SCRIPTURE: ACTS 27
Bible Verses:
“Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.” (Acts 27:10-11)
“ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.” (Acts 27:23-25)
“Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away. (Acts 27:31-32)
“Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves.” (Acts 27:34-36)
PAUL SAILS FOR ROME (vs. 1-12)
As Paul sails for Rome, they passed through Cyprus, Myra, Crete and Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. Paul warned them the danger of continue sailing but the centurion followed the advice of the pilot and owner of the ship.
THE STORM (vs. 13-26)
A wind of hurricane force called the “northeaster” swept down the island. So they began to throw the cargo overboard. The men were so discouraged that they had gone a long time without food. Paul urged them to eat and assured them that not one of them will be lost. He told them an angel of the Lord appeared to him saying that he will stand trial before Caesar, so all lives who sail with him will be saved.
THE SHIPWRECK (vs. 27-44)
Some men attempted to abandon the ship. Paul said to the centurion and soldiers: “Unless these men stay with the ship you cannot be saved” (v. 31). Paul took some bread, gave thanks to God, broke it and began to eat. They were all encouraged. A total of 276 of them were on board and they also ate.
When daylight came, the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent them from escaping but the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. Everyone reached the land safely.
THOUGHTS;
- Paul warned them of the danger but the centurion would not listen because of 5 factors: (A)- Impatience – He wanted to reach the destination as soon as possible; (B)-Expert advice – He listened to pilot and owner of ship instead of God’s messenger. His faith was on the wrong person. (C)-Discomfort – The centurion did not want to stay 3 months at the ship; (D)-Majority rule – he took a vote and Paul was outvoted; (E)- Favorable circumstances – The south wind blew gently, so they thought it was the right move to sail along.
- Lessons: (A)- Wherever we get impatient, we rush ahead and disobey the will of God; (B)-We usually listen to men with knowledge but men with wisdom came from the Lord; (C)-Human nature tends to enjoy luxuries instead of discomfort; (D)-The majority is not always right. In the Bible, the majority is usually wrong. (E)-Beware of great opportunities and ideal circumstance that contradicts the Word of God.
- During the storm, Paul stood up and reminded the men that their plight was the result of not listening to God’s warnings. However, he also gave a message of hope from God that they will reach the destination safely. Faith in the Word of God gives us hope and assurance in the storms of life.
- The men on the boat were so discouraged. But Paul encourage the men to take some food and set the example himself by eating. May we emulate Paul to be an example to the people around us.
- When the ship was struck in mud, the soldiers planned to kill all the prisoners but the centurion thwarted their plan and told them to do whatever means to get to land. Satan tried to prevent Paul from getting to Rome but God’s Word always prevail.
- In many situations, God always want to save people. He spared 276 people from drowning because of Paul. He was willing to spare Sodom and Gomorrah for 10 righteous people. He withhold his wrath until Lot and his family had safely escaped. God holds back his judgment on us because the church is still in the world.