A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TEXT

                Sensing that they were near land, the mariners confirmed that by testing the waters. They anchored the ship, lest they be dashed upon the rocks. Some tried to escape in a boat, but were told by Paul that unless they stayed on board, they could not be saved. Immediately, the boat was cut off, removing the temptation to escape the ship prematurely. A considerable amount of effort was required to prepare the ship to navigate toward shore in the storm. The anchors that had been lowered to stabilize the ship were raised, the rudders again placed into the water, and the main sail hoisted, with the nose of the ship pointing into the island inlet. As they made their way to a piece of land that jutted out from the island, they ran aground on a sandbar. The waves were so violent, they tore off the back part of the vessel. Eventually, the boat was destroyed. Yet, everyone made it safe to shore, some swimming, and some using boards from the wrecked vessel. It was a harrowing experience, but not a hopeless one.

DIVINE DIRECTION

                The voyage of Paul from Caesarea to Rome provides an index to the manner in which the Lord leads or directs His people. Sometimes it is by a specific word, as when the Lord Jesus Himself spoke to Paul (Acts 23:11), and when the angel of God spoke to him (Acts 27:23-24). Sometimes it is through a governor, such as Felix, who told him he was going to Caesar (Acts 25:21). It is the business of those being directed by the Lord to remain spiritually alert and sensitive of the circumstances in which they finds themselves. There really is no time when the disciple can be slothful or asleep, without paying a great price.

                The directions are generally not through calm and restful circumstances, although from time to time that may be the experience of the one being directed by God. Take, for example the lengthy trip of Paul.

➪      On the second leg of the journey, when they left Sidon, when passing Cyprus “the winds were contrary” (Acts 27:4).

➪      They sailed “slowly many days,” hardly able to pass by Cnidus, sailing under Crete, against Salmone, and into Fair Havens (Acts 27:7-8).

➪      Ignoring the counsel of Paul, the ship set out for Phenice, encountering a fierce storm that required them to gird the ship near Clauda (Acts 27:13-17).

➪      Being “exceedingly tossed with a tempest,” they had to lighten the ship, throwing some of the cargo overboard (Acts 27:18).

➪      The third day, they had to throw the ship’s tackling overboard (Acts 27:19).

➪      For “many days” neither the sun nor the stars could be seen, and all hope of survival was taken away (Acts 27:20).

➪      A special messenger was sent from heaven to Paul, announcing that he would arrive safely in Rome, and that those on board the ship were now in his charge, and that none of them would be lost owing to this storm (Acts 27:21-25).

➪      In our text, the ship runs aground, is wrecked, and the passengers have to make it to the shore of Melita, an island that was hundreds of miles from where they first encountered hindering winds. Some swam to shore, while those that could not do that came in on pieces of the boat (Acts 27:43-44). This was done even though Julius was advised to kill all of the prisons, lest some of them escape.

➪      While Paul is gathering some firewood, he is bitten by a poisonous snake (Acts 28:3-4).

➪      They remain among some barbarians for three months, although those very people treated them kindly, and provided them with the supplies necessary to continue their trip (Acts 28:1-11).

➪      The trip continued through Syracuse (Acts 28:12), Rhegium (Acts 28:13), and Puteoli, where they spent seven days with brethren (Acts 28:13-14).

➪      Brethren came to meet them, encouraging the heart of Paul (Acts 28:15).

➪      They finally arrived in Rome (Acts 28:16).

                All of this took at least six months, and possibly more.

                All of this fits in with Paul’s testimony of the things he experienced while engaged in carrying out Christ’s commission to him. Those experiences involved unusual labors, an abundance of stripes, frequent imprisonments, and often confronting death. Five times he was beaten by the Jews with thirty-nine stripes, and three times he was beaten with rods. Once he was stoned, and three times he was shipwrecked, apparently in addition to the one of which we are now reading. He even spent “a day and a night in the open sea.” ^NIV He was constantly on the move, ^NIV experiencing perils among robbers, his own countrymen, and the heathen. He confronted perils in the city, the wilderness, the sea, and among false brethren. He experienced weariness, painfulness, going without sleep, hungering and thirsting, going without food, being cold, and not having adequate clothing (2 Cor 11:23-28).

                All of these things, together with our text, were experienced while Paul was faithfully and zealously involved in the work of the Lord. This is not to mention tumults, dishonor, evil reports, being unknown, chastened, being sorrowful, and having nothing (2 Cor 6:9-10). Add to that being “troubled on every side,” being “perplexed,” “persecuted,” and “cast down” (2 Cor 4:8-9). How does all of that fit in with aiming for a religious career, popularity with the masses, a lot of wealth, and spotless health? This is one of the princes of the Kingdom – one who did more work than anyone else, wrote more than any other apostle, and traveled extensively, often at his own expense.

                This was a man directed by the Lord. He did not go through anything that was not on the Divine agenda, or was without purpose or heavenly objective. The map shown on this page represents the travels of Paul for about six months – travels in which he was a prisoner. Conservative estimates have his ministry extending over a period of about thirty years (37 AD through 67 AD [Acts 9-28], when he was martyred under the reign of Nero).

                There were few times during that entire period when he was not being opposed, oppressed, or in some way severely inconvenienced. In addition to the physical abuse he endured, it is estimated that he spent at least five years in prison (one sixth of the time of his ministry). This does not take into consideration any brief imprisonments like that experienced in Philippi.

                In the record of this single episode, extending from Acts 21:27 thru 28:31, he endured the following.

➪      He was dragged out of the temple (Acts 21:30).

➪      He was beaten (Acts 21:32).

➪      The multitudes of Jews sought to kill him (Acts 21:36; 22:23).

➪      He was incarcerated in army barracks in Jerusalem (Acts 22:24; 23:10).

➪      He was bound with thongs (Acts 22:25).

➪      Charges were formally leveled against him by the Jews (Acts 22:30).

➪      At the order of Ananias the high priest, he was struck on the mouth (Acts 23:2).

➪      Forty Jews bound themselves with a curse not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul (Acts 23:12-15).

➪      He was transported under armed guards from Jerusalem to Caesarea (Acts 23:22-24).

➪      He was incarcerated in Herod’s judgment hall for five days (Acts 23:35-24:1).

➪      Formal charges were presented against him by Tertullus, an orator who spoke for the Jews (Acts 24:1-9).

➪      Paul was incarcerated by Felix, who gave him special liberties (Acts 24:23).

➪      He is left in prison for two years by Felix (Acts 24:26-27).

➪      The high priest requested Festus to bring Paul from Caesarea to Jerusalem, plotting to kill him along the way (Acts 25:1-3).

➪      Hearing Paul’s testimony, Festus publically shouts out that he is mad (Acts 26:24).

➪      Paul is delivered as a prisoner to Julius, to be transported to Rome (Acts 27:1-2).

➪      They sailed through contrary winds from Sidon to Myra (Acts 27:4-5).

➪      They sailed slowly for many days until they arrived at Fair Havens harbor in Crete (Acts 27:7-8).

➪      Against the advice of Paul, when sailing was dangerous, they set sail for Phenice, supposing it to be a better port in which to winter (Acts 27:9-12).

➪      They encountered a fierce storm, Euroclydon, that forced them to lighten the ship, gird the ship, throw their tackling overboard, and be shrouded in darkness for fourteen days (Acts 27:14-20).

➪      The vessel is finally dashed against the rocks and destroyed, all 276 occupants of the boat having to make it through the storm to the shore of Melita (Acts 27:41-44).

                All of this was under the government of Christ Jesus, and in order to the fulfillment of His will. At no time was Paul’s life out of control, or his ministry put on hold. Yet. His work was fulfilled in the midst of seeming turmoil and restriction. At least five years of his thirty-year ministry was spent in prison (17%) – two years in Caesarea, three years in Rome, and a few more unidentifiable years prior to him being martyred in Rome.

                Thus we see that more abundant labors also yield more abundant sufferings. As Paul said of his own ministry, “Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft” (2 Cor 11:23).

                As indicated in the above image, grace sets the tone for everything in Christ Jesus. One’s labors are in direct proportion to the grace he has received. Valid suffering is determined by how much a person labors. The extent of comfort is according to the degree of suffering. The final reward is according to the amount of productive labor. All of these things work together for the glory of God and the benefit of the believer. One should not associate serving the Lord with a life of luxury and ease.

                Today we are faced with a cross-less form of Christianity. It does not involve suffering because it does not require much effort, not it spiritual life represented as being in conflict with the world. The ministry of Paul stands in stark contrast to this empty form of religion.

   WHEN THE FOURTEENTH NIGHT WAS COME

                “ ^27:27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; ²⁸ And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.”

                For two solid weeks they have been battling this storm. Part of the time was spent in utter hopelessness. However, Paul had spoken comfortably to them, affirming that an angel of God had assured that no person would die in this storm, and that they would all arrive safely on a certain island. Our text will confirm that the spirits of the people were lifted, and their alertness honed to a fine edge.

THE FOURTEENTH NIGHT

                “But when the fourteenth night was come . . .” Other versions read, “about midnight of the fourteenth night of the storm,” ^NLT “It was now the fourteenth night.” ^ISV This was fourteen days of storm, from the time they had left Fair Havens. How did the men know it was the fourteenth night? Remember, the sun and the stars had not appeared “for many days” (Acts 27:20) – how many, we do not know. However, even though the ordinary means of marking time could not bring them to this conclusion, they had found a way to count the nights. While the method they used is not specified, we are to understand that God so directs His people that they can maintain certain sound assessments that are relevant to their survival.

DRIVEN UP AND DOWN IN ADRIA

                “ . . . as we were driven up and down in Adria . . .” Other versions read, “driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea,” ^NKJV “driven about in the Adriatic Sea,” ^NASB “driven across the Adriatic Sea,” ^NIV and “drifting across the sea of Adria.” ^NRSV

                Being in an area where two seas met, there apparently were two different flows of water that, coupled with the wind, moved the ship “up and down,” or directionally two and fro. The dominate part of the water at that point was that of the Adriatic Sea. According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, The “Adriatic Sea, [is an] arm of the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and the Balkan Peninsula. It extends 500 miles from the Gulf of Venice, at its head, SE to the Strait of Otranto, which leads to the Ionian Sea. It is from 58 to 140 miles, with a maximum depth of 4,100 ft.” Therefore, this was a sizeable body of water. At the point it merged with the Mediterranean sea, if was 140 miles wide, 500 miles from north to south, being 4,100 feet deep [well over 8/10^ths of a mile].

                In the midst of such a large body of water, with the motions associated with two seas meeting, and a fierce wind of hurricane strength, the passengers were in an absolutely uncontrollable situation – at least from a human point of view. Yet, a certain change of attitude has occurred because Paul has related a message he has received from heaven. At his advice, they have taken some nourishment, and now they are more alert to their situation, and will be more sensitive to windows of opportunity that the hand of the Lord will set before them.

A Parallel to Spiritual Life

                One of the characteristics of edification is that it tends to encourage, build up, and enable the believer to be more alert and sensitive. It is the Divine manner to draw the attention of those who are to be delivered to their destiny, so they can respond to His direction in a more thorough and effective manner. Many professed believers have had gaping doors of opportunity set before them, yet because their minds were nailed to the earth, they have passed them by, unaware of Divine direction, and unable to hear.

                Our assemblies must be such as sharpen both mind and spirit, ministering encouragement, enlightenment, and rebuke as it is necessary. The impact of such an assembly will bear directly upon the entirety of life, and yield benefits that can scarcely be imagined.

THE SHIPMEN DEEMED

                “ . . . about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country . . .” Other versions read, “sensed they were drawing near some land,” ^NKJV “began to surmise that they were approaching some land,” ^NASB “suspected that they were nearing land,” ^NRSV “had an idea that they were getting near land,” ^BBE “thought they were approaching land,” ^CSB and conceived that they approached land.” ^MRD

                The lexical meaning of the Greek word (u`peno,oun) translated “deemed” is, “to suppose, surmise,” ^THAYER “generally suppose, conjecture, assume,” ^FRIBERG “suppose, think, suspect.” ^UBS

                Although the word is not always used in this manner, in this text “deemed” is more than a mere opinion or suspicion. This was the kind of sense sailors had, and was a aptitude that had been cultured on the seas. Some of the indications with which sailors were familiar are suggested by certain writers.

➪      Heard the waves breaking upon the shore. ^{PULPIT COMMENTARY}

➪      The faint outline of land. ^{JOHN GILL}

➪      Agitation of the water. ^{ALBERT BARNES}

➪      Flight of sea-birds. ^{ADAM CLARKE}

➪      Smell of the land. ^{ADAM CLARKE}

                At any rate, this was not a mere fleeting thought that was wholly unsupported by any form of evidence. This had to do with senses that were the unique property of sailors. Paul had told them they would be cast upon an island, so their minds were the more alert for any evidence of land, and their developed senses equipped them to have the needed advantage in this circumstance.

THEY SOUNDED

                “ . . . and sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.” Other versions read, “they took soundings,” ^NASB “let down the lead,” ^BBE “dropped a plumbline,” ^CJB “threw a line with a weight on it into the water.” ^GWN

                The word “sounded” comes from a word having the following meaning: “a line and plummet with which mariners sound the depth of the sea, a sounding-lead,” ^THAYER “as a nautical technical term heave the lead boli,j); hence take soundings, drop a weighted line.” ^FRIBERG In English the word means, “to measure the depth of (as a body of water) typically with a weighted line <sounding the distance to the bottom.>” ^{MERRIAM-WEBSTER}

                Two times they took a measurement of the depth of the waters. The first time it was twenty fathoms, and the second time fifteen fathoms. A fathom is six feet. Thus the first measurement confirmed the water was 120 feet deep, and the second 90 feet. They were, indeed, approaching a shore.

THE PARALLEL OF SPIRITUAL LIFE

                Living by faith also requires the development of certain spiritual senses. If these senses are not properly acquired, the person will suffer disadvantages and setbacks that could have been avoided. Paul wrote of such aptitudes. “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb 5:14). Other versions represent “senses” as “faculties,” ^NRSV “their powers of discernment,” ^ESV “wits,” ^GENEVA “minds,” ^GWN “perceptions,” ^NET “spiritual faculties,” ^WEYMOUTH and “mental faculties,” ^AMPLIFIED

                As noted in this text, these “senses” have to be “exercised.” Other versions read, “trained,” ^NASB “trained by practice,” ^NRSV “trained by continuous exercise,” ^CJB “trained by constant practice,” ^ESV and “carefully trained.” ^WEMOUTH

                The use or training results in the ability to “discern both good and evil.” Other versions read, “distinguish good from evil,” ^NIV “see what is good and what is evil,” ^BBE “know the difference between good and evil, ^GWN “discriminate good and evil,” ^MRD “recognize the difference between right and wrong,” ^NLT and “discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.” ^AMPLIFIED

                It is at this point that much confusion exists in the Christian community. Due to distorted teaching, how salvation commences, and the objective of that salvation, have been nearly totally obscured. Those who have been “baptized into Christ” (Gal 3:27), “added to the church” (Acts 2:47), “joined unto the Lord” (1 Cor 6:17), and “delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son” (Col 1:13) are appropriately described as a “new “creature,” or “new creation” (2 Cor 5:17). They have been “created in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:10), and’ have been “born again of incorruptible seed” (1 Pet 1:23).

                They all commenced with all of their trespasses forgiven (Col 2:13), being “justified from all things” (Acts 13:39), “reconciled” to God (Col 1:21), and their names written in heaven (Heb 12:23).

                They were raised up and made to “sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:6). Moreover, that is the exact place where God has blessed them “with all spiritual blessings” (Eph 1:3). They have been “made partakers of Christ” (Heb 3:14), and by means of “exceeding great and precious promises,” and “made partakers of the Divine nature” (2 Pet 1:4). God Himself placed them in the body where it has pleased Him (1 Cor 12:28), and each has been given the “measure of faith,” which enables them to contribute to the edification of the body of Christ (Rom 12:3-8; 1 Cor 12:6-7).

                All of the benefits received at the point we are born again, are in an undeveloped state. Just as Jesus Himself, when entering into the world, “increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man” (Lk 2:52), so a growth process has been ordained for all who are in Christ Jesus. It is referred to as growing “up into Christ in all things” (Eph 4:15), being “conformed to the image” of God’s Son (Rom 8:29), and being changed by the Holy Spirit “from glory unto glory” (2 Cor 3:18).

                There is no way to participate in the process of glorification, without going through the motions of growth, or being conformed to the image of God’s Son. The omission of this necessity in much of the teaching of our day is very serious. Shallow teaching, frothy views, and a spirit of casualness are spiritually counter-productive. That is, they interfere with Divine objectives, and are more related to the seduction in Eden than to the work of the Lord. Such has robbed many believers of the things that are essential to the necessary exercise of their spiritual senses. As a consequence, they cannot discern good from evil. Unlike the sailors aboard the vessel of our text, they cannot sense when they are near spiritual land, where safety and nourishment can be realized. They hoist their sails when it is out of order to do so, and leave them down when they ought to be raised. I do not believe there is a thoroughly satisfying way of expressing the gravity of that situation.

Taking A Measurement

                The sailors knew how to take a measurement of the depth of the water. Without that measurement they had no sure way of knowing whether they were going further into the sea, or nearing a shore.

                Even though believers are told to “examine” themselves (2 Cor 13:5), “try the spirits” (1 John 4:1), and note those who “cause divisions” (Rom 16:17), yet it appears that few know how to take a spiritual measurement. Further, it is not possible to arrive at such a knowledge academically. Some people are “not far from the Kingdom of God” (Mk 12:34), but do not know it. Others are drifting in the open sea of flesh, and seem blissfully unaware of it.

                Every assembly of the godly should be an occasion when a depth-reading can be taken, and some kind of assessment can be made of whether we are closer to, or further from the living God.

                The necessity of spiritual measurement is confirmed in the Revelation of Jesus to the churches of Asia. In that revelation John was given a measuring rod, something like a yardstick, with which certain measurements were to be made. He was even told what was NOT to be measured. “And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months” (Rev 11:1-2).

The Temple of God

                The “temple of God” is the church which is categorically referred to as that temple (1 Cor 3:16-17). Does the professed church measure up to Divine requirements. Is it the kind of place in which God dwells, or takes up residence (John 14:23; 2 Cor 6:16)? Is it shining “as lights in the world” (Phil 2:15). Has it been crucified unto the world, and the world unto it (Gal 6:14). Is it realizing the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4-5)? Is the Holy Spirit producing His fruit in her (Gal 5:22-23; Eph 5:9). Is it crucifying the flesh with the affections and lusts (Gal 5:24)? Is she running the race with patience that has been set before her (Heb 12:1-2)? Is she fighting the good fight of faith and laying hold on eternal life (1 Tim 6:12)? Is she resisting the devil, steadfast in the faith (1 Pet 5:8-9). Is she growing up into Christ in all things (Eph 4:15)? Measure the church! Put the Divine plumbline to it! Where is she at in regards to Divine requirements?

The Altar

                The altar speaks of the means of atonement (Rom 5:12). It is where reconciliation is made (2 Cor 5:18-19), and sins taken away (Heb 9:26). Here, at the altar, is where peace has been made (Col 1:20). It is where the people are sanctified (Heb 10:14). What is the church presenting as the means through which men are made suitable to stand before God? Measure her message! Put it to the test! Is she properly presenting the means through which men draw nigh unto God? Is the Gospel of Christ her core message? Does the cross of Christ occupy a prominent place?

They That Worship

                Measure the worshipers! Put the Divine plumbline to them. Is the law written on their hearts and put into their minds (Heb 8:10; 10:16)? Are they living by faith (Heb 10:38), and walking in the Spirit (Gal 5:16,25)? Are they “true worshipers” who worship the God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24)? Have they crucified the flesh (Gal 3:24), and do they rejoice in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:3). Measure the worshipers, even though some may object, shouting out, “Judge not!” Are they pressing toward the mark (Phil 3:14), growing up into Christ in all things (Eph 4:15), and looking the blessed hope and glorious appearing of the Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ( Tit 2:12)? Measure the worshipers, and use the Divine standard to do so!

Do Not Measure the Outer Court

                John was told NOT to measure the outer court – the area of approach. That area, he was told, had been “give unto the Gentiles” (Rev 11:2). And what is the area the Gentiles have corrupted? It is not the holy of holies into which believers are urged to come (Heb 10:19). They have rather stressed “how” to be saved, and “how” to clean up human conduct. The methods that are presented for these tasks are as numerous as the number of denominations. And how is it that they have been able to so corrupt the truth in these matters of approach? It is because that is the area God has given over to them. The fact that they have distorted matters pertaining to approaching the Lord is proof enough of their own depravity. Do not measure the era of approach. Rather, resign yourself to the fact that it has been corrupted – and that by Divine permission, so to speak. Set forth the truth concerning the Temple, the Altar, and the Worshipers. Within that context, the approach is made clear for those who are of a humble and contrite spirit. Once those things are seen, no one will have trouble responding correctly to what they ought to do. It is wrong to linger in the outer court – for any reason, according to a word from heaven, corrupted, being given to the Gentiles.

   THEY CAST FOUR ANCHORS

                “ ²⁹ Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.”

                Behold what is required because the counsel of Paul was ignored: extra work, ship damage, loss of the cargo, fatigue, and even despair. Yet, after Paul had told them of the word he received from an angel of God, and they had eaten, they were better able to confront the crisis in which they found themselves.

MOVED BY FEAR

                “Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks . . .” Other versions read, “Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks,” ^NKJV “Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks,” ^NIV “ fearing lest we should be cast on rocky places,” ^DARBY “we feared lest we should be caught in places where were rock,” ^MRD and “Then fearing that we might fall off [our course] onto rocks.” ^AMPLIFIED

                Even though Paul had told them the ship would be lost, and they would all be saved, yet wisdom was needed before they could safely disembark. To have the ship dashed upon the rocks, and there be no solid land accessible to them would leave them stranded on rocks in the sea. They would have to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, looking for the opportunity of which Paul spoke to appear.

FOUR ANCHORS

                “ . . . they cast four anchors out of the stern . . .” Other versions read, “we dropped four anchors from the stern,” ^NKJV “they let down four hooks from the back of the ship,” ^BBE and “dropped four anchors from the back of the ship.” ^GWN

                The last time they determined the depth of the water, it was ninety feet deep. We do not know how much further they had gone since then. However, in order to go through the night with some degree of safety, they dropped four anchors to stop the ship from going any further. They dropped them from the hinder part of the ship so the boat would not be tipped to the side by being secured to the floor of the sea. The ship would also be kept in a position that would enable them to more readily advance to the shore in the light.

                Behold what wisdom these men used, and their presence of mind, so they were able to think clearly and make the appropriate adjustments. It was before this that they languished in despair, having given up all hope. However, because of a word of hope spoken by Paul, the whole environment of the ship was changed. Now they were working as those with hope, looking forward to being out of the storm and on a stable shore. See what a good word can do!

WISHED FOR A DAY

                “ . . . and wished for the day.” Other versions read, “prayed for day to come,” ^NKJV “wished for daybreak,” ^NASB “prayed for the daylight,” ^NIV “made prayers for the coming of day,”^BBE “prayed for morning to come,” ^GWN and “kept wishing for daybreak to come.” ^AMPLIFIED

                The word “wished” is translated from the Greek word hu;conto. Its lexical meaning is, “to pray to God . . . wish: adhere to the religious sense, to pray, pray for,” ^THAYER “of petitionary prayer or appeal to God pray, offer prayer, ask,” ^FRIBERG “of petitionary prayer or appeal to God pray, offer prayer, ask.” ^LOUW-NIDA The apparent accent of the word is placed on a strong and fervent desire. While “wishing” is properly seen as praying, it is a fervent prayer that is intended. That is why several versions use the word “wish” – as something that is fervently sought.

                This Greek word is used seven times in the Scriptures.

➪      ACTS 26:29. “And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds” (Acts 26:29).

➪      ACTS 27:29. “Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day” (Acts 27:29).

➪      ROMANS 9:3. “For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh” (Rom 9:3).

➪      2 CORINTHIANS 13:7. “Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates” (2 Cor 13:7).

➪      2 CORINTHIANS 13:9. “For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection” (2 Cor 13:9).

➪      JAMES 5:16. “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).

➪      3 JOHN1:2. “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 1:2).

                As in the case with those aboard the boat on which Jonah was fleeing the presence of the Lord, the mariners were no doubt calling upon their god, while those with Paul were calling upon the true God. It is said of those on Jonah’s ship, “Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep. So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not” (Jonah 1:5-6).

                In this text, the people were no doubt praying for the day to come – i.e. they were praying to be able to make it through the night until they were able to see more clearly. When the night seems long, and the future is threatening, prayer is in order. It is clear that the prayers of Paul and his companions were indicative of prayers that would be heard by God. Prayers to other gods simply fell on deaf ears, for such gods “have ears, but they hear not” (Psa 115:6).

AN OBSERVATION

                It ought to be noted that the nearer we are to the shore, the more important stability becomes. In our text, it would have been a tragedy to be so near to the shore, yet be destroyed needlessly by not giving heed to necessary things. There are some things to be done while waiting for the final day to dawn. There is securing the vessel so it is not dashed upon the rocks, or drug back out to sea. There is also the matter of prayer, and the resistance of false and damaging thoughts.

                Many a poor soul has been pulled off course at the last minute of their lives by giving their attention to the wrong things.

   THEY HAD TO STAY ON THE SHIP

                “ ³⁰ And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under color as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, ³¹ Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. ³² Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.”

                Paul had announced that no lives of those on board the ship would be lost. But that declaration would not automatically be carried out. Satan will move some to challenge the saying by maintaining their own lives, independent of the working of God. Paul, however, will be alert to the situation, and elaborate on the salvation that had been promised.

THE SHIPMEN WERE ABOUT TO FLEE OUT OF THE SHIP

                “And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under color as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship . . . ”

                It was night, and the storm was still raging. Preparation had been made to keep the ship stable until the day dawned. Yet, the “shipmen,” or “sailors,” ^NKJV were not at all content with the situation. Ignoring the rest of the souls on the ship, they sought to get off of it immediately. In order to do this, they deliberately misrepresented themselves. Moving as though they were going to throw some anchors out of the front part of the ship, they fully intended to lower the boat into the sea that had previously been hoisted on board (Acts 27:16).

                They started letting the boat down into the sea “under colors, as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship.” Other versions read, “under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow,” ^NKJV “pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow,” ^NIV “under color as though they would lay out anchors from the foreship,” ^ASV and “as if they were about to put down hooks from the front of the ship,” ^BBE

+             The words “under color” are a translation of the Greek word profa,sei, which means, “a pretext (alleged reason, pretended cause),” ^THAYER and “generally, of what is made to appear to others to hide the true state of things, opposite avlh,qeia (truth); (1) as what is said pretext, excuse; (2) as what is done pretense, cover-up.” ^FRIBERG

                This Greek word is used eight times in Scripture.

➪      TRANSLATED “PRETENSE.”“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation” (Matt 23:14; Mk 12:40; Lk 20:47)

“What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (Phil 1:18).

➪      TRANSLATED “CLOAK.” “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin” (John 15:22).

“For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness” (1 Thess 2:5).

➪      TRANSLATED “UNDER COLOR.” “And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under color as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship” (Acts 27:30).

➪      TRANSLATED “COLOR.”“And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication” (Rev 17:4).

                Actually, the words “under colors” are a good translation. People still speak of something that has been deliberately misrepresented as something that is “tainted,” or “colored.” Scripture twice translates the word “cloak,” as though a royal garment had covered up an abominable deed. The Revelation depicts the false church as a harlot woman who clothed herself in royal apparel of “scarlet color.”

                Thus these “shipmen” went about to flee from the ship, going through whatever motions were required to lower anchors into the sea.

EXCEPT THESE ABODE ON THE SHIP

                “Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.”

                Paul is alert to the attempt of the shipmen to escape from the ship. He quickly speaks, not because he has such a high regard for shipmen, but for the honor and glory of God. He knows the angel of God has announced that no one on board the ship would lose their lives. He also knows the angel had delivered them into his hands. He therefore announces that they “cannot be saved” except they “abide in the ship.” There will be no salvation outside of the ship, whether the people are seasoned shipmen or not.

                Their lives will only be saved if they remain with the one who has been charged with their care – given that commission from heaven.

                Paul does not shout this to the shipmen, but to the centurion and soldiers, who are the government officials charged with the care of the prisoners. So far as appearance was concerned, Julius and his soldiers were managing the boat. Already, Julius has no doubt seen how wrong he was to consent to the advice of the pilot and the owner of the ship. He order the boat to sail, and now he has seen the error of his way. This time, he will choose to honor the words of Paul. The Lord turned his heart.

THE SOLDIERS CUT THE ROPES

                “Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.”

                The boat was in the process of being lowered into the water, and, as yet, no one was in it. Julius does not shout out to the sailors, but simply orders the ropes that were holding the boat to be “cut off.” Thus, it fell into the raging sea where it could by no means be retrieved, thereby terminating any imagined usefulness.

A SPIRITUAL PARALLEL

                Although the parallel is not exact in every detail, there is in it a most vivid depiction of some essentials. I gather that this is not something that is mere happenstance.

                The church is like a vessel sailing on a stormy ocean. It has already passed through many a storm, and yet it is afloat. Some, seeing the damage that has been rendered to the vessel, imagine that they ought to leave it, and strike out on their own. But the call of the Spirit goes out much like the words of Paul, “Except ye abide . . . ye cannot be saved” (John 15:4). Of course, this vessel will not be dashed upon the rocks, but will arrive safely on the shores of glory, so to speak.

                Even in a more exact way, some poor souls have become so fatigued, they imagine they would be better off if they just took their lives, and launched out into eternity. But such people are like the sailors, lowering a boat and imagining they can get to shore safely in some other way. Except we remain in this temporal body, considering it to be a member of Christ (1 Cor 6:15), one cannot be saved. Our times are in the Lord’s hands, not on our own, and we cannot plan, so to speak, the time when we will leave the body. We can experience the salvation of God in this frail body, fighting the good fight of faith, and enduring all manner of storms and afflictions.

                Ride out the storm, brethren. Ride it out! Stay aboard during the night, and until the time for our appointed disembarkment comes to pass.

                Don’t quit! There may be things to throw overboard that will lighten your load. Some of the tackling that is ordinarily used for repairs and navigation may have to be cast into the sea as well. Sometimes the sails have to be lowered, and other times they must be hoisted – and it is imperative that proper times be known. However, unless we stay on the ship, we cannot be saved. It is imperative to stay where God has put you.

   WHILE THE DAY WAS COMING ON

                “ ³³ And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. ³⁴ Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. ³⁵ And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. ³⁶ Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. ³⁷ And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. ³⁸ And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.”

                Since those on board the ship had been given into the hands of Paul, he immediately sought their welfare. His first word dealt with the necessity for them to be strong, and not remain weakened by a fast of about two weeks. Strength would be needed to prepare to go to land, and to safely make it there as well.

WHILE THE DAY WAS COMING ON

                “And while the day was coming on . . .” Other versions read, “as day was about to dawn,” ^NKJV “just before dawn,” ^NIV “just before daybreak,” ^NRSV “and when the dawn was near,” ^BBE “betwixt that and day,” ^TNT “till the day was about to be,” ^YLT and “While they waited until it should become day.” ^AMPLIFIED

                The idea here is that as night passed away and the day was beginning to dawn, Paul kept exhorting the people. He was preparing them for the day, when they would make their way to the land.

                This implies that the overcast sky had ended. Prior to this, for many days, neither the sun nor the stars had appeared (Acts 27:20). Now that they are about to be delivered, God will give some light so they will not have to suffer the terrors of darkness any longer. There is something about the dawning of the day that awakens hope.

PAUL BESOUGHT THEM

                “ . . . Paul besought them all to take meat, saying . . . ” Other versions read, “Paul implored them,” ^NKJV “Paul was encouraging them,” ^NASB “Paul urged them,” ^NIV “Paul gave them all orders,” ^BBE “Paul exhorted them,” ^DARBY “Paul advised them,” ^MRD “Paul kept urging all,” ^NAB “Paul was calling upon all,” ^YLT and “Paul entreated them.” ^AMPLIFIED

                Those who have been thrown to the ground by hopelessness require much exhortation and pleading to make adequate preparations. There are also times when urging is necessary. When Jacob met Esau, he sought to give him a gift. Esau responded, “I have enough, my brother, keep that thou hast to thyself.” Jacob, however, was not content to let the matter pass. God had dealt graciously with him, and thus he responded to Esau, “Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me. Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” It is then written, “And he urged him, and he took it” (Gen 33:9-11).

                That is the kind of urging Paul was doing. It was fervent, and it was continual.

THIS IS THE FOURTEENTH DAY

                “This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you . . .”

                Solemnly, yet sounding the note of hope, Paul reasoned with them. For fourteen days they had “continued without food, and eaten nothing.” ^NKJV He therefore reasoned with them, “ . . . take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” ^NIV They are not to eat in hopes that somehow they will survive, but with the assurance that they WILL survive, without so much as a hair perishing from any of their heads.

                Paul knew that although their deliverance was guaranteed by the Almighty, yet it would require considerable effort on their part. However, that effort would not be in vain.

HE TOOK BREAD

                “ . . . And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat . . .”

                Paul himself would be the example of what they should do. He would not conduct himself in private, but in the presence of them all. Therefore, “he took some bread, thanked God in front of everyone, broke it, and began to eat.” ^GWN He was not ashamed to own the true God as his God, doing so in their very presence. There were Roman military men there, prisoners, sailors, the pilot of the ship, and the owner of the ship. It is doubtless true that many, if not all of them, worshiped other gods. But Paul stands before them all and thanks the God who had sent the comforting angel to him. In so doing, he was confessing the Lord before men (Matt 10:32).

THEY ALL WERE OF GOOD CHEER

                “ . . . Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat . . .” Other versions read, “they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves” ^NKJV “they all took heart and did the same” ^BBE and “They all plucked up courage and took something to eat themselves.” ^NJB

                For several days the people, particularly the sailors, had displayed great courage. They adjusted and lowered sails, climbing the masts in a treacherous storm. They had thrown cargo overboard, and even the tackling of the ship, which itself must have been no small task. Now, however, it was as though their courage had fallen to the ground, and they were no longer able to maintain it. But at Paul’s word, they reached down and picked it up again, as hope began to pulse within them.

                And how did all of this take place? What was the means through which courage and hope were renewed? All of this was because of a word! There had been no visible miraculous intervention. The storm had not ceased. The waves have not stopped crashing against the hull of the ship. The anchors were not withdrawn. The burst of morning light had not yet taken place. Yet hope had been renewed by a word – a word from a man of God who lived out a peaceful spirit before them all.

                Never doubt the power of insightful words! They have restored joy and anticipation to many a weary soul!

NO SMALL NUMBER OF PEOPLE

                 “And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls . . .” Other versions read, “And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship.” ^NKJV

                If each person only took up three square feet, the floor space required to contain them would be 828 square feet – a space about forty feet long and twenty-one feet wide. My point here is that they all heard Paul. They all saw him take bread. They all heard him thank God. They all saw him eat the bread. That means their attention was riveted upon Paul – something that is exceedingly rare, for example, in a church gathering of that size. You might say the people on board that ship, at least in this moment of time, were of one mind.

THEY LIGHTENED THE SHIP

                “ . . . And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.” Other versions read, “eaten as much as they wanted,” ^NIV “satisfied their hunger,” ^NRSV “having eaten sufficient nourishment,” ^YLT and “had eaten sufficiently.” ^AMPLIFIED

                The people all ate until they had “enough” – enough to strengthen them, and ready them for rigorous activity. None was lacking in nourishment. Then, they threw the wheat into the sea – but only after they had eaten. It is assumed that this wheat comprised some of the food they ate. After eating, there was no further need for this cargo.

THE SPIRITUAL PARALLEL

                The spiritual parallels in this passage are powerful and numerous for those who can perceive them.

There Is A Time to Be Encouraged

                This is no time for the saints to be pining away, without hope, and in a spirit of slumber. Men must arise who can insightfully and powerfully declare, “now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Rom 13:11-12).

                Just as surely as day was coming on in our text, so the bursting forth of the day of the Lord is fast approaching. This is not the time to lose hope.

Progress Must Be Made in the Light

                The sailors knew that any progress toward land must be made in the light, when the goal was, to some measurable degree, seen. So it is with spiritual life. Advancement in the Lord not be made in the darkness. Some imagine that faith navigates in the dark, but this is not a proper perception. Faith itself sheds light around those who possess it. This is because faith is in God, and God directs by means of light.

                As much as possible, those in Christ need to get guessing, surmising, and conjecture out of their lives. Where this is not totally possible, extreme caution must be exercised, and haste must be avoided – all the while calling upon the name of the Lord.

                Much of the crisis found in the lives of professing believers is directly related to a decision to proceed in life like a sailor navigating in the dark. Such an approach to life will result in them ending up in strange places, and far off course from the appointed destination.

Incentives for Encouragement

                It is not enough simply to tell people they ought to be optimistic. There is a reason for staying on board the ship to glory, and doing so with expectation. Jesus has also promised His followers, just as Paul did those on board the ship, “But there shall not an hair of your head perish” (Luke 21:18). Everyone who is in the hand of Christ will make it safely home, and nothing will be able to pluck them out of His hand – whether person or storm.

Everyone Must Be Fed

 It is a principle in the Kingdom of God that enough is provided for every person to ingest what they need. The gathering of the manna is specified as “according to each one’s need” ^NKJV (Ex 16:18). The capacities of all the people were not the same, but everyone’s need was met. When Jesus twice fed the multitudes, “they did all eat, and were filled” (Matt 14:20; 15:37).

                The Lord always spreads a table with sufficient nourishment for all who are sitting there. Whether man or woman, young or aged, everyone eats from the same source, fully meeting what is required to sustain them. This is why shallow and childish preaching and teaching is so wrong. It disgraces the Lord when enough spiritual bread is not put forth so the youthful and mature can be filled; so the novice and those of full age can be nourished and grow. For a church to tailor its gatherings for the uninformed is a grievous sin, and it ought not be tolerated. As demonstrated in the giving of manna and the feeding of the five thousand and four thousand, the children ate the same bread the adults ate – only in smaller measure. Or, to put is another way, the mature ate the same bread as the immature, only in larger measure.

                When Jesus told Nicodemus of the new birth, He said He was speaking of “earthly things” (John 3:12). Yet, his words provide food for thought among the most advanced disciples. When Paul taught the Corinthians, He said, “I have fed you with milk” (1 Cor 3:2), and yet his words continue to challenge the most mature.

                I realize this parallel is not exact in every detail. There are some things that spiritual juvenileness withholds from the people, as described in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 1-2), and his letter to the Hebrews (Heb 5:11-12). However, as confirmed in those two letters, this does NOT justify failing to declare the profound realities of the Kingdom of God.

   THEY DISCOVERED A CERTAIN CREEK WITH A SHORE

                “ ³⁹ And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. ⁴⁰ And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.”

                Paul had told those on the ship that none of them would die as a result of this ordeal (Acts 27:22). He told them they would be “cast upon a certain island” (Acts 27:26), and expressed their safety in these words: “there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you” (Acts 27:34). Now we will see how all of this plays out – what is involved in a body of people being delivered safely from a raging sea-storm.

WHEN IT WAS DAY, THEY KNEW NOT

                “And when it was day, they knew not the land . . .” Other versions read, “they did not recognize the land,” ^NKJV “they could not recognize the land,” ^NASB “they had no knowledge of the land,” ^BBE “they knew not the country,” ^GENEVA “the sailors knew not what land it was,” ^MRD “they didn't recognize the coastline,” ^LIVING and “they did not know where we were.” ^IE

                Apparently the sailors and ship pilot had never been this way before. They did not recognize the island, which indicates they had never before docked there. Any knowledge they will have about this island must be appropriated now. They will have to be alert, assuming this is the island God has appointed as their landing place. That is something that will be confirmed when and if they safely reach the land.

THEY DISCOVERED A CERTAIN CREEK

                “ . . . but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship . . .” Other versions read, “they observed a bay with a beach,” ^NKJV “a bay with a sandy beach,” ^NIV “they saw an inlet of the sea with a floor of sand,” ^BBE “but they perceived a certain bay having a strand,” ^DARBY “a certain creek with a bank,” ^GENEVA “they saw on the margin of the land an inlet of the sea,” ^MRD and “they spied a certain haven with a bank.” ^PNT

                The island of Melita is today called Malata. There is a section of the island that is called “Saint Paul’s Bay.” It is the inlet described in our text as “a certain creek,” or sea inlet to the island. The island is purported, as a whole, to have been very rocky. ^{McCLINTOK & STRONG’S} However, there was a little finger of land jutting out into the “creek” that apparently had a sandy beach, and a soft floor that would be more conducive to landing a vessel – particularly in a fierce storm.

                Keep in mind that these observations have been made during a life-threatening storm at sea. Yet these men had the presence of mind to assess their situation and make, what they deemed to be, appropriate plans.

THEY TOOK UP THE ANCHORS, LOOSED THE RUDDER BANDS AND HOISTED UP THE MAINSAIL

                “And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.”

They Had Taken Up the Anchors

        Other versions read, “let go the anchors,” ^NKJV “casting off their anchors,” ^NASB “cutting loose the anchors,” ^NIV “cutting away the hooks,” ^BBE “taken up the anchors,” ^{GENEVA/PNT/RWB/TNT/YLT} “slipped the anchors,” ^NJB and “they cut the cables and severed the anchors.” ^AMPLIFIED

                The words “taken up” are translated from a words that means, “to take away, to take up,” ^STRONG’S “to take away altogether and entirely,” ^THAYER “as a nautical technical term, of an anchor lift, raise; cut off, cast off,” ^FRIBERG and “take away, remove; cut away (of anchors).” ^UBS

                It is not clear whether the text means they took the anchors away from the sea floor, or cut them off from the boat. Considering that they knew the ship would be lost, and they would have no further need for them, they probably removed them from the ship.

They Committed Themselves to the Sea

                Other versions read, “and left them in the sea,” ^NKJV “letting them go into the sea,” ^BBE “they committed themselves to the sea, ^{DARBY/PNT/RWB/TNT/WEB} “they committed the ship unto the sea,” ^GENEVA “let them fall into the sea,” ^NJB and “they were committing it to the sea.” ^YLT

                It seems to me that the idea here is that they committed themselves to the sea, to manage the ship rather than secure it with anchors. In other words, they were doing what was necessary to commence navigating intelligently to the shore.

They Loosed the Rudder Bands

                Other versions read, “loosing the rudder ropes,” ^NKJV “untied the ropes that held the rudders,” ^NIV and “freeing the cords of the guiding blades.” ^BBE

                In ancient ships, the “rudders” were large oars used to steer the ship. When these oars not in use, they were hoisted out of the water and secured. This verse speaks of untying these oars so they could be lowered into the water and used expeditiously to guide the ship.

They Hoisted Up the Mainsail

                Therefore, they had not cut down the mast as some commentators have suggested. They do not hoist the sail for lengthy voyage on the raging sea, but to enable them to navigate into the narrow strait, referred as a “creek” in verse thirty-nine.

They Made Toward Shore

                Other versions read, “headed for the beach,” ^NASB “made for the beach,” ^NIV “went in the direction of the inlet,” ^BBE “made for the strand,” ^DARBY “drew to the shore,” ^GENEVA “made way towards the land,” ^MRD and “steered toward the beach.” ^NET

                When they sailed from Sidon to Myra, the winds were “contrary” to them – a trip of over 250 miles. From Myra to Cnidus, progress was unusually slow – for about 125 miles. From Cnidus, sailing under the protection of Crete, they had barely made it to Fair Havens – a trip of about 150 miles. They had set out on this leg of the journey from Fair Havens to Phenice – a trip of 50-60 miles. Encountering Euroclydon they had been blown off course around 500 miles away. Thus they had already sailed over 1,000 miles. Now they are attempting to simply make it to some land that they can see – perhaps measured in terms of yards rather than miles. Further, it will take all of the expertise and all of the helps they have to make it this short distance.

                All of the hardship and loss that have been experienced since they left Fair Havens (above two weeks ago), has been owing to them ignoring the counsel of Paul.

➪      They had to work hard to make any progress at all.

➪      They were about 500 miles off course.

➪      They went without eating for two weeks.

➪      They got into a situation where they were at the mercy of the sea.

➪      They were in a situation where all of the expertise on the seas was of little value.

➪      They had to thrown much of the cargo overboard.

➪      They had to throw the tackling out of the ship.

➪      Although the sailors were seasoned veterans of the sea, yet they, along with the others, were reduced to a state of hopelessness.

➪      They arrived at a point where the mere sight of land was a refreshing sight.

                It is no wonder that before relating the word delivered to him by an angel, Paul said, “Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss” (Acts 27:21). Not to be forgotten is this: they could battle the sea for two weeks without eating, but they had to eat their fill in order to make it to the shore that was within sight.

THE SPIRITUAL PARALLEL

                In fierce trials, it will require all of our resources to make it a small amount of progress. This is particularly true of trials that have resulted from not following the will of the Lord. In the case of required chastening, it is only “afterward” that spiritual growth is realized. As it is written, “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Heb 12:9-11).

                Personal holiness is not some-thing that is easily obtained. That is precisely why chastening is associated with its attainment. It is true, “if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” (1 Cor 11:31). Yet, I have never known a believer who has managed to totally escape the chastening of the Lord. This is a testimony to the pervasive nature of sin, the total lack of goodness in the flesh, and the subtlety of the wicked one.

                The necessity for chastening is reduced (although it cannot be totally eliminated), when the individual is living “unto the Lord” – the norm for those who are in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:15). However, as soon as self-will enters into the picture, and there is a deference to the flesh, life becomes more complicated.

                In all of this there is a knottiness that must not be overlooked. When a person is lured into a manner of life that places self-interests at the top, a kind of paralysis takes place in the soul. Sound thought becomes very difficult at the inception of such a manner of life, and proceeds to a state of impossibility. So far as one’s identity with God is concerned, sleep settles on the soul, hearing becomes dull, and eyes are closed. This is why it is so difficult to deal with those whose minds are nailed like Sisera’s head to the earth, ands are caught up in minding earthly things.

                When one’s chief concerns relate to life in the flesh and the here and now, storm clouds begin loom on the horizon of life. What honest and good heart has not found it to be so?

   A PLACE WHERE TWO SEAS MET

                “ ⁴¹ And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.”

                Here is a technical explanation that accounts for why the ship ran aground and was eventually broken. The high explanation is found in the working of the Lord. Here we read of the means He employed to bring the ship within reach of land.

WHERE TWO SEAS MET

                “And falling into a place where two seas met . . .” Other versions read, “coming to a point between two seas,” ^BBE “where two currents meet,” ^CJB “between two channels of the sea,” ^MRD “a patch of crosscurrents,” ^NET “the cross currents,” ^NJB “a place which had the sea on both sides,” ^PNT and “striking a crosscurrent (a place open to two seas).” ^AMPLIFIED

                A number of versions omit this reference to “where two seas met.”

➪      New Internal Version

➪      Revised Standard Version

➪      New Revised Standard Version

➪      Holman Christian Standard Bible

➪      English Standard Version

➪      God’s Word

➪      New American Bible

➪      New Living Translation

➪      Living Bible

➪      International English Bible

➪      International Standard Version

➪      Williams New Testament

➪      Contemporary English Version

➪      English Majority Text Version

➪      Good News Bible

➪      The Message

                By way of contrast, the versions including this description are as follows:

➪      King James Version

➪      New King James Version

➪      American Standard Version

➪      New American Standard Version

➪      Complete Jewish Bible

➪      The English Darby Bible

➪      The Douay-Rheims 1899

➪      English Revised Version

➪      Geneva Bible

➪      The NET Bible

➪      New Jerusalem Bible

➪      Bishop’s Bible

➪      Webster Bible

➪      Revised Webster Bible

➪      The Tyndale New Testament

➪      Weymouth’s New Testament

➪      Montgomery New Testament

➪      Amplified Bible

➪      Literal Translation of the Holy Bible

                Because of the nature of this text, it seems to me that it is best to retain the text as represented in the Authorized Version. Being in the vicinity where two seas (the Adriatic and the Mediterranean) met, was the circumstance that caused the events that follow.

                The graphic on this page shows some photographs of oceanic places where two seas meet. As may be noted, it is place of much agitation under ordinary circumstances. The fierceness of the storm in which this ship was found greatly compounded the problem.

                A place where to seas meet is one in which contradicting flows of water meet. Such a condition does not exist throughout the sea, but is only found in certain locations. I am not acquainted with the accepted rules of oceanic sailing, but it seems to me that such places would be voided because of the turbulence associated with them.

                In this text, the ship was driven by a raging storm into this uncomfortable place. This was the result of not following the counsel of Paul.

THEY RAN THE SHIP AGROUND AND IT REMAINED UNMOVEABLE

                “ . . . they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable . . .” Other versions read, “the prow stuck fast and remained unmoveable,” ^NKJV “the bow stuck fast and would not move,” ^NIV “the foreship struck and remained unmoveable,” ^ASV “The bow jammed fast and remained immovable,” ^CSB and “and the forepart stuck fast, and could not be moved.” ^GENEVA

                Having hoisted the sail, and put the rudders into the water, the ship had properly advanced into the small “creek” or bay they had targeted. The vessel entered the area as was intended. Now, however, the front part of the ship run aground, probably into a sand bar of some sort. It must have been traveling at a fair rate of speed, being driven by the storm. As a consequence, the bow of the ship was mired in the sand, and could not be moved away from it.

                Whereas they had been tossed on the open sea by the stormy waves, now they were grounded by the same storm. With the ship unable to be moved, it would eventually be dashed to pieces by the very waves that were once carrying it.

THE HINDER PART WAS BROKEN

                “ . . . but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.” Other versions read, “the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves,” ^NKJV “the stern began to be broken up by the force of the waves,” ^NASB “the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf,” ^NIV and “the stern began to break up under the violent force of the waves.” ^AMPLIFIED

                When you consider the size of this vessel, with much cargo, and two hundred and seventy six persons on board, you get an idea of the fierceness of this storm. Remember, it had been blowing across the sea for about five hundred miles, and apparently had still retained its strength, maybe even increasing in magnitude.

                At this point, no one is saved yet. No one has left the ship, even though the shore was within view. Paul had said no one could be saved unless they remained on the ship, and thus they were remaining. Very soon, however, the time for disembarking will come. Those on board must patiently wait for the appointed time.

PARALLELS TO SPIRITUAL LIFE

                The parallels to spiritual life are remarkable. Have gone through hard trials know how they tend to increase and drain the strength of those who experience them. Paul spoke of a hurricane-like trial in which he and others with him “were pressed beyond measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life” (2 Cor 1:8). This is a depiction of trials that increase in magnitude. Paul also shares the purpose of such trials, referring to that particular trial as having the sentence of death in themselves, “that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead” (2 Cor 1:9).

                There are some trials from which you cannot escape – like a boat that is stuck fast and cannot be removed.

                But there is another kind of trial that is the result of being where two conflicting moral influences crash against each other, creating spiritual turbulence.

                Some of these occasions cannot easily be avoided. You nay confront moneychangers and merchandisers in the Temple of God, or Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane. However, there are other times when men walk too close to the world, and put themselves in a close proximity to unwholesome influences. This is generally the result of failing to heed words of exhortation or admonition. Men are thus brought into an area where two varying seas of spiritual and carnal thought clash, creating spiritual havoc and danger.

                For example, one may choose to ignore the solemn warning, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor 15:33), by choosing to gather with religious people they know are not of one mind in the Lord. Even though the Lord says “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers”(2 Cor 6:14), they forge an alliance with them anyway – all in the hopes of influencing them for the good. Now, when they are in the presence of such people, and throw out some precious pearl of truth, there is a thunderous clash of right and wrong, like a storm on the sea of life. Suddenly the vessel of life is carried far away from shore, and precious things like peace and assurance are threatened. It is important to have an understanding what to do at that time.

                Let it be clear, that a walk in the Spirit has directly to do with the companions we choose, and the amount of time we invest in the lives of others. It may require that a bold proclaimer of the Word call out to the opponents of the faith, and thus lose his life rather than remaining tolerant of them in hopes of preserving it (Acts 7:51-53). It will determine whether Paul and Silas stay in Antioch, urging recalcitrant Jews, or whether they move on to a more tranquil setting (Acts 13:46). It will determine whether Paul stays in a synagogue in Ephesus among volatile Jews, or takes the disciples and moves to the school of Tyrannus (Acts 19:9).

                True peacemakers do not choose to sail where two seas meet! They do not prefer to strive (2 Tim 2:21), or to remain in unnecessary contact with those who “resist the truth” (2 Tim 3:6). They know very well that such environments are fraught with danger – like a body of water where two seas meet.

                This is not an area of life where men are to make rules, imposing a manner of life that is really not discerned by the people. However, it is the responsibility every believer to maintain a sensitive heart – one that can pick up on valid warnings and admonitions.

                Believers are admonished, “And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation” (Heb 13:22). And again, “Despise not prophesyings” (1 Thess 5:20). Discerning people see the sense of such words, and give due heed to them. Others pass on and find themselves in great trouble.

   MAN’S PLAN IS THWARTED, WHILE GOD’S PURPOSE MARCHES ON

                “ ⁴² And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. ⁴³ But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: ⁴⁴ And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.”

                The hand of the Lord will be at work in this whole event – and it will be primarily in the interest of Paul, whom He is sending to Rome.

THE SOLDIERS’ COUNSEL

                “And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape . . .” Other versions read, “the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners,” ^NIV “the soldiers were disposed to slay the prisoners,” ^MRD “The soldiers advised their commanding officer to let them kill the prisoners,” ^LIVING “The soldiers decided to kill the prisoners,” ^IE and “the soldiers recommended that the prisoners should be killed.” ^WEYMOUTH

                To the soldiers, this seemed like the best thing to do. Under th circumstances, each person would obviously be intent on saving himself. Why take the chance of the prisoners, for whom they were responsible, getting to land first, and somehow escaping. It would certainly not go well with them when they reported such a thing.

                And what was there that could stop their plan. It was a good plan militarily, and was thought up in consideration of the responsibilities that belonged to them. However, there was a special prisoner on board, and God had placed him in charge this landing. Now, let us see how God will protect His servant.

“BUT”   “But . . .” One version reads, “However.” ^GWN All of the other versions I possess read “but.”

                Translated from a Greek word, “but” is defined as follows: “universally, by way of opposition and distinction; it is added to statements opposed to a preceding statement.” ^THAYER It introduces a condition that differs from the preceding statement. In this case, it is a condition that overrode the counsel of the soldiers.

                So far as Scripture is concerned, this is a general a word that introduces Divine control and providence. In the New Covenant writings, it reveals the offsetting influence of the will of God, which is the controlling factor. Here are some examples of its use.

➪      IN THE CASE OF JOSEPH. “And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him” (Acts 7:9).

➪      IN THE CHANGING OF PETER’S MIND. “And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean” (Acts 10:28).

➪      IN THE JEWS KILLING OF JESUS. “But God raised him from the dead” (Acts 13:30).

➪      IN THE UNIVERSAL SINFULNESS OF MEN. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8).

➪      IN THE CHANGE OF THE SAVED. “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you” (Rom 6:17).

➪      IN THE COMPETING WISDOM OF THIS WORLD. “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Cor 1:27).

➪      IN REGARD TO THE HIDDEN PURPOSE OF GOD. “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Cor 2:10).

➪      IN THE MATTER OF TEMPTATION. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13).

➪      REGARDING OUR DEATH IN TRESPASSES AND SINS. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)” (Eph 2:4-5).

                Suffice it to say, the person who knows of the greatness of God, the invincibility of His purpose, and His power to change circumstance sees life from a different perspective. One thrown into a lion’s den will see that all is not loss. If three faithful servants of God are threatened with being thrown into a fiery furnace, they will think differently of the matter. If Peter is cast into prison, he will sleep soundly. If Paul and Silas are beaten and thrown into prison, they will sing loudly.

                With all of the professed experts in human behavior in the religious arena, the greatness of our God has been minimized, and the emphasis placed upon human wisdom. However, it had not altered the moral landscape. In fact, it appears as though things have actually gotten worse under these merchants of worldly wisdom.

                Our text is not one of doctrine, but of how the will of God was worked out among men – even hostile men. It confirms what the doctrine teaches: “If God be for us, who can be against us” (Rom 8:31). And again, “The Lord is my Helper. I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Heb 13:6).

                This does not mean that nothing harmful will ever happen to the saints. Joseph was imprisoned, and his feet placed in fetters. Peter and John were beaten and imprisoned. Paul and Silas were in prison. The saints were persecuted and scattered abroad out of Jerusalem. We should not be naive about such matters.

                However, when it comes to the fulfillment of God’s purpose, it will be done, whether men oppose it or not. Those who are faithfully laboring in the Kingdom will not be overcome and their labors aborted by the devil. If an apostle is in a powerful and unrelenting storm, he will still make it to the destination His Lord has determined!

                Of course, all of this means nothing if people live unto themselves, establish their own agenda, and neglect their souls in the process.

THE CENTURION WAS WILLING TO SAVE PAUL

                “ . . . the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose . . .” Other versions read, “wanting to save Paul,” ^NKJV “wanting to bring Paul safely through,” ^NASB “wanted to spare Paul’s life,” ^NIV “desiring to keep Paul safe,” ^BBE and “was determined to bring Paul safely through” ^NJB

                How do you account for the willingness of Julius to save the life of Paul? And why did he not think of all of the other prisoners? It was because God gave Paul favor with men, as with He did with Joseph (Gen 39:6; 41:43-44; Acts 7:10), Daniel (Dan 1:9; 2:48; 6:1), and others.

                Julius was inclined to protect Paul. Perhaps the great apostle had witnessed to him, or even was used of God to bring faith to him. We do not know the details – but we do know the reason for this inclination. Jesus had determined that Paul would bear witness of Him in Rome, and noone would thwart that determination – not even soldiers who thought they knew what course of action was the best.

                However, Paul was not the only one exempted from the purpose of the soldiers. The plan was to kill them all, Paul included. However, because of Paul – or for his sake – all of them were spared.

                Of course, this is a Divine manner – to spare certain people because of His inclination to others. Those who present God as loving everyone “so much,” and therefore seeks their earthly good, overlook this key factor. Often unworthy souls are saved and blessed because of someone else.

Abraham

                Take, for example, the blessings that were dispensed for Abraham’s sake (Gen 19:29; 26:24). God told Isaac He would multiply his seed “for My servant Abraham’s sake” (Gen 26:24). When God sent Lot out of Sodom prior to its destruction, we are told it was because He “remembered Abraham” (Gen 19:29). Moses told Israel God would drive the heathen out of Canaan, “Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that He may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Deut 9:5).

Joseph

               Then, there was the matter of Potiphar. Joseph became his slave, and was eventually set over all of his house, because Potiphar saw that everything Joseph did prospered. However, the Spirit provided an explanation fore that circumstance. “And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field” (Gen 39:5).

Jonathan

                The souls of David and Jonathan were knit together (1 Sam 18:1). Following the death of Saul and Jonathan, David determined to bless whoever he could find of the house of Saul. In describing his intention he said, “Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?” (2 Sam 9:1). When he found the lame son of Jonathan Mephibosheth in Lodebar, he detected the boy was afraid. He said to him, “Fear not: for I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually” (2 Sam 9:7).

David

                The number of people who were blessed for the sake of David, the man after God’s own heart, was significant. They included Solomon, the tribe of Judah, the kingly part of David’s family, Jerusalem, and kings (1 Kgs 11:12,32,34; 15:4; 2 Kgs 8:19; 2 Kgs 19:34; Psa 132:10; Isa 37:35).

The Ultimate Example

                The ultimate example of people being blessed because of someone else is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Those who are blessed with salvation must realize that it has been for Jesus sake. Were it not for Him, there would be no “eternal salvation” (Heb 5:9).

➪      God, we are told, has forgiven us “for Christ’s sake” (Eph 4:32).

➪      John reminded us, “your sins are forgiven you, for His name’s sake” (1 John 2:12).

➪      That is why redemption is said to be “in Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24).

➪      It is why the love of God is declared to be “in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:39).

➪      This is the reason God put us into Christ Jesus (1 Cor 1:30).

➪      It accounts for why God establishes us (2 Cor 1:21).

➪      It is why we are caused to triumph (2 Cor 2:14).

➪      Jesus is the explanation for our calling (1 Pet 5:10).

➪      Christ Jesus is why, and the appointed means through which, we believe in God (1 Pet 1:21).

                The modern church has not made much of the essentiality of Christ, who Himself is:

➪      The First and the Last (Rev 1:1,17; 2:8; 22:13).

➪      The Beginning and the Ending (Rev 1:8).

➪      The Beginning and the End (Rev 21:6; 22:13).

➪      The Alpha and the Omega (Rev 1:8,11; 21:6; 22:13).

➪      The Author of eternal salvation (Heb 5:9).

➪      The Author and the Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2).

➪      The One who made all things, and for whom they were made (Col 1:16).

➪      He upholds all things by the Word of His power (Heb 1:3).

➪      In Him all consist, or are held together (Col 1:17).

➪      The fulness of the Godhead dwells in Him (Col 1:19; 2:9).

                How is it that the Son of God ranks so low in modern preaching and teaching? Why have ministries to temporal needs upstaged the proclamation and exposition of His great salvation? Why is so very little known of Him, what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do?

                These grievous conditions are the direct result of the failure to comprehend the absolute centrality of Jesus Christ. Further, this is owing to the general failure of those who have been charged with feeding the flock of God. In other words, we have a situation in which God is under no obligation to bless, lead, guard, and direct many professing Christians. The appointed means of blessing remains Jesus Himself, and where there is an ignorance of Him, the salvation of God becomes virtually impossible.

SWIMMERS IN FIRST“ . . . and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land . . .” Other versions read, “He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land,” ^NIV and “gave orders that those who had knowledge of swimming were to go off the ship and get first to land.” ^BBE

                Remember, this was a swim in a fierce storm, with waves so strong they broke off the hinder part of the ship (Acts 27:41). It would require considerable effort to make it to the shore by swimming. Nevertheless, it was a wise word given by Julius. Perhaps he recalled that Paul had declared no life would be lost. Notwithstanding, it would take a lot of effort to work out their salvation, so to speak, with fear and trembling. By swimming to shore, these more able sailors would be able to assist those who arrived their with various helps. They could also prepare the land, for nearly three hundred people would be coming ashore.

Spiritual Parallel

                Those who can do more are expected to do so. This applies to matters of the Kingdom as well as those related to this world. Oftentimes, because of the suffocating effects of sectarianism, those with superior spiritual aptitudes are not required to do much at all. There are churches in this very area that have capable people sitting idly in the pews, doing little or nothing, although they are quite capable of doing a lot.

                Jesus taught us, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48). Yet I have often seen capable spiritual leaders asked to refrain from contributing their thoughts, seeing it was disruptive to the church environment. I myself have frequented numerous assemblies where it was apparent very little was known of the manner of the Kingdom. Yet, if I did desire to say anything, I almost had to force myself into the discussion. That must never be said of a godly assembly.

                Also, those who have received much should not require the attention and assistance reserved for those who have received little. They should not be coddled, or served up infant-food. They should be required to swim, so to speak, and get to the truth so they can assist others in appropriating it. But, alas, this is not the manner of Babylon the Great!

AND THE REST

                “And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship . . .” Other versions read, “some on planks, and others on various things from the ship,” ^NASB “planks or on pieces of the ship,” ^NIV “planks or whatever they could find from the ship,” ^CJB “some on planks, others on debris from the ship,” ^NAB “either on planks or on pieces of wreckage,” ^NJB and “heavy boards or pieces of the vessel.” ^AMPLIFIED

                For those who could not swim, the breaking up of the ship was an advantage, providing them pieces of wood that could float, and on which they could make it safely to shore. For them. A way of escape was provided from the breaking of the vessel on which they had been sailing.

                It is likely that many of the materials used to convey the non-swimmers to shore, were already in the sea. They probably could be accessed with considerable effort, whether from the brink of the ship or while they were in the water. It is also possible that those who swam to shore first provided some floating materials for those who could not swim. The point to be seen is that it took a lot of effort for the deliverance to be accomplished. The fact that none of the passengers would be lost was something appointed by God. However, for it to be fulfilled, a lot was required of those who were delivered.

Spiritual Parallel

                Just as surely as there was a means for escaping that sinking ship, so there is an appointed means for escaping the sinking ship of spiritual Babylon – or any other moral or spiritual wrecked vessel. Peter alluded to this when he said concerning our redemption, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers” (1 Pet 1:18). No person has to go down with a broken spiritual vessel. When erroneous forms of religion fail, the people caught in the snare do not have to go down with it.

                It is fashionable these days for salvation to be oversimplified. In fact, it is often said, “There is nothing you can do. It has all been done for you.” However, this is not at all an accurate statement. It is true that the foundations and basis for salvation have all been done by Jesus. He has “made peace” (Col 1:20). He has taken away sin (Heb 9:26). He has opened a new and living way (Heb 10:20). He has destroyed the devil (Heb 2:14), and spoiled principalities and powers (Col 2:15). He has reconciled us to God (Col 1:21), and ended the Law as a means to righteousness (Rom 10:4).

                But there are some things Jesus did not do for us. He did not repent for us (Acts 17:30). He did not believe for us (Heb 10:39). He did not confess His name for us (Rom 10:9-10). He was not baptized for us (Col 2:11-12). He did not obey the truth for us (Rom 2:8). He did not bring forth fruit meet for repentance for us (Acts 26:20). He did not perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord for us (2 Cor 7:1). He did not deny ungodliness and worldly lusts for us (Tit 2:11-12). He did not run the race for us (Heb 12:1-2). Those are all matters we must do. It is true that He strengthens and enables us to do these things, but in the and, we must do them, just as surely as those passengers had to extend themselves to get to shore.

                God directed Abraham to come away from Ur of the Chaldees and all of his relation – but Abraham had to do it. God delivered Israel from Egypt, but they had to personally prepare, and come out, and walk through the midst of the Red Sea. God promised to overcome the enemies of Israel, but they had to fight. Jesus delivered us from the dominion of Satan but we have to resist him. This is the manner of the kingdom.

SO IT CAME TO PASS

                “ . . .And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.” Other versions read, “they were all brought safely to land,” ^NASB “everyone reached land in safety,” ^NIV “every soul got safe to land,” ^DOUAY and “all came safe and sound to land,” ^NJB

                We do not know how long this took – two hundred and seventy-six making it safely to shore. I can see how they would have been greatly wearied, and perhaps some of them sustained some minor injuries. I do not doubt that many of them assisted one another. Perhaps some of them were old. Paul himself was probably feeble, and may even have been ill at the time. In order to make it through those agitated and murky waters, fear had to be overcome. They probably had to keep their eye on the shore in order not to be overly discouraged by the task before them. Some of them may very well have wrestled with the thought that it was not possible for them to make it. But they all made it safely to land, and none of them were lost – just as Paul had told them. I do not doubt that on the way to shore many recalled his words and were encouraged.

   CONCLUSION

                Having disembarked from Caesarea some weeks prior, and changed ships at Myra [at least a 5-6 day trip], Paul and company had finally landed where they will spend the winter. They had sailed “slowly many days” past Cnidus, and under Crete, until they finally arrived at Fair Havens, which was on the southern coast of Crete. From there, and against the advice of Paul, they had set out to get to Phenice, where they thought it would be best to spend the winter. That voyage proved to be a disastrous one. After at least two weeks in a raging storm, they were shipwrecked on the island of Melita, having lost their cargo and the ship. Thus far, they had spent about one month on the water [5-6 days + many days + 14 days).

                This entire trip bears remarkable similarity to the believers voyage through life. I cannot help but believe this is intentional, and not coincidental.

➪      A change of ship was required to get to their ultimate destination. At Myra, about 300 miles into the journey to Rome, the centurion found a ship going to Italy, and they placed everyone on that vessel (27:5-6). Similarly, many of the saints, after being in Christ for a season, found it necessary to change their environment, choosing one that was more conducive to landing safe in heaven to forever be with the Lord.

➪      After a good beginning, they made slow progress because of contrary winds. Having encountered some contrary winds, the ship on which Paul was traveling “sailed slowly many days,” not making rapid progress (Acts 27:7-8). This parallels a rather common experience among believers, when living for the Lord became more tedious because of opposing forces.

➪      They had to navigate with wisdom and discretion. Especially after they encountered opposing winds, and finally a fierce and unrelenting storm, wisdom was required to navigate successfully (Acts 27:10). Such wisdom is also required in the voyage to glory. It is no wonder Paul prayed that believers would be “filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Col 1:9).

➪      They had to choose between conflicting ideas. When Paul gave his advice, some conflicting advice was given by the pilot and the owner of the ship. A choice had to be made between these conflicting views (Acts 27:10-12). Likewise, there comes a time when opposing ideas must be cast down (2 Cor 10:4-5), and a preference for eternal things carried our (Col 3:1-2). They must be “wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil” (Rom 16:19). There must be a discernment between good and evil (Heb 5:14).

➪      Making the wrong choice, they had to ensure a storm unnecessarily. When they decided to make an attempt to reach the next harbor, they encountered a storm worse than the one in which they had been sailing (Acts 27:13-14). It is ever true that if we judge ourselves, we should be judged. If, on the other hand, we choose not to do this, “we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world” (1 Cor 11:32).

➪      They had to work harder in the storm. Making progress in a raging storm required an unusual amount of work (Acts 27:15-17). Everyone has to work out their own salvation “with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12). However, wrong choices often thrust men into a position where they “have trouble in the flesh” (1 Cor 7:28).

➪      They had to decide how to lighten their load, and what to throw overboard. Having chosen to ignore the advice of Paul, not they were faced with the need to throw some of their cargo, and the tackling of the ship as well, into the sea (Acts 27:18-19). Even so, many a child of God, failing to follow spiritual godly inclinations, has come to a point where certain things have to be discarded – things that could have been kept had they kept to the proper course of life.

➪      Under fierce adversity, all hope was finally lost. Navigating in the wisdom of men, traveling in darkness and tempest, all hope finally was dissipated (Acts 27:20). When men are not motivated by faith, adversity finally whips all confidence and hope out of the hearts of men. Caught in the downward spiral of flesh, hope finally withers and dies.

➪      In their trial, God sent a word of comfort to His servant. God did not speak out of the sky to everyone aboard this vessel, but sent a message to His servant concerning the dilemma (Acts 27:22-26). Even so, in times of testing, answers cannot be found in books, worldly wisdom, or other fleshly resources. Legitimate assessments and answers will be given to those who are walking in the light, and it is their word that is to be followed.

➪      They had to take nourishment to prepare for survival. Before they could escape from the situation, it was necessary for them to eat and be strengthened (Acts 27:33-34). One of the sad results of spiritual malnourishment is that it puts a person in a condition where they cannot escape danger, or face the inevitability or death. It is essential that any effective action be performed in a strengthened condition, where the soul has been fed.

➪      They had to know when to lower and when to hoist their sails. The varying circumstances required some understanding of when to use the sails, and when they would be a detriment – when to attempt to steer the ship, and when it was best to let it be carried by the storm (Acts 27:15,17,40). There are trials through which the saints can navigate deliberately. There are others that are like storms that carry us along. Blessed is the person who can distinguish between the two. There are things that are “lawful,” but under certain circumstances “are not expedient” (1 Cor 6:12; 10:23).

➪      They had to know how to navigate to a place of safety. When those in charge of the ship saw land, they had to know how to safely get within its proximity without endangering the occupants of the ship (Acts 27:27-29, 38-40). It is good to “know how to abound,” as well as “how to be abased,” and “be instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need” (Phil 4:12). What you do in the difficult times, and in crises, reveals the mount of real wisdom you possess.

➪      To be saved, they had to lose most, if not all, of their possessions. During the storm, they had to throw the cargo, the tackling, and the wheat overboard (Acts 27:18-19,38). Jesus said that in order to be His disciple one had to “forsake all” (Lk 14:33). Walking in the light and living by faith clarifies this every time a circumstance of life arises that requires the discarding of some possession or preference that proves to be a hindering factor during stress.

➪      Those who could swim had to do so in stormy waters. Two classes of people were saved: those who could swim and those who could not. The swimmers were required to use all of their capacities to save themselves – swimming kin a stormy sea (Acts 27:43-44). The abilities of the mature child of God are not always exercised under quiet and favorable circumstances. Often they must be employed under the most difficult of circumstances, which tend to confirm just how able believers are. But if they will use what they have from God, they will arrive safely.

➪      Those who could not swim had to use helps to get to shore. Those who could not swim were provided a means by which they could get to shore. That means had to be appropriated and employed all the way to the shore (Acts 27:44). It is sometimes necessary for those lacking certain abilities to employ “helps” in order to survive. It may require relying on some word from a fellow believer, or visiting a certain Ebenezer where the blessing of the Lord was once experienced. It may be retiring to some secret place for prayer, or rehearsing the wonderful works of God. Such activities are like priming a pump when the water is not flowing freely, and holy thoughts do not come easily. Properly used, they will enable the believer to navigate to safety.

➪      Everyone did all that they could under the circumstances, and they all made it safely to shore. In a sense, every man was for himself in getting to the shore, having to use everything accessible to him (Acts 27:43-44). We should not expect salvation to be accomplished easily, with minimal or occasional effort. Working out your own salvation with fear and trembling always requires the “whole armor of God,” “all spiritual blessings,” and “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (Eph 6:10-18; 1:3; 2 Pet 1:3). The believer must bring all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength into the race to glory, and leave nothing undone.

                Just as Paul’s voyage to Rome was not in stormy weather all of the way, and was often attended by special visitations from the Lord, and contact with various brethren, so the trip to glory is not through an uninterrupted storm. Like the early church who went through persecutions and hardships, so the Lord has ordained that individuals and whole churches experience “rest,” and are “edified, walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, even being “multiplied” (Acts 9:31). How thankful we are that our times are in His hands (Psa 31:15), and He is working everything together for our good (Rom 8:28).

                Notwithstanding those seasons of refreshment, there are perils on the way to glory – moral and spiritual storms. It is the nature of the life of faith to work out our salvation in the midst of such trials, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord, and walking in the light, though all about us often appears to be pervasive darkness. The caliber and strength of our faith is being tested, like the storms testing the sailing expertise of the mariners in our text.

                What will it take to cause hope to wither? What will cause despair to set in, battering the heart and causing grief to the soul? Everything that is required to confront and overcome these circumstances is supplied in Christ Jesus, and faith is fully able to take hold of them and use them. That is involved in being “complete” in Christ.