But it was not long beforeThis phrase indicates the immediacy and suddenness of the event. In the context of
Acts 27, Paul and his companions were on a ship journeying to Rome. The urgency here highlights the unpredictability of maritime travel in the ancient world, where weather conditions could change rapidly, posing significant dangers to sailors.
a cyclone called the Northeaster
The term "Northeaster" refers to a violent windstorm common in the Mediterranean Sea, known as a "Euroclydon" or "Euraquilo" in other translations. This type of storm is characterized by strong, cold winds coming from the northeast. Such storms were feared by ancient mariners due to their intensity and the difficulty in navigating through them. The mention of a specific name for the storm suggests its notoriety among sailors of the time.
swept down across the island
The island referred to here is Crete, where the ship had been attempting to sail along the southern coast. The geographical position of Crete made it susceptible to such storms, which could easily catch ships off guard. The phrase "swept down" conveys the overwhelming force and sudden impact of the storm, emphasizing the perilous situation faced by Paul and those on board. This event sets the stage for the subsequent shipwreck, illustrating the theme of divine providence and protection throughout Paul's journey, as seen in other biblical narratives where God delivers His people from natural disasters.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle who is being transported as a prisoner to Rome. He is central to the account and demonstrates faith and leadership during the storm.
2.
The Ship's CrewIncludes sailors and the centurion Julius, who is responsible for Paul. They face the challenge of navigating the storm.
3.
The Northeaster (Euraquilo)A violent windstorm that is common in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its destructive power. The Greek term "Euraquilo" combines "Euros" (east wind) and "Aquila" (north wind).
4.
The Island of CreteThe ship was sailing near Crete when the storm hit. Crete is a significant location in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its challenging sailing conditions.
5.
The Mediterranean SeaThe body of water where the events take place, known for its unpredictable weather patterns, especially during certain seasons.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in TrialsThe storm serves as a reminder of God's control over nature and circumstances. Even in chaos, God has a purpose and plan.
Faith in AdversityPaul's calm and leadership during the storm exemplify faith and trust in God's promises, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in trials.
Community and LeadershipThe situation highlights the importance of wise leadership and community support during crises. Paul’s influence on the crew underscores the impact of godly leadership.
Preparation and WisdomThe decision to sail despite warnings reflects the need for discernment and wisdom in decision-making, especially when facing potential danger.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Acts 27:14?
2.How can we trust God during life's storms, like Paul in Acts 27:14?
3.What lessons from Acts 27:14 apply to facing unexpected challenges today?
4.How does Acts 27:14 connect with other biblical stories of faith in adversity?
5.How can Paul's experience in Acts 27:14 strengthen our faith in God's plan?
6.What practical steps can we take when "a violent wind" disrupts our lives?
7.What is the significance of the storm in Acts 27:14 for understanding God's sovereignty?
8.How does Acts 27:14 illustrate the theme of divine intervention in human affairs?
9.What historical evidence supports the account of the storm in Acts 27:14?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 27?
11.Acts 27:14 mentions a violent northeastern wind (Euroclydon); is there historical or meteorological evidence confirming that such a storm struck at this exact time?
12.What events occurred during Paul's voyage to Rome?
13.2 Corinthians 11:23–27 – Are Paul’s extensive hardships, including multiple shipwrecks, supported by any historical or archaeological records?
14.Acts 27:39 states they did not recognize the land, yet Malta was a known port; how could experienced sailors fail to identify it?What Does Acts 27:14 Mean
ButActs 27:14 begins, “But…,” signaling a sudden change in circumstances. Up to verse 13 the voyage seemed favorable—“when a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained their purpose.” The contrast reminds us how quickly life shifts (James 4:13-15). • Joseph’s story turns on a single “but” when his brothers sell him (Genesis 50:20). • Elijah goes from victory on Carmel to fleeing for his life in the very next chapter (1 Kings 18–19). Each pivot proves God remains sovereign even when human plans unravel (Proverbs 19:21).
it was not longThe phrase underscores the brevity between calm and crisis. Scripture often highlights rapid transitions to stress vigilance: • InMatthew 24:37-39 judgment comes “suddenly.” • Jonah’s sailors watch the sea change from peaceful to perilous in moments (Jonah 1:4-5). Here, God allows only a short window, confirming Paul’s earlier warning (Acts 27:10). The swiftness keeps the crew—and us—dependent on the Lord’s constant guidance (Psalm 31:14-15).
before“Before” points to inevitability. Nothing could stop what was about to unfold. • Jesus tells His disciples, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times” (Matthew 26:34), showing certainty. • InActs 1:5 the Spirit would come “not many days from now.” The word reassures that God’s timetable prevails; He foreknew this storm and would use it to fulfill His promise that Paul must testify in Rome (Acts 23:11).
a cyclone called the NortheasterLuke, an eyewitness, labels the storm εὐρακύλων, translated “Northeaster,” a violent, spinning wind—what modern sailors might call a Mediterranean hurricane. Scripture never shies away from naming real events, affirming historical accuracy. Similar heaven-sent storms include: • The “great tempest” that terrifies seasoned fishermen in Galilee (Matthew 8:24). • The “mighty tempest” the LORD hurls on Jonah’s ship (Jonah 1:4). Each showcases God’s command over creation (Psalm 107:25). While natural in appearance, such storms can serve divine purposes: protection, correction, or redirection (Job 37:9-13).
swept down across the islandThe wind “swept down” (literally rushed with force) from Crete’s mountainous terrain onto the sea, catching the vessel off guard. • InLuke 8:23 waves “swept over” the boat, threatening to swamp it, yet Jesus calms the waters. •Psalm 29:10 says, “The LORD sits enthroned over the flood,” assuring that even when nature rages, God reigns. The island shelter the sailors trusted proved inadequate—only God’s promise through Paul would hold firm (Acts 27:22-25).
summaryActs 27:14 records a sudden, God-governed shift from gentle breezes to a deadly Northeaster. Each phrase—“But… it was not long… before… a cyclone… swept down”—layers urgency, inevitability, and intensity. The verse teaches that: • Calm can change quickly, so we walk by faith, not sight. • God foreknows and controls every storm, using it for His larger plan. • Human security is fragile; only His word stands unshaken. Trusting the Lord amid life’s unforeseen gales anchors us, just as His promise carried Paul through the tempest toward Rome.
(14)
There aroseagainst it . . .--The Greek pronoun is in the feminine, and as the noun used for ship is, throughout the narrative, in the neuter, the difference of gender presents a difficulty. Grammatically the pronoun seems to refer to Crete, and if referred to it, the sentence admits of three possible constructions: (1) the wind
drove us against Crete; or (2),
blew against Crete; or (3),
drove down on us from Crete. Of these, (1) and (2) are at variance with the facts of the case, as the gale blew the ship away from Crete to the south, while (3), which is as tenable grammatically, exactly agrees with them. Some translators (
e.g.,Luther) have, however, referred the pronoun to the noun "purpose,"--"the wind blew against their purpose;" but this gives a less satisfactory sense. Of the English versions Wiclif gives "was against it," leaving the sense ambiguous. Tyndale and Cranmer follow Luther, "there arose against their purpose." The Geneva adopts the first of the above readings, "there arose against Candie," and is followed by the Rhemish, "drove against it."
A tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.--The Greek adjectivetyphonic is perpetuated in the modern "typhoon," as applied to whirlwinds like that now described. The "vortex" of such a wind is indeed its distinguishing feature. The nameEuroclydon,which is fairly represented by such a word as "wide-wave," or "broad-billow," is not found elsewhere, and, if the reading be genuine, must be looked on as a term which St. Luke reported as actually used by the sailors on board. Some of the best MSS., however, give the formEuro-aquilo,which, though a somewhat hybrid word unknown to Greek and Latin writers, fits in, as meaning north-east, or, more strictly, east by north, with all the phenomena described. The earlier English--Wiclif, Tyndale, Cranmer, and the Geneva--all give "north-east," while the Rhemish reproduces the termEuro-aquilo,without attempting to translate. A sudden change from south to north, with a great increase of violence, is a common phenomenon in the autumnal storms of the Mediterranean, and in this instance the blast would seem to have rushed down on the ship from the hills of Crete.
Verse 14.- After no long time for
not long after, A.V.;
beat down from for
arose against, A.V.;
which is called Euraquilo for
called Euroclydon, A.V. and T.B.
There beat down from it (
ἔβαλε κατ αὐτῆς). The meaning of this somewhat difficult phrase clearly is that given by Alford and Howson, and, on second thoughts, by Smith, viz. that a violent squall from the north-east beat down the heights and through the valleys of the island, becoming more violent when they had passed Cape Matala, and compelled them to alter their course, and run south-west before the wind towards the island of Clauda;
ἔβαλεν in a neuter sense, "struck," or "beat," or "fell," as in Homer (see Liddell and Scott).
Κατ αὐτῆς. Farrar thinks it "certain" that the right rendering is "against her," viz. the ship, because
ἔβαλεν could not be used with nothing to follow it," 1.e. he thinks you must say
ἔβαλεν κατὰ something. But as
πλοῖον is the word used for the ship, not
ναῦς, it seems very difficult to suppose that Luke could say
αὐτῆς, and not
αὐτοῦ. It is better, therefore, to refer
ἀὐτῆς to
Κρήτη, and either to understand it "down it," like
κατ Οὐλύμποιοκαρήνων, "down the heights of Olympus;"
κατὰ πέτρης, "down the
rock," etc., or simply "against
it," as in the A.V., which obviates Dr. Farrar's objection. If taken in the sense of "down" there is the same idea of a squall "rushing down" from the hills into the lake, in
Luke 8:23; and again in ver. 33 of the same chapter St. Luke tells us how the swine rushed
κατὰ τοῦκρημνοῦ, "down the steep," into the lake.
A tempestuous wind;
ἄνεμος τυφωνικός, only here, and not found in Greek writers; but the substantive
τυφώς τυφῶνος, is common for a "furious storm" or "whirlwind."
Euraquilo. Compounded - after the analogy
of Euronotus, the south-east wind - of
Eurus, the east wind, and
Aquilo, the north wind, both Latin words (like
Corns, in ver. 12), though Eurus is also Greek. This reading of the R.T. is supported by the Vulgate, and by "Lachmann, Bornemann, Ewald, J. Smith, Hackett, Bentley, Olshausen, after Erasmus, Grotius, Mill, Bengel, and others" (Meyer), and by Wordsworth, Alford, Lid-dell and Scott, Factor. On the other hand, Meyer, Tischendorf, Dean Howson, and others support the reading of the T.R.
Αὐροκλύδων, and Lewis is doubtful. The derivation of
Euroelydon would be from
Αῦρος, and
κλύδων, a wave. Whatever its name was, it must have been a north-easter. Psalm evil. 25 naturally arises to one's remembrance, with its fine description of a storm at sea.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.[it was] notοὐ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.longπολὺ(poly)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.[before]μετ’(met’)Preposition
Strong's 3326:(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.a cycloneτυφωνικὸς(typhōnikos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5189:Violent, tempestuous, stormy. From a derivative of tupho; stormy.calledκαλούμενος(kaloumenos)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2564:(a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.the NortheasterΕὐρακύλων(Eurakylōn)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2148:An east-north-east wind. From Euros and kludon; a storm from the East, i.e. a Levanter.sweptἔβαλεν(ebalen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 906:(a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.down acrossκατ’(kat’)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).[the island].αὐτῆς(autēs)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Apostles: Acts 27:14 But before long a stormy wind beat (Acts of the Apostles Ac) 
