ACC ~ Acts 27 v39 - 44

OVERVIEW:

The last act in the shipwreck drama is here recorded. Julius, the centurion, now wishes to save Paul and stops the soldiers, who wish to protect themselves from the charge of losing the prisoners, from killing them. The last line of the passage points out the fulfillment of Paul’s prophetic words. In this final event of Acts 27, Bede carries on his concern to illustrate truths of the life of the soul in its struggle here against the trials and temptations of the world. Chrysostom, as usual, respects the course of the narrative and completes his analysis of the transformation of Paul from condemned prisoner to savior of the group of travelers. Chrysostom frames this transformation in terms of revelation, a coming to knowledge of the identity of Paul.

27:41 | They Ran the Ship Aground

A SHIPWRECK OF THE MIND. BEDE: This ship perished because it did not glide over the waves with a smooth movement. Rather it became violently stuck upon the sea floor, part [of the ship] held fast, while part was broken up by the smashing waves. Such, without a doubt, is the fate of a mind attached to this world. When such a one has made no effort to trample mundane desires underfoot, he fixes the prow of his intention radically upon the earth, and therefore with the waves of cares he dashes to pieces the whole structure of works that follow [from that intention.] However, those who escaped on the pieces of this ship made for the land, because, affected by the example of those who are perishing, others conduct themselves with greater care. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 27.41B.

27:43 | The Centurion Wished to Save Paul

THE CENTURION’S DEFENSE. CHRYSOSTOM: Again the devil tries to impede the prophecy: the soldiers wanted to kill the prisoners, but the centurion prevented them in order to save Paul. The centurion had become a very dear friend. CATENA ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 27.41-43.

27:44 | All Escaped to Land

THEY LEARN WHO PAUL IS. CHRYSOSTOM: The ship breaks up in the daytime in order that they should see the prophecy in action and not be paralyzed with fear. Do you see that in this as well [the prisoners] were given by grace to Paul? For because of him the centurion did not allow them to be killed. Those men seem to me so patently bad that they would choose to kill them. But some jumped into the sea, and others were borne on planks. All were thus saved, and the prophecy was fulfilled, even though time had not yet endowed it with solemnity. … And through their own deliverance they learned who Paul was. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 53.