Paul's Shipwreck

Illustration of Paul's Shipwreck
Era
Early Church
Date
c. AD 60 โ‰ˆ Approximate
Reference
Acts 27:39-44

During his voyage to Rome as a prisoner to stand trial before Caesar, the apostle Paul encountered a severe storm that caused the ship to wreck on the island of Malta. Despite the perilous conditions, all 276 passengers and crew survived, fulfilling Paul's earlier prophecy of divine protection. While on Malta, Paul performed miracles including surviving a viper bite and healing the sick, which opened doors for sharing the gospel with the island's inhabitants. This event underscores God's sovereignty in guiding Paul to fulfill his mission of testifying in Rome, as recorded in the Book of Acts.

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Did You Know?

1

Despite the perilous conditions, all 276 passengers and crew survived, fulfilling Paul's earlier prophecy of divine protection.

2

While on Malta, Paul performed miracles including surviving a viper bite and healing the sick, which opened doors for sharing the gospel with the island's inhabitants.

3

This event is dated to approximately c. AD 60 in biblical chronology.

4

This took place at or near Malta.

Key Passage

Paul's Shipwreck

Acts 27:39-44

A39nd when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. 41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. 42 And the soldiersโ€™ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. 43 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: 44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

Read full chapter: Acts 27 โ†’

Meanwhile in the World

The Roman Empire under Nero, Vespasian, and Domitian. Nero persecutes Christians (AD 64). Jerusalem and its temple are destroyed by Rome (AD 70). Pompeii is buried by Vesuvius (AD 79). The Colosseum is built. This is the era of the Pax Romana's later years and increasing imperial cult pressure.

When: c. AD 30 - 100

Key Civilizations: Roman Empire (Flavian dynasty)

Biblical Parallels: Acts 1-28

Destruction of the Second Temple (70 AD), rise of rabbinic Judaism

Explore Related

Characters 1

Paul Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a zealous Pharisee who actively persecuted early Christiansโ€ฆ

Places 1

Malta Malta, referred to as Melita in the New Testament, is the island where the apostle Paul was shipwreckedโ€ฆ