Acts 27

Acts 27:1-44

Acts 27:1-44THE PROMISE IS FOR ALL:LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF ACTSNotes For Lesson Twenty-Five: On the Way to Rome (Acts 27:1-44)At last, Paul was on his way to Rome, and even though he was a prisoner, he knew that many important opportunities awaited him there. But before he was to arrive in Rome, there were some new problems and crises that he would need to face. Even aside from the uncertainty that awaited him in Rome, he would find that the trip itself was filled with danger and suspense. The Plans (Acts 27:1-12)Luke describes in detail the preparations made to transport Paul to Rome. Luke himself was part of the traveling party, as shown by his use of “we” throughout the account of the journey. The preparations for the trip started well off Paul, with the centurion in charge treating him with favor. But conditions for the sea journey were not favorable, and it was not long before difficult decisions needed to be made.

Luke first tells of the preparations that were made for the trip (Acts 27:1-3). A centurion named Julius was placed in charge of Paul as well as some other prisoners who also were being sent to Rome*, and as the account of the trip goes on, it becomes clear that Julius makes the important decisions when they arise. The traveling party included at least two acquaintances of Paul, in Luke and Aristarchus. The ship made a preliminary one-day journey to Sidon, up the coast from Caesarea, and there the centurion graciously permitted Paul to go ashore, one of several signs we have seen that indicate that the Romans did not feel that Paul posed any threat to them. *There are several possible reasons why a prisoner might be sent to Rome, so there is no way of telling whether any of these other prisoners was in a situation similar to Paul’s, or whether they were being transferred for other reasons. But the trip was not an easy one, and the ship ran into slow going (Acts 27:4-8). Unable to catch a favorable wind, the ship made slow progress and had to alter its course somewhat, moving to the lee side of Cyprus (that is, east and north of the island) instead of taking the shorter route past the island through the open ocean. The ship then made slow progress along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, before making a stop at Myra, just short of Asia. Since the ship itself was heading for a series of stops in Asia, the centurion then transferred Paul and the other prisoners to a different ship that was headed for Italy. But once again, the winds were not favorable, and Luke says that it took several days just to move a short ways down the coast to Cnidus. From there, the winds again forced the ship to alter its course, and to move around the far side of Crete, past Salmone on the east and finally arriving at Fair Havens on the south central coast of Crete.

All this slow sailing meant a lot of lost time, and called for a difficult decision (Acts 27:9-12). It was dangerous to sail the Mediterranean late in the fall, but ship’s captain and owner both wanted to make up for lost time, even if it meant a risk. Paul, never afraid to tell the truth, seems to have been the only one who spoke up to point out the dangers that the ship would face. But since Paul was only a prisoner, the centurion* chose instead to listen to those who advised him to have the voyage continue, and they thus sailed on, despite the dangers. *The ship is described as Alexandrian, and was probably not a military vessel. Thus the centurion would have no official command status. Nevertheless, most ship owners or pilots would hardly have been willing to overrule a Roman officer’s wishes on a ship containing imperial prisoners. In effect, then, he makes the final decision. For Discussion or Study: As we shall soon find out, the delays and the subsequent risky decision to continue will lead to danger and shipwreck. Why then did God permit it? Could he not have changed the winds to allow them to make more progress? What possible purpose could have been served by endangering Paul and the ship? The Storm (Acts 27:13-26)The decision to sail on was soon proved to be a bad one, as the ship encountered a dangerous storm, and found itself in increasing danger. The outlook quickly worsens to the point where the crew and passengers become certain that they are doomed. Paul, who had advised against the decision in the first place, now makes every effort to encourage the others with his own confidence.

Luke describes the situation as one of imminent danger (Acts 27:13-20). At first, everything seemed fine to everyone except the perceptive Paul. Upon deciding to sail from Fair Havens, a gentle wind began to blow in the right direction, and it suddenly seemed to the centurion and the captain as if their decision must have been the right one. Luke says that “they thought they had obtained what they wanted”, a perspective which is always easy to fall into. But soon they are disillusioned, as a “northeaster” or violent storm arose, putting everyone in grave danger. The hurricane-force winds made it impossible to control the ship, and all the crew could do was to take desperate measures to avoid immediate disaster. They had to jettison a great deal of the ship’s cargo and equipment just to remain afloat, and after several days of this ordeal they began to give up any hope.

It was at this point that Paul took it upon himself to offer encouragement (Acts 27:21-26), and from this point on he plays a major role in events. He says honestly, but not spitefully, that this desperate situation was the result of a bad decision, reminding them of his good advice not out of malice but as an exhortation for them to listen now. He assures them that no one will die, openly telling them of the assurance God had given him. Paul knows that it is God’s plan for him to appear in Rome, and God had now told him that everyone traveling with him would also be rescued from the storm. For Discussion or Study: Consider the chain of events that led to this crisis: the unexpected delays, the risky and ill-advised decision to sail, the apparent good start, the sudden storm, the despair, and finally Paul’s statements. What kinds of situations might we experience that would parallel this one? What lessons can we gain from this episode? The Shipwreck (Acts 27:27-44)After two weeks of constant danger and anxiety, the ship finally reaches land and runs aground. Paul himself is everywhere in the climactic stages of the shipwreck: giving advice, offering encouragement, and serving to prevent the arbitrary execution of the prisoners the ship was carrying. His earlier prediction proves true when everyone finally reaches shore safely.

After two weeks of being blown across the ocean by the storm, the ship began to near land (Acts 27:27-38), as the sailors discovered when their soundings showed the depth dropping quickly, indicating that they were nearing an unseen island. The first reaction of the sailors is not relief, but fear, as they worry that the ship may be crushed against a rocky shoreline. When the crew thus plan a cowardly escape in the lifeboat, Paul himself foils the plan by alerting the Roman soldiers, who jettison the lifeboat to ensure that the crew will land the ship for them. As they near the inevitable collision with the island, Paul continues to offer advice and encouragement. Again he reassures everyone that their lives are safe, and he also counsels them to eat while they have the chance.

Soon afterwards, the ship runs aground (Acts 27:39-44). Once daylight comes, they can sight land, though no one is able to recognize their location. Knowing that the landing will be rough, the crew takes proper precautions, but one more crisis remains. When the ship hits a sandbar some distance from the island itself, the soldiers realize that they may not be able to control the prisoners, and from their perspective it would be better to have them dead than to have them escape. The centurion himself intervenes, only because of his personal regard for Paul, who must have struck him as a most unusual prisoner. Thus everyone is able to scramble to shore safely. The account of the voyage is exciting, and in Paul it also presents us with quite an example of faith during a crisis.

For Discussion or Study: Take note of all of the ways that Paul makes his presence felt during this ongoing crisis. What can we learn and apply to situations we may face?

• Mark W. Garner, August 2002

Questions on ActsBy E.M. Zerr Acts Chapter 27 · What voyage was now determined upon? · Who are “they” of the first verse? · What was Julius? · Was Paul the only prisoner? · By what coast did they plan to sail? · What man was with them? · At what place did they first touch land? · State the favors shown to Paul. · How was sailing after they launched again? · Where did they change ships? · On what vessel did they continue the journey? · How was sailing for some days now? · Near what important island did they sail? · Unto what place did they come? · Were they making good progress now? · State the condition of sailing. · What fast is meant in the eleventh verse? · How did this affect the nature of the sailing? · What did Paul do at this time? · Tell what he predicted. · Whose word was preferred to his? · Why did the majority wish to leave the haven? · At what place did they desire to winter? · Of what island was this haven? · What directions did it serve? · What condition misled them into sailing? · Tell what misfortune soon carne upon them, · How were they forced to sail? · Near what island did they float? · What difficulty did they encounter? · Tell what they did to strengthen the ship. · What were they fearing would happen? · How did they try to avoid it? · What was done next day as a safety measure? · State what caused them to do this. · On the third day what was done? · Describe the condition in nature for some days. · What effect did it have on the party? · How were they observing the time as to food? · What rebuke did Paul then give them? · Also state the cheery words he gave them? · From whom had he received this word? · What definite predictions had God made for him? · And what delay in the journey did Paul predict? · On what body of water are they now sailing? · What was discovered about midnight? · Why did they cast anchor? · Tell what the shipmen planned on doing? · How were they prevented? · What instructions did Paul now give to eating? · State the next safety measure used. · What move did they attempt for landing? · With what results? · What would the soldiers have done to the prisoners? · For whose sake was it prevented? · Give the orders of the centurion. · How many reached land? Acts Chapter Twenty-SevenRalph Starling Time arrived for Paul’ s trip to Rome. There were other prisoners, he wasn’ t alone. After several ports we came to a city, Lycia, And boarded a ship bound for Italy.

This time of the year the sailing was dangerous. The attitude of everyone was serious. With Paul’ s knowledge he gave this advice. To sail now will be risking our lives.

The sailors listened but thought they knew better. So, they set the sails and released the rudder. Sailing by Crete the winds became wild The ship was caught and they let her drive.

The third day they had to lighten the ship. Days passed but the winds didn’ t lift. Paul reminded them of what he had to say, But they didn’ t listen and sailed anyway.

Yes, we are in trouble but be of good cheer. The Lord said, I must see Caesar. True to his word they did reach land, But the ship became broken and stuck in the sand.

Howe were they now to leave the ship? By swimming and holding broken board chips. Is soon came to pass, All escaped and were safe at last.