Acts 27:37
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 27:37
37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.
Chapter Context
Acts 27 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, truth, righteousness. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-44: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 27:37
37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.
Analysis
Two hundred threescore and sixteen souls (276 total)—Luke's precise enumeration serves multiple purposes. The specific number validates eyewitness testimony; ancient writers rarely provided exact counts unless personally present. Souls (Greek psuchai) emphasizes each person's value to God—not a faceless mass but 276 individuals whose lives mattered. The angel's promise (v. 24) 'God hath given thee all them that sail with thee' meant Paul's prayer had secured every single life.
The number's specificity underscores God's meticulous providence—He knows exactly whom He saves. This census also magnifies the miracle; 276 people reaching shore safely from a wrecked ship without loss exceeded natural explanation. Luke's historical precision throughout Acts establishes reliability of his theological claims.
Historical Context
Large grain ships (like this Alexandrian vessel bound for Rome, v. 6) regularly carried 200-600 passengers and crew. The 276 included soldiers, sailors, prisoners, and passengers. Roman grain ships supplied Rome's million inhabitants; their size and capacity were impressive by ancient standards. That all survived a shipwreck in rough seas was extraordinary, though Alexandrian ships were renowned for quality construction.
Reflection
- How does God's knowledge of specific numbers demonstrate His personal care for individuals within crowds?
- What does the preservation of all 276 teach about intercessory prayer's scope and effectiveness?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Acts 2:41, 7:14, Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 3:20