Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

ACTS 27:24KJV
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Acts 27:24 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:24 mean?

Acts 27:24 means that God reassured Paul not to be afraid, telling him that he must stand trial before Caesar and that God has graciously granted safety to everyone sailing with him. The verse shows God’s specific promise of protection for Paul and his companions during a dangerous journey.

In this scene, an angel is speaking to Paul during a violent storm at sea, while Paul is a prisoner on a ship headed for Rome. The message is personal and direct: Paul will survive and fulfill his mission to appear before Caesar, and, as a result of God’s favor, all those traveling with him will also be spared. This assurance comes at a moment when everyone on board fears for their lives.

The Greek behind Acts 27:24

  • "Fear" (φοβοῦ, phobou, G5399): This Greek word often means to be afraid or terrified. Here, it is a gentle command, calming Paul in a life-threatening storm.
  • "Given" (κεχάρισταί, kecharistai, G5483): This word carries the sense of granting as a favor or showing grace. It highlights that the safety of the others is a gift from God, not something earned.
  • "Sail with" (πλέουσιν, pleousin, G4126): This word specifically refers to those traveling together by sea, emphasizing that the promise of safety extends to everyone on the ship with Paul.

Why Acts 27:24 matters

  • Acts 27:24 clears up any idea that Paul’s fate was uncertain or left to chance; it shows that God had a clear purpose for Paul to reach Rome.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s care extended beyond Paul to include everyone with him, showing a wider mercy in a desperate situation.
  • This promise sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, shaping Paul’s confidence and leadership during the crisis at sea.

Where else these words appear

“sail” Greek G4126 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 8:23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
  • Acts 21:3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
  • Acts 27:2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

“given” Greek G5483 · used in 19 verses

  • Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
  • Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
  • Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

“Caesar” Greek G2541 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
  • Luke 20:24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's.
  • Acts 25:10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

“before” Greek G3936 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
  • Acts 1:10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
  • Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.