HOPE WAS TAKEN AWAY -- Monday:
Having been hounded by the Jews because of his strong preaching of the Gospel, Paul had finally been taken into custody. He had presented his case before both Festus and Agrippa, representatives of the Roman government. Even though freedom was offered to Paul, he sensed the time had come for him to go to Rome, something he had long desired. He therefore appealed his case to Caesar, knowing that would gain him a hearing in Rome itself. Speaking of this mater, Agrippa expressed surprise at this turn of events. "Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar" (Acts 26:32). Paul, however, knew what he was doing, and he was doing it for Christ.
After it was determined that a voyage to Italy was necessary, "they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band" (Acts 27:1). Boarding a ship in Adramyttium, they set sail, intending to go to the "coasts of Asia." The next day they arrived at Sidon, and the centurion in charge of the prisoners graciously permitted Paul to "to go unto his friends to refresh himself" (27:3). Things seemed to be going very well as they launched out again. This time, however, the "winds were contrary," seeming to resist the desired arrival of Paul in Rome.
Landing in Myra, a city of Lycia, "the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy," and put the prisoners on it (27:6). At this point, it became evident that the journey to Rome would not be one of ease.
Because of the wind, progress was extremely slow for many days and with great difficulty. Finally, because the wind would allow no other action, they sailed along under Crete, moving up the coast with great difficulty and eventually arriving at Fair Havens. At this point, Luke (the writer of Acts) identifies the time by saying the Passover Fast was now past (27:8). Already they had lost a lot of time in their voyage, and confusion seemed to be evident among the ranks.
At this point, Paul gave them a word of warning. He said he perceived the voyage was going to bring great loss to the ship and cargo, and to those on board as well. His word sharply conflicted with that of the pilot and owner of the ship. Placing a higher value on a sailing expert than on a man of God, "the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul" (27:11). Because the Fair Haven harbor was not suitable to "winter in," the majority advised that they sail on, heading for Phoenix, a harbor in Crete (27:12).
It seemed like a good choice. A soft wind began to blow, moving them gently along. They thought they had "obtained their desire" (27:13). Their confidence, however, was suddenly interrupted as a wind of hurricane force swept down upon the area. It was called "Euroclydon," or a northeaster, and it was devastating. They had control of the ship no longer, and were forced to let the wind carry it as it willed.
The storm lasted several days, requiring them to lighten the ship. They even threw the ship tackling overboard (apparatus, equipment, furnishings, and rigging). They were in total darkness, with neither the sun nor the stars appearing for "many days," as the storm "continued raging." Now, though the men were experts in sea travel, they "finally gave up all hope of being saved."
Then, the management of the vessel was shifted to Paul the prisoner. After a long abstinence from food, Paul stood in the midst of them and spoke. He first reminded them they should have listened to what he said in Crete. They had acted foolishly (27:21). However, all was not lost. With confidence he announced to them that although the ship would be lost, no one was going to lose their life. They would all remain safe.
He told them that the angel of God, whom he served, had stood by him that night saying, "Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you." Because he believed the message, he counseled the men to be of good cheer, knowing the word would come to pass. Notwithstanding, he said, "we must run aground on a certain island" (27:25-26). On the fourteenth night of the dreadful storm, his word started coming true. The outcome: 276 souls outlasted the storm, arriving safely to land (27:27-44).
Perhaps you are encountering difficulty in your labors for the Lord. You are persuaded what you are doing is right, but storms are assaulting you. Derive comfort from this text. Great missions are not always attended by calm seas and gentle winds.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, grant me the encouragement and strength to continue faithful during challenging and trying times.