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G1309 · Greek · New Testament
διαφεύγω
diapheugō
Verb
To escape; to flee through

Definition

The verb diapheugō means to escape by fleeing — to get away completely. In Acts 27:42, soldiers plan to kill the prisoners to prevent their escape during the shipwreck, but the centurion's desire to spare Paul prevents it — a remarkable instance of divine protection through human agency.

Usage & Theological Significance

The shipwreck account in Acts 27-28 is one of Scripture's most vivid adventure narratives, but it is fundamentally a theological story: God's providence preserving Paul to fulfill his mission to Rome. The soldiers' plan to kill prisoners (and thus prevent any escape) is thwarted not by miracle but by the centurion's respect for Paul. God uses a Roman soldier's prudent decision to protect His apostle — a reminder that divine providence works through ordinary human choices.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 27:42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping.
Acts 27:44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.
Acts 28:1 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.
Acts 27:24 And he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'
Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?

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External Resources

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