Tag: Acts 23:11
An angel’s insight!
Scripture reading for June 11: Acts 27
“Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only the ship. 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.”” Acts 27:21-26
Paul was a prisoner of Rome, being transported to Rome for trial. He was traveling by commercial ships from Caesarea to Rome. While on this journey, the ship faced some ill winds and a very stormy season approaching for travel on the Mediterranean. Paul spoke a word of warning to the captain, warning him of danger looming and the need to change plans. But why would a ship’s captain take orders from a prisoner? (Acts 27:9-11)
As they proceeded onward, a storm arose that buffeted the ship and lasted fourteen days and nights. Paul was praying and an angel of God spoke again what Paul had heard from Jesus earlier (Acts 23:11): ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Faith came to Paul and he passed this word on to all on the ship. Fresh vision brings faith and subdues fear. God is with Paul and because of Paul’s assignment and faithfulness, God will spare the captain and all 276 persons traveling on that boat! It all unfolded just as Paul had been told by God through the angel!
Has God ever spoken to you giving you insight about coming events or dangers? What effect did this heavenly word of knowledge have on Paul and those going through this storm? What was the world view of those on the boat before Paul revealed God’s plan and provision?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for timely visitations and words of knowledge. It is comforting to know that You always know right where we are and lead us through the storms of life or calm them. I offer myself as available to receive words of knowledge and to share them with those needing encouragement. Amen.
The Gracious and Merciful God!
Scripture reading for June 5th: 2nd Chronicles 27-30, Acts 23
Key Scriptures: 2nd Chronicles 30:8-9 “Do not be like your fathers and your brothers, who were faithless to the Lord God of their fathers, so that He made them a desolation, as you see. So not now don’t be stiff-necked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord and come to His Sanctuary, which He has consecrated forever, and serve the Lord your God, that His fierce anger may turn away from you. For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and return to this land. For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away His face from you if you return to Him.”
Hezekiah lead Israel in a revival of worship and repentance. He urged the not to be stubborn, but to seek the Lord for His mercy by returning to God. God was merciful and full of compassion to those who humbly repented. God stands by His people and gives courage!
Acts 23:11 “The following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage for as you have testified to the facts about Me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.”
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your great mercy and for standing with Your people. Give me courage today. Amen.