Bible Strands
Acts 27:11
But contrary to Paul’s advice, the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and by the owner of the ship.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul delivers a warning of impending disaster to the crew and passengers aboard the ship. At that moment, the centurion holds the authority to decide whether to follow Paul’s counsel or proceed with the voyage.
The words — κυβερνῆτῃ (kubernētē) translates to pilot, and ναυκλήρῳ (nauklērō) translates to ship owner. These terms identify the two maritime authorities who override Paul’s warning.
The thread — The pattern of ignoring prophetic warning appears in Ezekiel 3:17 and Ezekiel 33:4, where failure to heed the watchman brings judgment. Conversely, Hebrews 11:7 records Noah heeding a divine warning to build the ark.
Why it lands — The text states the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and ship owner contrary to Paul’s advice. A reader must confront how practical counsel and majority opinion can displace explicit warning.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 33:4 Then if anyone hears the sound of the horn but fails to heed the warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head.
- Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.
- Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
- Proverbs 27:12 The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
- Acts 27:21 After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete. Then you would have averted this disaster and loss.
- Exodus 9:20 Those among Pharaoh’s officials who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their servants and livestock to shelter,
- 2 Kings 6:10 So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.
- Revelation 18:17 For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance