:25 – the centurion Act 28:16 – the centurion
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
3
Act 27:43. Paul was one of the prisoners and would have shared the fate of the others, had the soldiers been suffered to carry out their purpose. Whether the centurion cared much for the other prisoners we are not told. But his respect for the apostle Paul moved him to dissuade the soldiers from their evil design. Instead, he gave orders for all to get to land in whatever way they could.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Act 27:43. The centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose. This is singularly true to the spirit of the whole course of the narrative. We have here a new indication of the charm and power which St. Paul exercised over the minds of those with whom he came in contact. It seems that Julius was very willing that the other prisoners should have been killed, but he wished to secure the safety of Paul ( ) Thus the other prisoners owed their lives to the apostle. It is possible, indeed, that the centurion was more sanguine than the soldiers were of the probability of their lives being saved; but this would be only another proof of the influence gained over him by the apostle.
Commanded. This military order may have been of great importance at this moment of hesitation, when many may have feared to go through the breakers, and try to get to land.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
43, 44. But God had a purpose and a promise to fulfill, which did not admit of such a disposition of the prisoners, and the more cultivated nature of the centurion was the means of saving them. The incidents of the voyage had made an impression upon his mind most favorable to Paul, and he would not ignore the gratitude which he owed him. (43) “But the centurion, determined to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded those who could swim to cast themselves out and go first to land; (44) and the remainder, some on boards, and some on fragments of the ship. And thus it came to pass that all escaped safe to land.” Paul’s last prediction was literally fulfilled, and his fellow-prisoners owed their lives to the centurion’s partiality for him.
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
43. But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, prohibited them from the Counsel, and commanded those who were able to swim, first casting themselves overboard, to go out to the land,
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 43
And commanded. It appears, from this and several former expressions, that Julius, and not the master of the ship, was the commanding officer during the voyage.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
27:43 {13} But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from [their] purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast [themselves] first [into the sea], and get to land:
(13) God finds even amongst his enemies those whose help he uses to preserve his own.