Opening: Think back and list off any major storms you have weathered: hurricane,
blizzard, tornado, etc. Did you have a moment that you feared for your life?
Scripture: Read Acts 27:1-44.
Insights:
- The last two chapters of Acts are devoted mainly to Paul’s journey to Rome. Notice the pronouns again. What does it mean? Luke is traveling with Paul to Rome. Sounds less and less like a prison ship, doesn’t it?
- Paul began his 2,000-mile trip from Caesarea to Rome. Look in your Bible to see a map of this Fourth Missionary Journey or go to http://www.biblestudy.org/maps/apostle-paul-fourth-missionary-journey-large-map.html. To avoid the open seas, the ship followed the coastline. At Myra, Paul was put on a vessel bound for Italy. It arrived with difficulty at Cnidus, then went to Crete, landing at the port of Fair Havens. The next stop was Phoenix, but the ship was blown south around the island of Cauda, then drifted for two weeks until it was shipwrecked on the island of Malta.
- Julius, a Roman army officer, was assigned to guard Paul. Obviously he had to remain close to Paul at all times. Through this contact, Julius developed a respect for Paul. He gave Paul a certain amount of freedom; in verse 3, he allowed Paul to go into town and see some friends. Later, Julius spared Paul’s life (see verse 43).
- Paul was a strong and dependable leader on this voyage, though he was a prisoner. He was both maritime expert and ship’s counselor on this voyage. He has a great deal of expertise in sailing, as he traveled a great deal during his first three missionary journeys. He provided counsel as to their travel itinerary, and even though his advice was not heeded, his natural leadership helped save all 276 souls.
Life
Questions:
- Paul was a visionary man of God, but he was also an intensely practical man. He had not the slightest doubt that God would do his part but he also knew that they must do theirs. He knew that hungry men are not efficient men; and so he gathered the ship's company around him and made them eat. “Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat.”[1] In what ways can you help someone you know through a very difficult patch in their life through practical ways of service that will encourage them for what’s ahead?
Prayer
Focus: That we would not be so heavenly
minded that we are of no earthly use.
