Acts 27:11
New International Version
But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.

New Living Translation
But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul.

English Standard Version
But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said.

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

Berean Literal Bible
But the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and the ship owner, rather than by the things spoken by Paul.

King James Bible
Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

New King James Version
Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.

New American Standard Bible
But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul.

NASB 1995
But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul.

NASB 1977
But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship, than by what was being said by Paul.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the centurion was being more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul.

Amplified Bible
However, the centurion [Julius, ranking officer on board] was persuaded by the pilot and the owner of the ship rather than by what Paul said.

Christian Standard Bible
But the centurion paid attention to the captain and the owner of the ship rather than to what Paul said.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the centurion paid attention to the captain and the owner of the ship rather than to what Paul said.

American Standard Version
But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship, than to those things which were spoken by Paul.

Contemporary English Version
But Julius listened to the captain of the ship and its owner, rather than to Paul.

English Revised Version
But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship, than to those things which were spoken by Paul.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, the officer was persuaded by what the pilot and the owner of the ship said and not by what Paul said.

Good News Translation
But the army officer was convinced by what the captain and the owner of the ship said, and not by what Paul said.

International Standard Version
But the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and the owner of the ship and not by what Paul said.

NET Bible
But the centurion was more convinced by the captain and the ship's owner than by what Paul said.

New Heart English Bible
But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship than to those things which were spoken by Paul.

Webster's Bible Translation
Nevertheless, the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship more than the things which were spoken by Paul.

Weymouth New Testament
But Julius let himself be persuaded by the pilot and by the owner rather than by Paul's arguments;
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
But contrary to Paul’s advice, the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and by the owner of the ship.

World English Bible
But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship than to those things which were spoken by Paul.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but the centurion gave more credence to the pilot and to the shipowner than to the things spoken by Paul;

Berean Literal Bible
But the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and the ship owner, rather than by the things spoken by Paul.

Young's Literal Translation
but the centurion to the pilot and to the shipowner gave credence more than to the things spoken by Paul;

Smith's Literal Translation
But the centurion was rather persuaded by the pilot and the shipmaster, than by the things spoken by Paul.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But the centurion believed the pilot and the master of the ship, more than those things which were said by Paul.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But the centurion put more trust in the captain and the navigator of the ship, than in the things being said by Paul.

New American Bible
The centurion, however, paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said.

New Revised Standard Version
But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Nevertheless, the centurion listened to the master and owner of the ship more than to the words of Paul.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But the Centurion was listening to the Helmsman and the Shipmaster rather than to the words of Paulus.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But the centurion had more confidence in the pilot, and in the owner of the ship, than in the things which were spoken by Paul.

Godbey New Testament
But the centurion trusted the pilot and midshipman, rather than the things spoken by Paul.

Haweis New Testament
But the centurion paid more attention to the master and to the pilot than to the things which were spoken by Paul.

Mace New Testament
however, the centurion minded the pilot and the ship's owner more than he did Paul's prediction.

Weymouth New Testament
But Julius let himself be persuaded by the pilot and by the owner rather than by Paul's arguments;

Worrell New Testament
But the centurion believed the pilot and the owner of the ship, more than the things spoken by Paul.

Worsley New Testament
But the centurion regarded the pilot and the master of the vessel, more than the things that were said by Paul.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul Sails for Rome
10“Men, I can see that our voyage will be filled with disaster and great loss, not only to ship and cargo, but to our own lives as well.” 11But contrary to Paul’s advice, the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and by the owner of the ship. 12Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to sail on, if somehow they could reach Phoenix to winter there. Phoenix was a harbor in Crete facing both southwest and northwest.…

Cross References
Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Jeremiah 17:5
This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.

Isaiah 30:1-2
“Woe to the rebellious children,” declares the LORD, “to those who carry out a plan that is not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. / They set out to go down to Egypt without asking My advice, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade.

Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.

Psalm 118:8-9
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. / It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Psalm 146:3
Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.

2 Chronicles 32:7-8
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

1 Samuel 15:24
Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.

1 Kings 12:8
But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.

Matthew 27:20
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.

Mark 15:15
And wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified.

John 19:12-16
From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the Jews kept shouting, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who declares himself a king is defying Caesar.” / When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Hebrew is Gabbatha. / It was the day of Preparation for the Passover, about the sixth hour. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your King!” ...

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

Acts 4:19
But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.


Treasury of Scripture

Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

believed.

Acts 27:21
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.

Exodus 9:20,21
He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses: …

2 Kings 6:10
And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice.

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Arguments Attention Believed Captain Centurion Credence Followed Heed Instead Julius Listening Master Nevertheless Owner Paid Paul Paul's Persuaded Pilot Rather Ship
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Arguments Attention Believed Captain Centurion Credence Followed Heed Instead Julius Listening Master Nevertheless Owner Paid Paul Paul's Persuaded Pilot Rather Ship
Acts 27
1. Paul shipping toward Rome,
10. foretells of the danger of the voyage,
11. but is not believed.
14. They are tossed to and fro by a storm;
41. and suffer shipwreck;
44. yet all come safe to land.














But contrary to Paul’s advice
Paul, an apostle with significant experience in sea travel, had warned against setting sail due to the dangerous conditions (Acts 27:9-10). His advice was based on divine insight and practical knowledge. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where divine wisdom is often overlooked in favor of human reasoning (Proverbs 3:5-6). Paul's role as a prophet-like figure is evident here, as he foresees the peril ahead, similar to Old Testament prophets who warned of impending danger.

the centurion was persuaded
The centurion, Julius, was a Roman officer responsible for Paul and other prisoners. His decision to ignore Paul’s warning highlights the Roman military's hierarchical structure and the weight given to authority and expertise. This moment illustrates the tension between spiritual discernment and worldly authority, a theme seen throughout scripture (1 Corinthians 1:25).

by the pilot and by the owner of the ship
The pilot, or shipmaster, and the owner of the ship represent the voice of worldly experience and economic interest. Their influence over the centurion underscores the common human tendency to prioritize economic gain and expert opinion over spiritual guidance. This decision reflects the broader biblical narrative of human reliance on material wisdom rather than divine instruction (Isaiah 31:1). The ship's owner likely had financial motivations, emphasizing the biblical warning against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who is being transported as a prisoner to Rome. He offers advice based on divine insight and experience.

2. The Centurion
A Roman officer in charge of Paul and other prisoners. He is responsible for making decisions regarding the voyage.

3. The Pilot
The ship's navigator, responsible for steering and managing the ship's course.

4. The Owner of the Ship
The person who has a financial interest in the ship and its cargo, likely influencing decisions based on economic considerations.

5. The Voyage to Rome
The journey that Paul is undertaking as a prisoner, which is fraught with danger and ultimately leads to a shipwreck.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Divine Guidance
Trusting in God's wisdom is crucial, especially when human expertise contradicts divine insight.

The Influence of Authority and Expertise
Recognize the weight of authority and expertise in decision-making, but also the potential for these to lead us astray if not aligned with God's will.

The Role of Economic Interests
Be aware of how financial considerations can cloud judgment and lead to decisions that are not in line with God's plan.

The Consequences of Ignoring Godly Counsel
Ignoring advice rooted in spiritual insight can lead to unnecessary hardship and danger.

Faith in Adversity
Even when others make decisions that lead to difficult circumstances, maintain faith in God's ultimate plan and provision.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Acts 27:11?

2. How does Acts 27:11 illustrate the importance of trusting God's guidance over man's?

3. What can we learn from the centurion's decision-making in Acts 27:11?

4. How does Acts 27:11 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God?

5. In what ways can we prioritize God's wisdom over human advice today?

6. How can Acts 27:11 inspire us to seek God's counsel in difficult situations?

7. Why did the centurion trust the pilot over Paul in Acts 27:11?

8. How does Acts 27:11 reflect human reliance on worldly expertise over divine guidance?

9. What does Acts 27:11 teach about authority and decision-making in crisis situations?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 27?

11. What events occurred during Paul's voyage to Rome?

12. In Acts 27:9–10, how could Paul, with no maritime expertise, accurately predict the ship’s disaster when seasoned sailors disagreed?

13. What events occurred during Paul's voyage to Rome?

14. Acts 24:27 notes Felix left Paul imprisoned to appease the Jews; does archeological or historical data confirm this reported political concession?
What Does Acts 27:11 Mean
But

The little conjunction signals a sharp turn in the narrative. Paul had just warned, “Men, I can see that our voyage will be filled with disaster and great loss” (Acts 27:10).

• Scripture often marks the moment people ignore God-given counsel with a “but” (2 Chronicles 36:15-16; Luke 16:30-31).

• The contrast reminds us that divine warnings create a decision point—follow or refuse (Proverbs 1:24-25).


Contrary to Paul’s advice

Paul was no armchair advisor:

• He was an apostle whose words carried Spirit-inspired authority (1 Corinthians 14:37).

• He already had survived three shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:25), giving practical credibility to his caution.

Ignoring such counsel mirrors Israel’s pattern of setting aside prophetic warnings (Jeremiah 25:4-7). Proverbs 19:20 urges, “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.”


The centurion

Julius, a Roman officer (Acts 27:1, 3), held military authority over the prisoners and the voyage.

• Earlier he had treated Paul kindly, hinting at respect (v. 3).

• Yet positional power does not guarantee spiritual discernment; only submission to the Lord does (Psalm 146:3; Romans 13:1 shows legitimate authority must still heed God).

Centurions are often depicted favorably (Luke 7:6-9; Acts 10:1-2), but Julius falters here, reminding us that even well-meaning leaders can misjudge when they elevate human opinion above divine insight.


Was persuaded

Persuasion can be holy (2 Corinthians 5:11) or harmful. Here it leans harmful.

• The centurion weighed voices and chose the majority of experts over the minority of one man of God—common but perilous (Exodus 23:2).

Galatians 1:10 warns against seeking approval from people rather than from God.

Momentum, convenience, and consensus often feel persuasive; truth must be the deciding factor (Proverbs 14:12).


By the pilot

The ship’s captain carried technical know-how and confidence in favorable winds toward Phoenix (Acts 27:12).

• Professional skill is a gift, yet it can foster self-reliance (1 Corinthians 1:20-25).

• Like seasoned fishermen who toiled all night without a catch until Christ directed them (Luke 5:4-6), expertise without obedience falls short.

The pilot’s voice illustrates how experience, while valuable, is not infallible.


And by the owner of the ship

The owner had cargo and profit at stake.

• Financial motives can cloud judgment (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

James 4:13-15 cautions merchants who make travel plans without seeking the Lord’s will.

Economic pressure often shouts louder than spiritual prudence, yet “the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth” choke the word (Mark 4:19).


summary

Acts 27:11 portrays a clash of counsels. Paul, guided by the Spirit, gives a clear warning, but the centurion chooses the persuasive blend of professional expertise and economic interest. The verse reminds us to measure every decision against God’s revealed wisdom, no matter how compelling alternative voices may sound. Choosing divine counsel over human calculation is the path of safety, blessing, and true wisdom.

(11) Nevertheless the centurion believed the master.--Better, the pilot. The word is the same as that translated "ship-master," in Revelation 18:17. The advice was, we may believe, determined by the fact that there was a better harbour but a few miles further on the coast. Could they not press on thither and be safe for the winter? It was natural that the centurion should trust to them as experts rather than to the enthusiastic Rabbi whom he had in charge as prisoner.

Verse 11. - But for nevertheless, A.V.; gave more heed to for believed, A.V.; to the owner for the owner, A.V.; than to for more than, A.V. The master (κυβερνήτης), in the sense of "a commander of a trading-ship" (Johnson's 'Dictionary'); i.e. the navigator and helmsman, in Latin magister naris. The owner (ναύκληρος). The owner, no doubt, of the cargo as well as of the ship itself: ὁ δεσπότης (Hesych.); οἱ ναῦς κεκτημένοι (Ammonius). The κυβερνήτης and the ναύκληρος are often mentioned together; e.g. in Plutarch, Artemidorus, quoted by Alford, Kuinoel, etc.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

contrary to
μᾶλλον (mallon)
Adverb
Strong's 3123: More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.

Paul’s
Παύλου (Paulou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

advice,
λεγομένοις (legomenois)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

the
(Ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

centurion
ἑκατοντάρχης (hekatontarchēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1543: A centurion of the Roman army. Or hekatontarchos hek-at-on'-tar-khos; from hekaton and archo; the captain of one hundred men.

was persuaded
ἐπείθετο (epeitheto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3982: A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.

by the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

pilot
κυβερνήτῃ (kybernētē)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2942: A steersman, pilot; met: a guide, governor. From the same as kubernesis; helmsman, i.e. captain.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

owner of the ship.
ναυκλήρῳ (nauklērō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3490: A captain (master) of a ship, ship-owner. From naus and kleros; a captain.


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NT Apostles: Acts 27:11 But the centurion gave more heed (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 27:10
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