Acts 27:23
What does Acts 27:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 27:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 27:23 means
Paul explains the basis for his assurance: an angel of “the God whose I am, whom also I serve” stood by him that very night. He identifies himself as belonging to God and living in His service, even as a prisoner. The presence of the angel in the storm signals heaven’s nearness amid earthly chaos. Paul’s confidence is not self-generated; it rests on relationship and revelation. This verse gives the crew a new authority to trust—not nautical charts or consensus, but the living God’s messenger. The emphasis on God’s ownership and Paul’s service frames the coming promise as part of a divine mission.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For there stood by me this night an angel of the God whose I am, whom also I serve,
KJV
King James Version · 1611For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For there stood by me this night an angel of the God whose I am, whom also I serve,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For this night there came to my side an angel of the God who is my Master and whose servant I am,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for there stood by me this night a messenger of God--whose I am, and whom I serve--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood by me this night,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For an angel of theGod, whose I am and whom I serve, stood by me this night,
Context
Paul has just urged courage with a specific promise of no loss of life. Now he reveals its divine source. This supernatural reassurance stands in stark contrast to the surrounding darkness and lost navigation. The next verse will report the angel’s words: Paul must stand before Cæsar, and God has granted safety to all aboard. The linkage between Paul’s calling and the crew’s preservation ties their fate to God’s plan for gospel witness in Rome.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Song of Solomon 6:3
I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine: He feedeth his flock among the lilies.
- Acts 12:23
And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
- Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?
- John 12:26
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will the Father honor.
- Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,
- Daniel 6:20
And when he came near unto the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
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