Acts 27:13–26

Storm-Tossed Ship

¹³When a gentle south wind sprang up, they thought they had achieved their purpose. They weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. ¹⁴But not long afterward, a fierce wind called the “northeaster” ^zrushed down from the island. ¹⁵Since the ship was caught and was unable to head into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. ¹⁶After running under the shelter of a little island called Cauda, ^awe were barely able to get control of the skiff. ¹⁷After hoisting it up, they used ropes and tackle and girded the ship. Then, fearing they would run aground on the Syrtis, ^bthey lowered the drift-anchor, and in this way they were driven along. ¹⁸Because we were being severely battered by the storm, they began to jettison the cargo the next day. ^c19On the third day, they threw the ship’s gear overboard with their own hands.

²⁰For many days neither sun nor stars appeared, and the severe storm kept raging. Finally all hope that we would be saved was disappearing. ²¹Since many were going without food, Paul stood up among them and said, “You men should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete and sustain this damage and loss. ²²Now I urge you to take courage, because there will be no loss of any of your lives, but only of the ship. ²³For this night an angel of the God I belong to and serve stood by me, ^d24and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And, look! God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.’ ²⁵Therefore, take courage, men, because I believe God that it will be just the way it was told to me. ^e26However, we must run aground on a certain island.” ^f