This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Acts 27:27-44, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
There was a man named Paul who was traveling on a ship with some other people. They were on their way across the Adriatic Sea when, after 14 days, the sailors suspected that they were getting close to land. They were worried that they might hit some rocks and sink the ship, so they put down four big anchors to keep the ship in place until morning.
The sailors wanted to escape from the ship, so they lowered a boat into the sea under the pretense of dropping anchors from the front of the ship. But Paul knew that they couldn’t leave the ship, or they would all be in danger. He told the centurion (who was in charge of the soldiers on the ship) and the soldiers that everyone needed to stay on the ship if they wanted to be saved.
As the sun started to rise, Paul encouraged everyone to eat some food to give them strength. He thanked God for the food and broke some bread to share with everyone, they were 276 persons in the ship. After they had eaten enough, they threw some of the wheat overboard to make the ship lighter.
When it was light outside, they saw that they were close to land, but they didn’t recognize where they were. They saw a beach and decided to try to steer the ship toward it. They took off the anchors and loosened the ropes that controlled the direction of the ship. They put up the sails to catch the wind and steer toward the beach. But then, they hit a reef and got stuck. The front of the ship was stuck, and the back of the ship was getting destroyed by the waves.
The soldiers on the ship were worried that the prisoners (including Paul) would escape, so they decided to kill them. But the centurion wanted to save Paul, so he stopped them. He told everyone who could swim to jump overboard and swim to the shore, while the others floated on planks or other pieces of the ship. Everyone made it to the shore safely.
Biblical Lessons
- God can protect us even in difficult situations.
- Listening to wise advice can keep us safe.
- It’s important to have faith in God and trust in His plan.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
Mere Christianity
Lewis lays out the core beliefs of the Christian faith with clarity, logic, and imagination, rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Desiring God
Piper unpacks "Christian Hedonism": that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, grounded in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
The God Who Is There
Shows how the God of the Bible speaks into modern philosophical and cultural confusion.
View on Amazon
The Trellis and the Vine
A vision for church ministry centered on disciple-making rather than mere structures and programs.
View on Amazon
The Gospel for Real Life
Shows how the finished work of Christ applies to everyday struggles and assurance.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
Family Worship
A short, practical guide to leading your home in daily worship of God.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon