Acts 27:37

Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)

Ons was 276 mense op die skip.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that there were exactly 276 people on the ship during a dangerous journey at sea. The author is not speaking directly; rather, he's providing information about the passengers and crew.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are on a big boat with lots of friends, family, and strangers. In this story, there were so many people—276! That’s like having every kid in your school plus some grown-ups all together on one boat!

Historical Background

The book of Acts was written by Luke, a companion of Paul who was traveling with him at the time. This passage describes their perilous voyage to Rome around AD 59-62, intended for an audience familiar with the challenges and dangers of sea travel in that era.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, when you're part of a large group—like on a school trip or at work—remember that each person matters. Just as every life was important on Paul’s ship, every member of your team is valuable.

Topics

• perseverance
• community
• danger
• travel
• counting
• safety

Related Verses

• Genesis 7:13
• Exodus 12:37
• Luke 9:10-15
• Revelation 7:4
• Acts 8:26

Recommended Reading

Commentary Acts Commentaries → Get This Bible ABA Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does it matter that there were exactly 276 people?

The exact count emphasizes the scale of the journey and the number of lives at risk. It also underscores the importance of each individual in the group.

Who was Luke, and why did he include this detail?

Luke was a doctor and traveling companion to Paul. He likely included such precise details because he valued accuracy and wanted to convey the full scope of their journey.

What does this verse tell us about travel in biblical times?

It tells us that sea voyages were risky but necessary for long-distance travel, often involving a large number of people who depended on each other's safety and well-being.

How can we apply the idea of counting every soul to our lives today?

We can value each person in our communities or teams just as they valued each passenger on the ship. This means looking out for everyone’s welfare and recognizing individual contributions.