But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land,
Parallel translations
- WEB But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stopped them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should throw themselves overboard first to go toward the land;
- KJV 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:
- BSB But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, thwarted their plan. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.
- NASB but the centurion, wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from accomplishing their intention, and commanded that those who could swim were to jump overboard first and get to land,
- NLT But the commanding officer wanted to spare Paul, so he didn’t let them carry out their plan. Then he ordered all who could swim to jump overboard first and make for land.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The centurion, wanting to save Paul, stops the killing and orders swimmers to head for shore first.
Overview
Julius' regard for Paul leads him to overrule the soldiers, sparing all the prisoners. God's providence works through the centurion's favor toward Paul to protect every life, fulfilling His word. Once again the gospel's servant becomes the means of blessing to those around him, even his fellow captives.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 7
- Acts 27:3The next day, we touched at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him permission to go to his friends and refresh himself.
- Prov 16:7When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
- Acts 27:11But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship than to those things which were spoken by Paul.
- 2 Cor 11:25Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I suffered shipwreck. I have been a night and a day in the deep.
- Acts 23:24He asked them to provide animals, that they might set Paul on one, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.
- Acts 23:10When a great argument arose, the commanding officer, fearing that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him by force from among them, and bring him into the barracks.
- Acts 27:31Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these stay in the ship, you can’t be saved.”
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
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Original language
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