Acts 27:31
Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
3 of 19
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στρατιώταις
to the soldiers
G4757
στρατιώταις
to the soldiers
Strong's:
G4757
Word #:
8 of 19
a camper-out, i.e., a (common) warrior (literally or figuratively)
Ἐὰν
G1437
Ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
9 of 19
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
οὗτοι
these
G3778
οὗτοι
these
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
11 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
μείνωσιν
abide
G3306
μείνωσιν
abide
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
12 of 19
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σωθῆναι
be saved
G4982
σωθῆναι
be saved
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
17 of 19
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Roman centurions commanded approximately 80-100 soldiers and held significant authority. Julius (Acts 27:1) had shown Paul kindness throughout the journey. Paul's credibility stemmed from accurately predicting the disaster (27:10) and demonstrating calm confidence during the storm. His word now carried weight the angel's promise had confirmed.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's promises require our active participation rather than passive presumption?
- When has proven faithfulness in crisis given you spiritual authority to speak into difficult situations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved—Paul's warning that salvation required the sailors' presence demonstrates conditional divine promises. The Greek sōthēnai (be saved) here means physical deliverance, yet illustrates the theological principle that God's promises demand human cooperation. God had promised (v. 24) no loss of life, but this didn't make human expertise unnecessary.
Paul's spiritual authority now commanded military attention—the centurion Julius trusted Paul over experienced sailors. This reversal shows how proven character and divine vindication earn respect even from pagan authorities. The warning also reveals Paul's practical wisdom; he recognized professional skill as God's appointed means of deliverance.