But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

ACTS 27:43KJV
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Acts 27:43 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:43 mean?

Acts 27:43 describes how the Roman centurion in charge of Paul intervened to save him during a shipwreck, stopping the soldiers from killing the prisoners and ordering those who could swim to jump into the sea first and head for land. The verse shows the centurion’s determination to protect Paul and organize the escape as the ship was breaking apart.

The scene takes place as Paul and other prisoners are being transported to Rome by ship, which has run aground in a violent storm. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any escape, but the centurion—wanting to spare Paul—overruled them. He then gave practical instructions for survival, showing both his authority and his concern for Paul’s safety.

The Greek behind Acts 27:43

  • The word for "centurion" (ἑκατοντάρχης, hekatontarchēs) refers to a Roman officer in charge of about a hundred soldiers; his authority is key to the events here, as his decision overrides the soldiers’ plan.
  • The verb "kept" (κωλύω, kōlyō) means to hinder or prevent; it emphasizes the centurion’s active role in stopping the soldiers’ deadly intent.
  • The word "purpose" (βουλή, boulē) means plan or intention; it clarifies that the soldiers had a deliberate plan to kill the prisoners, not just a passing thought.
  • The command for those who "could swim" (δύνάμαι, dynamai, and κολυμβάω, kolymbaō) shows the practical, life-or-death choices being made—those with the ability were to take immediate action to save themselves.

Why Acts 27:43 matters

  • Acts 27:43 highlights the centurion’s respect and concern for Paul, which shapes the outcome for everyone on board and shows how individuals can make a difference even in crisis.
  • The verse clarifies that the soldiers’ plan to kill the prisoners was not carried out, preventing a tragedy and fulfilling God’s earlier promise to Paul that he would reach Rome.
  • This moment connects to the larger narrative of Acts, where Paul’s journey to Rome is guided by both human decisions and divine providence, showing how God’s purposes work through real historical events and people.

Where else these words appear

“purpose” Greek G1013 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 9:19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

“get” Greek G1826 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
  • Acts 17:15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
  • Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

“save” Greek G1295 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 14:36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
  • Acts 23:24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
  • Acts 28:1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

“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;