Copyright © S P Townsend
WCF - THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
Study Number 44 Acts 27 v 27 - 28 v 10
11 Mar 1990
Paul is being taken from Caesarea to Rome, in order to stand trial before Caesar, although no charge has been brought against him by the Roman authorities.
Last week we saw how the Lord provided for Paul's needs, through friends such as Luke and Aristarchus who travelled with him, and through the kindness of Julius, the centurion responsible for him. Paul's experience at this time was not that of success and moving forward, rather the opposite; even the weather was against them, and eventually the ship was engulfed by a storm that lasted for 14 terrible days. The whole ship's company gave up hope of being saved, but at that dreadful time of despair the Lord again sent words of encouragement to Paul, and through him to the entire company.
In whatever circumstances the Lord's people find themselves, He wants to use them to encourage others around them to have faith in Him. Paul lived by this principle, as we see again from this week's passage.
Eventually the ship was blown towards an island. The sailors sensed they were approaching land although it was midnight and nothing could be seen. By dawn they could see their situation, and it finally became necessary to abandon ship.
What were the evidences of God's protection and provision?
1. God's revelation to Paul on more than one occasion (Acts 23:11; 27:23,24).
2. The centurion was sympathetic (27:3; 27:31,32; 27:43).
3. The place they beached was (a) sandy and (b) protected from the full force of the waves by a sand-bar (27:41).
4. The land they reached was inhabited by unusually kind people (27:2).
5. The ship broke up, providing driftwood by the help of which everyone reached land safely (27:44).
6. Paul was protected from snake bite (28:5).
7. Their physical needs were provided for (28:10).
The Lord guards and protects His people jealously, as the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep. (Ps 34:7; Ps 41:1-3; Ps 91; Luke 21:16-19; John 10:27-30.)
Is there any evidence here of satanic opposition to Paul's journey to Rome?
1. The Lord's purpose, declared openly by Paul, was for Paul to go to Rome. The enemy is in the business of seeking to thwart God's purposes.
2. At every stage the plans were opposed - physical attack, wrongful arrest, plots of ambush, wrongful imprisonment for two years, contrary winds, storm, shipwreck and snakebite.
3. In every circumstance the Lord demonstrated His sovereign power and authority.
The Lord does not always shield his servants from the enemy's attack, but does always provide what is necessary for them to triumph through it. He encourages us to face all circumstances without fear or anxiety, because He is with us and for us. (John 14:1; Luke 21:9-19; Romans 8:31-39.)
It is often God's way to turn the tables on Satan; to allow him a measure of freedom to pursue his evil purposes, and then to use the situation to achieve blessing (e.g. Joseph, Jesus). What were some of the blessings in this situation?
1. A superstitious community was reached with the gospel.
2. Many were healed physically.
3. The needs of Paul and his party were amply supplied through the winter, and for the remainder of their journey.
1. What circumstances have occurred in my life, both good and bad, which the Lord has used for blessing?
2. Do my responses to blessing and adversity encourage others to have faith in God?
3. Have I fully grasped the Lord's protection and provision for me, so that whatever comes I am free from anxiety and fear, and full of confidence and faith?
4. Study Romans 8: 15-39. List all the things mentioned that might cause anxiety and fear; list all that is mentioned to encourage confidence and faith. Pray that God's Spirit will apply His word to your life, and consider ways that you can respond with obedience.
Copyright © S P Townsend