New Testament
Acts 27:21
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After everyone had gone a long time without eating, Paul stood up among them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not sailed from Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss.
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But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
What Acts 27:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Paul addresses the crew after a long period without food. He reminds them that he had warned them against sailing from Crete, suggesting that their decision led to the current crisis. His words highlight the importance of listening to wise counsel, especially in difficult situations. Paul’s experience serves as a reminder that ignoring good advice can lead to unnecessary hardship. The crew is facing danger and loss because they did not heed his warning. This moment emphasizes the value of communication and the consequences of choices made in haste. Paul’s leadership shines through as he takes responsibility for the situation, urging them to reflect on their decisions. His message is clear: sometimes, the hardest lessons come from our own mistakes, and it’s crucial to learn from them moving forward. This story encourages us to consider the advice of those with experience and to think carefully before making decisions that could lead to trouble. Listening can save us from future regrets.
How to apply Acts 27:21 to your life
In our lives, we often face choices that can lead to significant outcomes. It’s essential to seek and listen to wise advice, especially when making important decisions. Reflect on past experiences where ignoring counsel led to challenges, and commit to being more open to guidance in the future. This can help us avoid unnecessary difficulties and losses. Remember, wisdom often comes from those who have walked the path before us.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Storm at Sea (Acts 27:1–26)
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Paul
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Keep studying Acts 27:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 27:21 mean?
Acts 27:21 highlights a moment when Paul reminds the crew of a warning he gave about sailing from Crete. His statement emphasizes the importance of heeding wise advice to avoid unnecessary difficulties and losses.
What is the significance of Paul’s warning in Acts 27:21?
Paul’s warning in Acts 27:21 serves as a reminder that ignoring sound counsel can lead to serious consequences. It illustrates the value of listening to experienced voices, especially in critical situations.
What lessons can we learn from Acts 27:21?
Acts 27:21 teaches us the importance of making informed decisions by considering advice from others. It encourages reflection on past choices and the potential repercussions of ignoring wise counsel.
How does Acts 27:21 relate to decision-making?
Acts 27:21 relates to decision-making by showing that poor choices, like ignoring warnings, can lead to negative outcomes. It underscores the need for careful consideration and the wisdom of seeking guidance before acting.
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