Acts 27:23
For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
Original Language Analysis
παρέστη
there stood by
G3936
παρέστη
there stood by
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
1 of 14
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
6 of 14
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἄγγελος
the angel
G32
ἄγγελος
the angel
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
7 of 14
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ᾧ
whom
G3739
ᾧ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
10 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ᾧ
whom
G3739
ᾧ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Acts 23:11And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?Acts 5:19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,Romans 1:9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;2 Timothy 4:17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.Isaiah 44:21Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.Acts 18:9Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:Acts 8:26And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.Daniel 6:16Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.Daniel 6:22My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
Historical Context
Angelic appearances in Acts authenticate crucial transitions: Cornelius' conversion (10:3), Peter's prison escape (12:7), Philip's desert road (8:26). Paul's vision here ensures his Roman testimony (23:11)—not even shipwreck can thwart God's plan. This occurred during the fourteenth night of the storm.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your identity as one who 'belongs' to God shape your service and ministry?
- In what ways has God confirmed His will through supernatural guidance or unmistakable providence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
There stood by me this night the angel of God—Direct angelic visitation confirms Paul's apostolic authority and mission's divine importance. His description whose I am, and whom I serve (οὗ εἰμι ἐγὼ ᾧ καὶ λατρεύω) reveals covenant relationship: belonging to God precedes serving God. The Greek latreuō denotes priestly worship-service, elevating even prisoner-status to sacred ministry. This angelic message parallels Acts' earlier supernatural guidance (10:3, 16:9), showing God directs mission through visions, not just circumstances.