PM Home Bible Study Group; May 27, 2009
Acts 27:1-44
Theme: The story of Paul’s shipwreck puts his character as a missionary on display.
Chapters 21-26 have described Paul’s journey from the uproar in Jerusalem to his witness at Rome. It has been an exciting but trouble-filled journey—and throughout, it has been a proof of the promise the Lord Jesus had made concerning him in Acts 9:16 that there would be much he must suffer for the sake of Christ’s name. And now, with chapter 27, we come to the most adventurous portion of his journey. It’s truly one of the most exciting passages in the Bible.
The story of Paul’s perilous travel on the high seas, and eventual shipwreck at Malta, is one that many scholars have studied carefully. An entire book has been written to demonstrate the amazing nautical accuracy of Luke’s report of the story (The Voyage and Shipwreck of St. Paul: With Dissertations on The Life and Writings of St. Luke, and the Ships and Navigation of The Ancients, by James Smith). But one of the most fascinating dimensions of this story is that of the character of Paul himself; and of how this trial brought out his character as a follower of Christ and witness to the gospel.
I. A SUBMITTED CITIZEN (vv. 1-8).
A. The story picks up from the end of Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa (chapter 26). It had been determined that there was nothing about Paul that would necessitate the punishment or execution that the Jews were demanding. Agrippa’s words at the close of the chapter are that Paul might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar (26:32). And yet, appeal to Caesar he did (25:11); and to Caesar he must go (v. 12). Not only was all of this the result of Paul’s appeal, but it was also in the plan of the Lord that Paul go to Rome (23:11).
B. The journey to Rome from Caesarea was—even in the best of circumstances—a long one. Following the course described in this portion of Scripture is best done by looking carefully at a map. When it was decided that Paul, Luke and those who were responsible for him should set sail for Italy, Festus and those with him delivered Paul and some other prisoners into the the care of a centurion named Julius. That his name is given, and that it was stated that he was of the Augustan Regiment, suggested that he was a prestigious and highly respected man. The first leg of the journey involved boarding a ship that would follow along the southern coast of Asia Minor. A man named Aristarchus is mentioned to have traveled with them. He is mentioned elsewhere as a key part of Paul’s support team (19:29); and was later referred to by Paul as his “fellow prisoner” (Col. 4:10). The next day after they began their journey, Paul was permitted to have liberty to visit friends and receive care in the coastal city of Sidon.
C. Then, they put out to sea, sailing under the shelter of Cyprus because of the contrary winds. And arriving at the city of Myra in Lycia, they changed ships. We’re told that sailing was slow and took many days. With difficulty they arrived at Cnidus; and then they sailed under the shelter of Crete. They landed at the city of Fair Havens on the southern coast of Crete. It would prove to be a inappropriately-named city; because it would be from there that the troubles would begin.
D. One of the things to note about Paul in all this was his submissiveness to those who had authority over him. He was a Roman with all the rights of citizenship; but he was also so cooperative and submitted that the Roman centurion had no problem allowing Paul liberty to visit friends in Sidon. He had proven himself trustworthy. We help build a hearing for the gospel ourselves when we prove cooperative, submissive, and trustworthy in the sight of those God has placed over us.
II. A SENSITIVE ADVISER (vv. 9-12).
A. We can already see some of the rumblings of trouble in these earliest stages of the journey. And Paul—a seasoned traveler (and one who had even seen a few troubles and trials at sea, according to 2 Corinthians 11:25-26); knowing that the time of safe travel was already past (it now being mid-September or early October)—advised those responsible for him that to proceed any further would result in disaster. His concern was not only for cargo and ship, but also for the lives of others.
B. Sadly, the centurion was—at this point—more inclined to listen to the sailing men than to the apostle. The harbor of Fair Havens was not a suitable place to winter; and since Phoenix was better situated, it was decided to take the first opportunity to sail the short distance and winter there.
C. Note the growing influence of Paul. He didn’t demand or insist; but he wasn’t afraid to advise either. His motives were also that which would have been favorable to others—the protection not only of material goods but also of lives. Again, we advance the cause of the gospel when we get involved in life situations, and show sensitive care for others.
III. A FAITHFUL WITNESS (vv. 13-26).
A. A gentle south wind blew that would be favorable to the plan of the centurion and the sailors. And so, they set sail. But it proved to be a regretful decision. No sooner did they set out than a sudden north easterly wind called “Euroclydon” struck down upon them. Experienced seamen have written of how the winds of this part of the world can suddenly shift from south to north. Without expecting it, the ship was suddenly thrust out into the Adriatic sea—and at the mercy of the winds.
B. To help with the situation, it was decided to run along the shelter of an island called Clauda—hardly more than a dot in the sea—that was south of Crete. They took the skiff on board, strengthened the underside of the ship with cables, and even threw cargo and tackle off the ship to lighten it. And now, driven by the wind—and without the benefit of sun or stars to guide them—the ship was tempest tossed, and the crew in despair of life.
C. It was then that Paul stood up as a faithful witness. After a long abstinence from food, Paul said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.” This wasn’t mere ‘positive-thinking’ on Paul’s part. He went on to explain, “For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe that it will be just as it was told me. However, we must run aground on a certain island.”
D. Note in this that Paul spoke, with integrity, of the God that he served; and that he also bore witness of how he interceded for those with him. He affirmed that God had promised him their lives. Paul was not silent about the Lord at this key moment; but clearly testified of Him and of his trust in Him. And in the end, his prayers—as he bore witness of them—proved to be the saving of the lives of others.
IV. A PERCEPTIVE EXHORTER (vv. 27-32).
A. Fourteen days at sea had passed. The sailors began taking soundings; and found that land was approaching. Fearing that they may be run aground on rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern—which would have caused the prow of the ship to point inland—and they “wished” or “prayed” for daylight.
B. It was a time of great fear—and foolish things were undertaken. Some of the sailors pretended to let down a skiff; but in actuality, were intending to abandon ship. If this were to happen, the ship would have been left to the care of unexperienced soldiers and prisoners. Paul then—seeing what was happening—advised the centurion that if they didn’t stay on board, no one would survive. And with that, the soldiers cut the ropes and let the skiff drop.
C. Note how Paul’s prudent advice was being heard at this point. Increasingly, Paul was becoming the leader in this situation.
V. AN ENCOURAGING EXAMPLE (vv. 33-38).
A. Not only were desperate measures being taken; but normal needs were not being cared for. It had been fourteen days; and the men had not eaten. They would need strength for what was ahead.
B. And again, Paul takes the lead. He urged them to eat, “for this is for your survival, since not a hear will fall from the head of any of you.” Paul even encouraged them by taking food himself in front of them all. It’s hard to keep fasting when a good man eats in front of you—and exhorts you to do the same. Paul projected hope; and lived consistent with that hope. When it was over, and they had eaten, they threw the rest of the food overboard in order to lighten the ship—probably including even the cargo of wheat that the ship was transporting.
VI. A VALUED BLESSING (vv. 39-44).
A. The troubles were far from over. In fact, it seemed as if things got even worse. They found a bay at the island of Malta, and intended to drive the ship into the sands if possible. But in making for shore, they struck a place where “the two seas met”—making for rough waters. The ship being immovable, the waves began to beat against it and break it up.
B. The soldiers, in such a situation, would ordinarily put the prisoners to death. Any solder whose prisoner escaped would have to pay for the loss with his own life. But as preparations were being made to put the prisoners to death, the centurion—valuing Paul greatly at this point—forbade them from doing so. Saving Paul’s life also meant saving the lives of all the prisoners. They were all instructed to swim for shore or float on boards. In the end, everyone escaped to land and were saved.
C. The careful life of the apostle in the trials of such a situation displayed him to be a man of God. And such a man became a great blessing to others.
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Each of us, in the various trials of life, are witnesses for Christ—whether we realize it or not. People look at us in the midst of difficult circumstances, and evaluate the Savior that we claim to follow on the basis of what they see. Paul’s example teaches us the sort of character qualities that make us to be ‘shining light’ for Christ in the midst of ‘the storms’ of life.