Copyright © S P Townsend
WCF - THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
Study Number 43 Acts 27 v 1 - 26
4 Mar 1990
Paul was held prisoner by the Romans in Caesarea for more than two years. During this time the Jewish leaders who had accused him tried to have him moved back to Jerusalem. They planned a second time to ambush him on the way in order to kill him. But Paul demanded his right, as a Roman citizen, to be tried by Caesar himself. This presented Festus, the Roman Governor, with a problem, since Paul had done nothing wrong. Festus asked King Agrippa to listen to Paul's explanation of events. Paul used the opportunity to witness for Jesus. Festus and King Agrippa were uncomfortable as Paul tried to persuade them to follow Jesus, but agreed that Paul had done nothing to break the law. Nevertheless they decided he would have to go to Rome, since he had appealed to Caesar.
Paul of course knew he would be going to Rome. Jesus himself had told him he would travel there safely, so that he could tell people there the Good News of Jesus.
Last week we learned that Paul faced many difficulties - he was just a prisoner, he was brought in front of very important people, some of them thought he was stupid, he was all on his own, and he had no time to prepare. But even so he wasn't afraid of what they might say or do. He explained to them that they too ought to follow Jesus.
We too face difficulties, but we must never allow these to stop us witnessing for Jesus. We need to do just what Paul did: tell people what Jesus has done for us, and encourage them to follow Jesus too.
1. Paul is still a prisoner, in the charge of a centurion named Julius. But actually, it is God who is in charge.
2. Two other disciples travel with him - Luke and Aristarchus. True friends are those who stick together even through the bad times.
3. Julius kindly allows Paul to visit his friends in Sidon. The Lord so often provides other Christians to help us just when we need it.
1. Winter is approaching, winds are from the North and West, and it is almost impossible to make progress. Sometimes we can feel as if we are moving backwards instead of advancing in God's purpose for our lives.
2. Paul sees what the outcome will be if they continue, but the ship's owner and the pilot disagree. They want a comfortable place to spend the winter in, but Paul listens for God's voice. How often people never hear what God is saying because they're more concerned about being comfortable.
1. The centurion listens to the wrong advice. Listening to the wrong advice can make the difference between safety and disaster.
2. The storm is so terrible that all the cargo and tackle has to be thrown out. The sailors and passengers finally give up hope of being saved. Even the greatest of God's servants can go through times of deep despair.
3. God sends an angel to Paul, to encourage and strengthen him. Paul tells everyone to have courage, and to have faith in God. God is always close to His people in times of crisis. No problem is too great for Him to solve; faith means trusting until we see His solution.
Never think that following Jesus will always be a life of success, without setbacks, and without fear and despair. Sometimes the way He leads us is dark and stormy. We will only find strength and courage by keeping close to Jesus, listening for His voice, and trusting Him. And through it all we can encourage others to trust Him too.
Copyright © S P Townsend