Tag: Acts 27
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.
Encouragement through breaking bread!
Scripture reading for June 10th: Acts 27
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 27:34-37 “”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 had said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat it. They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. Altogether there were 276 of us on board.”
Paul was a prisoner on a ship headed for Rome in the storm season of approaching winter. He had given the ship’s captain some advice–a word of knowledge about the fate of the journey. The advice was not taken and now trouble had come upon the ship and they had been storm-tossed for 14 days. Paul again gave insight by the Spirit about how to survive. They must all stay with the ship and they also must take some food. Paul demonstrated his faith and courage by taking bread, giving thanks, breaking it, and eating! This encouraged all on board and they all safely survived the breaking up of the ship!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers take notice the pattern of Paul: taking, giving thanks, breaking, and eating! This was the pattern of Jesus at the Last Supper! He did this in front of the whole company on the ship and they were encouraged! “He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night. They asked, and he brought them quail and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and water gushed out; like a river it flowed in the desert.” (Psalm 105:39-41)
God’s guidance in the storm at sea!
Scripture reading for June 11th: Acts 27
After listening to Paul, King Agrippa stated that Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar. But because of that, he must go to Rome for trial. They made arrangements and sent Paul and some other prisoners by ship to Rome. They made it as far as Crete when contrary winds hindered their progress. Storms often lashed the area during winter and Paul, by the Spirit, warned them against venturing further. However, the Roman Centurion listened to the ship owner and pilot and ventured onward!
They had not sailed much further when a strong storm hit the ship. The wind blew for many days and out of fear they threw much of the cargo overboard. Most on board gave up any hope of being saved and quit eating food out of their despair. Paul finally stood up and told them that they should have taken his earlier advice, but he had more if they would listen now. “But now take courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar.; and God has graciously give you the lives of all who sail with you.” (Acts 27:22-24) This time, the Centurion listened to Paul.
As the storm progressed, they knew that the ship was approaching land. Some soldiers tried to lower life-boats and escape themselves. Paul warned that they would not survive if they left the ship. The Centurion cut the ropes! Paul ate some food and encouraged others to do so as well! They all survived following the ‘prisoner’s’ advice! God’s will will be done!