Shipwreck of Paul: Bible Story for Kids

The story arc

Four moments that carry the story. Tap any Bible reference to read the passage.

1. 1

   The Hurricane

   A terrifying, dark hurricane strikes the ship. The veteran sailors give up all hope of surviving.

   Acts 27:14-20Read the Bible passage

   ¹⁴But before long, a stormy wind beat down from shore, which is called Euroclydon. ¹⁵When the ship was caught and couldn’t face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. ¹⁶Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat. ¹⁷After they had hoisted it up, they used cables to help reinforce the ship. Fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis sand bars, they lowered the sea anchor, and so were driven along. ¹⁸As we laboured exceedingly with the storm, the next day they began to throw things overboard. ¹⁹On the third day, they threw out the ship’s tackle with their own hands. ²⁰When neither sun nor stars shone on us for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, all hope that we would be saved was now taken away.

   Acts 27:14-20 (World English Bible, British Edition)

2. 2

   The Promise

   The Apostle Paul isn't afraid! He tells the crew that God promised every single person will survive.

   Acts 27:21-25Read the Bible passage

   ²¹When they had been long without food, Paul stood up in the middle of them and said, “Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete and have gotten this injury and loss. ²²Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life amongst you, but only of the ship. ²³For there stood by me this night an angel, belonging to the God whose I am and whom I serve, ²⁴saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ ²⁵Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me.

   Acts 27:21-25 (World English Bible, British Edition)

3. 3

   The Shipwreck

   CRACK! The ship hits a reef and shatters into a thousand pieces. Marcus falls into the roaring sea.

   Acts 27:39-41Read the Bible passage

   ³⁹When it was day, they didn’t recognise the land, but they noticed a certain bay with a beach, and they decided to try to drive the ship onto it. ⁴⁰Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach. ⁴¹But coming to a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground. The bow struck and remained immovable, but the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves.

   Acts 27:39-41 (World English Bible, British Edition)

4. 4

   Safe on Shore

   Everyone grabs a piece of broken wood and washes up safely. The ship broke, but God's promise held!

   Acts 27:44Read the Bible passage

   ⁴⁴and the rest should follow, some on planks and some on other things from the ship. So they all escaped safely to the land.

   Acts 27:44 (World English Bible, British Edition)

Core truths

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  Abraham and IsaacGenesis 22:1-14