Acts 27:35
And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐχαρίστησεν
and gave thanks
G2168
εὐχαρίστησεν
and gave thanks
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
7 of 15
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 15:36And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.1 Peter 4:16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.2 Timothy 1:8Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Historical Context
Public prayer to foreign gods was common in polytheistic Rome, but exclusive devotion to Israel's God was distinctive. Paul's thanksgiving publicly identified the source of promised deliverance. The breaking of bread (artos, ordinary bread, not sacramental) was standard Jewish practice before meals, acknowledging God as provider. For 276 terrified people, Paul's composed blessing was powerful testimony.
Questions for Reflection
- How does public thanksgiving for God's provision witness to His reality and care?
- What does Paul's example teach about practicing faith visibly during corporate crisis?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all—Paul's public thanksgiving transformed a meal into witness. The Greek eucharistēsas (gave thanks) recalls Jesus' Last Supper actions and feeding miracles. Though not a communion service, Paul's blessing demonstrated that in presence of them all—pagans included—God deserved gratitude.
When he had broken it, he began to eat—Simple actions spoke volumes. The prisoner's calm confidence and public prayer to the true God shamed the sailors' panic and the soldiers' uncertainty. His eating first modeled the faith he preached. This scene previews Paul's later Roman imprisonment ministry where his chains advanced the gospel (Philippians 1:12-14).