Acts 27:21-26

Acts 27:21-26

[21] after  long  abstinence  Paul  stood forth  in  the midst  of them,  and said,  Sirs,  ye should  have hearkened  and not  have loosed  from  Crete,  and  to have gained  harm  and  loss.  [22] And  I exhort  to be of good cheer:  for  no  loss  of any man's life  among  but  of the ship.  [23] For  there stood by  night  the angel  of God,  whose  I am,  and  whom  I serve,  [24] Saying,  Fear  not,  Paul;  must  be brought before  Caesar:  and,  lo,  God  hath given  all  them that sail  with  [25] Wherefore,  sirs,  be of good cheer:  for  I believe  God,  that  it  even  as  it was told  [26] Howbeit  must  be cast  upon  a certain  island. 

What does Acts 27:21-26 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul presumably mentioned his former advice at Fair Havens not to gloat, but to encourage his fellow travelers to believe what he was about to tell them. What he had predicted had taken place, and what he was about to predict would also. An angelic visitor now confirmed God"s former assurance to Paul that he would reach Rome ( Acts 23:11). He told Paul that all on board would reach land safely.
"This announcement that all will survive is remarkable.... This announcement is a key to understanding the rest of the episode, for it determines what must happen, and the acts of sailors, soldiers, and Paul are to be judged in light of it. From this point on, no method of escape is acceptable that doesn"t include all." [1]
Paul encouraged his despairing and perhaps seasick companions twice ( Acts 27:22; Acts 27:25). His reference to God"s promise would interest the other passengers in his Lord when God fulfilled this prediction if not before. Faith in God gave Paul great confidence and hope, as it always should. Notice also Paul"s beautiful expression of his total commitment to the Lord: "to whom I belong and whom I serve" ( Acts 27:23).
"The prisoner had become the captain, for he is the only man with any courage left." [2]