Acts 27:43

41 But the vessel struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was being broken up by the pounding of the waves.

42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim to freedom.

But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, thwarted their plan. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.

44 The rest were to follow on planks and various parts of the ship. In this way everyone was brought safely to land.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, thwarted their plan. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.
KJV
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:
WEB
But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stopped them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should throw themselves overboard first to go toward the land;
ASV
But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stayed them from their purpose; and commanded that they who could swim should cast themselves overboard, and get first to the land;
DARBY
But the centurion, desirous of saving Paul, hindered them of their purpose, and commanded those who were able to swim, casting themselves first [into the sea], to get out on land;
BLB
But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, hindered them of the plan; and he commanded those being able to swim, having cast [themselves] off first, to go out on the land,
ÅB
men høvedsmannen, som ville frelse Paulus, hindret dem i deres råd, og befalte at de som kunne svømme, skulle først kaste seg ut og komme i land,
OTB
Men centurionen, som ønsket å redde Paulus' liv, hindret dem i å gjennomføre planen. Han beordret dem som kunne svømme til å hoppe overbord først og komme seg til land.
B1930
men høvedsmannen, som vilde frelse Paulus, hindret dem i deres råd, og bød at de som kunde svømme, skulde først kaste sig ut og komme i land,

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Acts 27:3

    The next day we landed at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul with consideration, allowing him to visit his friends and receive their care.

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 16:7

    When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

    Read in context
  • Acts 27:11

    But contrary to Paul’s advice, the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and by the owner of the ship.

    Read in context
  • Acts 23:10

    The dispute grew so violent that the commander was afraid they would tear Paul to pieces. He ordered the soldiers to go down and remove him by force and bring him into the barracks.

    Read in context
  • Acts 23:24

    Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.”

    Read in context
  • 2 Corinthians 11:25

    Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea.

    Read in context
  • Acts 27:31

    But Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain with the ship, you cannot be saved.”

    Read in context