Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

ACTS 27:11KJV
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Acts 27:11 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:11 mean?

Acts 27:11 describes how the Roman centurion in charge of Paul’s voyage chose to trust the ship’s captain and owner over Paul’s advice about their journey. The centurion gave more weight to the expertise of the sailors than to what Paul had warned.

The scene takes place as Paul is being transported by ship as a prisoner to Rome. Paul, having experience with sea travel, had just advised against continuing the voyage due to dangerous conditions. Despite Paul’s warning, the centurion decided to listen to the ship’s professional crew instead, setting the stage for the difficulties that would soon follow.

The Greek behind Acts 27:11

  • κεντυρίων (kenturiōn, "centurion"): This word refers to a Roman officer in charge of about a hundred soldiers. His authority in this situation shows the official nature of Paul’s journey.
  • ἐπείθετο (epeitheto, "believed"): The Greek here often carries the sense of being persuaded or convinced by someone. It suggests the centurion made a deliberate choice about whom to trust.
  • κυβερνήτῃ (kybernētē, "master"): This word means the ship’s pilot or captain, the one responsible for navigation. The centurion’s trust in him highlights a reliance on technical expertise.
  • πλοιοκτήτῃ (ploioktētē, "owner of the ship"): This term means the person who owns the vessel, likely invested in its safety and cargo. His opinion would carry weight in decisions about the voyage.

Why Acts 27:11 matters

  • Acts 27:11 clarifies that Paul’s warning was not ignored out of disrespect, but because the centurion trusted the ship’s professionals more in matters of sailing.
  • The verse sets up the coming events, showing that human expertise can sometimes be mistaken, especially when it overlooks other sources of wisdom.
  • This moment connects to the larger narrative, where Paul’s insight and God’s guidance will be proven right despite being dismissed at first.

Where else these words appear

“master” Greek G2942 · used in 2 verses

  • Revelation 18:17 For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

“centurion” Greek G1543 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
  • Luke 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
  • Acts 23:23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

“believed” Greek G3982 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.
  • Acts 21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
  • Galatians 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

“more” Greek G3123 · used in 81 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Acts 5:14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
  • 2 Corinthians 7:7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.