December 14: Acts 27-28

December 14, Acts 27-28

Acts Continued…

Acts 24 Paul Sails for Rome. Paul and a bunch of other prisoners were put on a boat that was set to sail along the coast of Asia. This was not the best time of year to be sailing and Paul said to them, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” They didn't listen to Paul, instead they listened to the pilot and the ships owner.

The Storm at Sea. Then they encountered a fierce wind storm, known as a Northeaster. I live in the Pacific Northwest, and when we get a Northeaster, it is horrible. Below freezing temperatures and gusts up to 100mph on land - couldn't imagine one on the ocean… it got so bad, they brought the lifeboat onto their ship and threw a bunch of their stuff overboard, including their cargo and tackle. It seemed as though this journey was hopeless. Paul encouraged all the men on board as he told them, “For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island.” What an incredible opportunity - to man, everything looked hopeless. To God - it was part of His purpose. The sailors were doing depth testing and they were getting closer to shallow waters. They were afraid of hitting some rocks and sinking. Paul urged the centurion and the soldiers on the boat, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it go.” It was in the pre-dawn hours of the morning and Paul urged all of them to eat. “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” They had been without any food for 2 weeks. They ate and they were encouraged, then they threw the rest of the flour overboard to lighten the ships weight. 

The Shipwreck. The ship did strike a reef and “The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.” God will have His way. God kept His Word to Paul and they were all saved…

Acts 25 Paul on Malta They all made it to land and they were on Malta. The people that lived there were kind to Paul and the soldiers and other prisoners. Paul grabbed a bunch of sticks for a fire and when it warmed up  and “a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. They were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw no misfortune come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.” At first they thought it was karma that had gotten Paul, then they just figured him to be a god. Rather, what they failed to realize at the time, is that Paul was a child of the God and God had a plan and a purpose for Paul, that not even a viper could get in the way of that. While there, Paul also prayed for and healed many of the sick and diseased. The people honored Paul greatly…

Paul Arrives at Rome. After 3 months, they finally set sail again, on their way towards Rome… When they were on their way, Paul met up with some Christian friends for a week and then went on their way to Rome… Paul was encouraged because of the brothers.

Paul in Rome. Bakers Commentary finishes the summary this way, “After three days, Paul invites the Jewish leaders in Rome to his dwelling. He informs them about his arrest in Jerusalem and his imprisonment by the Romans. The leaders tell him that they have not received any letters or messengers concerning charges against Paul. They are willing to learn about the religion of the Christians. With numerous fellow Jews they come to Paul’s quarters. Paul explains to them the teachings of the kingdom of God and of Jesus and tries to convince them from the Scriptures. Some believe, but others reject his instruction. Paul quotes from the prophecy of Isaiah and tells the unbelieving Jews that God’s salvation is now sent to the Gentiles, who will listen to the gospel. For two years Paul stays in his rented house and without hindrance teaches the gospel to everyone who visits him.” How does the author Luke finish up the Acts of the Apostles? “He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” Now, go and do likewise where God has placed you…

To sum it all up: 

• Do you ever feel like the ‘storm’ you are in is hopeless? My encouragement to you is that you do not take your eyes off of Christ, regardless of how rough the ‘seas’ get. 
• I know that sometimes the trials of life can seem to be overwhelming - but remember, God has His plan and you are part of it. We usually don't know why God has us in certain predicaments, but He does. Stay obedient to Him and let Him work it all out. 
• This is the real deal. When Christ compels you to do something, you must be obedient.