Acts 27:1-44
Q.1. What travel arrangements were made for Paul? What special blessings were extended to Paul along the way? What was the journey like? Why was Paul’s warning not heeded? – (Acts 27:1-12)
Paul, along with the other prisoners was placed under the charge of a centurion named Julius. Paul was given special treatment. He was even able to have a travel companion – Aristarchus of Macedonia (Acts 27:1-2). Not only that, but before leaving Sidon – … Julius treated Paul with consideration and allowed him to go to his friends and receive care (Acts 27:3). They started out from Sidon but took measures to shield the boat from the strong winds. They eventually landed at Myra in Lycia (Acts 27:4-5). They then boarded an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy. However, the weather was so unfavourable that they stopped at Fair Havens near Lasea (Acts 27:6-8). Paul warned them to not proceed because the voyage was becoming dangerous – … Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives (Acts 27:10). However, the centurion preferred the advice of both the pilot and captain, to proceed to a better harbour for ‘wintering’ at Phoenix in Crete (Acts 27:11-12).
Q.2. What made sailing so difficult? What measures were taken to save the ship? What encouragement did Paul give the stricken sailors? On what basis did he raise their hopes? – (Acts 27:13-26)
The journey started with promise, until a violent northeaster (called Euraquilo) took hold of the helpless vessel. They tried to hold the ship together with – … supporting cables in undergirding the ship; and fearing that they might run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the sea anchor and, in this way, let themselves be driven along (Acts 27:17). The situation was so grave that they lightened the ship by throwing the cargo overboard, and – since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on, all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned (Acts 27:20). However, God brought a message of hope. Paul was able to assure them that they would all be spared – 23 For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24 saying, `Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ 25 Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told (Acts 27:23-25). The crisis gave Paul an opportunity of testifying to his God.
Q.3. How significant was Paul’s influence over the ship’s company? Did they accept his advice and prayers? How was a threat to the prisoners averted? Were all saved? – (Acts 27:27-44)
After two weeks in the blackness of the storm, the sailors could tell that they were approaching the coast … and certain shipwreck. Some of the sailors deceitfully tried to abandon ship, but Paul warned – … Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved (Acts 27:31). Paul further advised the crew to take food to sustain them, and – … he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and he broke it and began to eat (Acts 27:35). Paul was in control, so was able to lead the hapless crew into the presence of God. Soon they were at the mercy of the sea and ended up shipwrecked in an unknown bay. However, there was a more imminent threat as – 42 the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim away and escape; 43 but the centurion, wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from their intention, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44 … And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land (Acts 27:42-44).