Acts 27:24
Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
Original Language Analysis
λέγων,
Saying
G3004
λέγων,
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 19
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Μὴ
not
G3361
Μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
2 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
φοβοῦ
Fear
G5399
φοβοῦ
Fear
Strong's:
G5399
Word #:
3 of 19
to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere
Παῦλε
Paul
G3972
Παῦλε
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
4 of 19
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
7 of 19
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
παραστῆναι
be brought before
G3936
παραστῆναι
be brought before
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
8 of 19
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κεχάρισταί
hath given
G5483
κεχάρισταί
hath given
Strong's:
G5483
Word #:
11 of 19
to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
14 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
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.Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.Revelation 1:17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:Acts 27:37And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.Genesis 19:29And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.Genesis 12:2And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:Genesis 15:1After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.2 Kings 6:16And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
Historical Context
Paul had earlier been promised he would testify in Rome (Acts 23:11). This reaffirmation came when circumstances seemed to contradict that promise. The Roman centurion Julius and 275 others were saved because of God's purpose for Paul—a remarkable testimony to providence overruling disaster.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's 'must' for your life bring courage when circumstances contradict His promises?
- In what situations has your presence brought blessing or protection to unbelievers around you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar—The divine 'must' (δεῖ, it is necessary) signals prophetic inevitability, echoing Jesus' passion predictions. Paul's Roman trial serves God's purposes for gospel advance, not merely political events. The stunning addition: God hath given thee all them that sail with thee (κεχάρισται, has graciously granted)—276 lives spared for one apostle's sake demonstrates intercession's power. This echoes Abraham's intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18) and Joseph preserving Egypt (Genesis 45:7). Believers become conduits of God's blessing to unbelievers.