Acts 27:11
Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπείθετο
believed
G3982
ἐπείθετο
believed
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
9 of 16
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὸ
by
G5259
ὑπὸ
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
13 of 16
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ezekiel 33:4Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head.Hebrews 11:7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.Proverbs 27:12A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished.Acts 27:21But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.Revelation 18:17For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,2 Kings 6:10And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.
Historical Context
Centurion Julius of the Augustan cohort commanded the prisoner transport. As a Roman officer, he naturally trusted the ship's professionals over a Jewish prisoner, however respected. The owner's economic motivation was massive—grain ships were expensive vessels carrying Rome's crucial food supply from Egyptian harvests.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of life do you trust professional credentials more than Scripture or spiritual discernment?
- How has God used unexpected or 'uncredentialed' people to speak truth into your circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul—A tragic choice prioritizing professional expertise over prophetic warning. The 'master' (κυβερνήτης, kybernētēs, pilot/helmsman) and 'owner' (ναύκληρος, nauklēros) had navigational authority and financial interest in continuing. Human nature defaults to credentialed experts, yet God often speaks through unexpected vessels—prisoners, fishermen, tent-makers. This verse foreshadows the costly consequences of dismissing divine wisdom for human credentials. The centurion's later respect for Paul (27:43) shows how crisis reveals true authority.