Good morning and welcome back. I hope you all had a nice weekend. Today looks like a beautiful day ahead! Enjoy the sunshine while we can!!
Reminder- we left Paul after he defended his case to Agrippa and Festus. Neither of them could find fault in what he said, but because Paul requested an audience with the Emperor, he must go to Rome. I think it was wise for Paul to request that audience, as now he will be able to preach to Emperor Nero. Early in his career, Nero was a relatively good and wholesome person, however, later on (in a few years) he turns ugly and slightly crazed and he heads up some of the most dramatic and ugly persecutions of Christians that Rome was ever responsible for!
Paul boards a ship headed in the direction of Rome. Also on the ship are several criminals going to Rome for trial and their accompanying Roman soldiers. It was common to have Roman soldiers on ships where there were criminals. We assume Luke is present with Paul as the word "we" is used several times. Paul was granted some privileges that other criminals didn't have, e.g. allowing "guests" to travel with him: Aristarchius (and Luke). As Paul landed in some of the ports, he was also allowed to get off the ship and visit Christians (v 3). Part of the freedoms from Julius (the Roman commander) is because Paul wasn't convicted (yet) and possibly Julius was leaning toward becoming Christian. The other prisoners were probably convicted of crimes and condemned to death in the arenas of Rome.
The Alexandrian ship (v 6) was likely a grain freighter that carried grain from Egypt to Italy. These ships were approximately 150 feet long and 40 feet wide; they had just one mast and a huge square sail and there were two large paddles used for searing rather than a rudder. The single sail prevented them from sailing into the wind.
Paul suggests to the captain that they shouldn't sail any longer (v 10) as the sailing season was coming to a close. Paul mentions the Day of Cleansing festival (v 9). This date is early October and winter is quickly approaching; sailing during winter moths is quite dangerous. Paul wasn't speaking as a prophet (as some suggest), he was speaking as an experienced sailor who has sailed over 3500 miles by sea already! At this point in his career, he had already been in 3 or 4 shipwrecks- so he understands weather!
The captain doesn't listen to Paul and decides to sail on. The harbor they were docked in, Fair Haven, is actually a misnomer; the bay faced the winter winds and boast would be destroyed during winter months if they stayed there! The decision was to sail to Phoenix, still on the island of Crete but about 40 miles away and a much safer harbor than Fair Haven; also, the city of Phoenix is larger and more populated (i.e. translation- the sailors could have more "fun" staying the winter there than in Fair Haven!).
The winds seem favorable and they set sail from Fair Haven (v 13). Soon, though, a "Nor'easter" begins howling (some translations name the wind "Euroclydon"- a cyclonic tempestuous northeast wind, usually during autumn and winter months). Many of us have had experience with "Nor'easters" and we know they can be rough! The crew was helpless against the wind and just let the ship sail where it did (v 15).
The crew did some emergency care: brought in the lifeboat (skiff) that was normally towed behind the ship; used cables to wrap around the hull to prevent the ship from bursting apart; let down the sail; tossed off non-essential equipment to lighten the ship. Normally, navigation was done using the sun and stars- and the storm was so bad for a few days that they couldn't even see them! They were all (276 people, see v 37) hopeless at this point (v 20).
Paul has an "I told you so" moment (v 21)- so unlike Paul (some sarcasm in my statement there!). Paul's godliness comes out and offers hope to the lost (v 22)! The good point Paul brings up- nobody will die; the bad point- financial ruin to the ship owner as the ship and what is left of the cargo will be lost at sea!
Paul talks of his angelic visit (v 23); maybe this was a gentle reminder from God that "you are mine!" This story reminds us that not everything goes positively for people that follow God. Our life will have some set backs and some tough times. I have said several times in preaching, no where in the Bible does it say that life will be easy- but it does say that God will be with us all he time! The angle says (v 24) "Paul, do not be afraid!" We all face storms in our life and then possibly question the presence of God; we should remember these words from the angel. "__(Insert your name here)___, do not be afraid!"
The promise from God (v 24- 25) is that all the men will be saved and that Paul will get to Rome. The ship will be a complete loss though. Paul had to pass this hope that he had on to the men of the ship. We don't really know how the men of the ship received this information. How would you have received this information? How do you respond when people say- have hope!? Paul does say (v 25), "I trust God."
They had been tossed and pummeled for two weeks (v 27). The sailors may have heard waves crashing on rocks, they assumed they were close to land so dropped anchor to slow their movement and prevent crashing (v 28). And they prayed (v 29). Some of the sailors decide to jump ship and save their lives (v 30). Paul tells the centurion that they men need to stay on board. One reason- they were the experts at sailing and the ship would definitely crash if they were gone. Second reason- God promised all the men would be saved- so they all have to be on the ship! The men must have trusted Paul, because they let the lifeboat go!
Paul begins to comfort the men and there is slight indication that he treated the "meal" as a Eucharist/ Last Supper type remembrance (v 35). There seems to be some comfort and calm, even for a brief moment, until they make a last ditch effort to save the ship by tossing out the cargo (grain) to lighten the ship.
The land that the sailors see is Malta; the place where the boat crashes is now called St. Paul's Bay. The next closet piece of land is Tunisia (almost 200 miles away!). The ship strikes a sandbar and begins to fall apart. The Roman guards wanted to begin killing the prisoners (v 42). Roman law says that if a guard lets a prisoner go free, the guard would be subject to the same penalty as the prisoner. For most of these prisoners, they were probably going to Rome to be executed in the arena! However, Julius, the commander has a change of heart (God influenced??) Paul and all the prisoners was saved. Maybe Julius remembered what the angel told Paul in v 24- that everyone would be saved?
I have said several times, Acts would make a great movie! This chapter could be an intense few scenes!
Tomorrow we pick up Paul in Malta and he eventually gets to Rome. Our next set of readings will be Paul's letter to the Romans (we begin on Wednesday); I will prepare an introduction to Romans and post it tomorrow.
Enjoy the day.
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
This chapter seems to b3 very descriptive as Luke is now again with Paul. Paul is on hiw way to Rome but sailing at this time of year can be dangerous according to my bible footnotes. Paul warms the captain of the dangers but his advice is not heeded. The sailing turns bad as storm gale winds blow the ship off course. Much is done to lighten their load but to no avail. Paul tells of a vision from God he had that they would all be saved but the ship would be wrecked. This time the captain listened to paul as he was correct with the first advice he gave. They were all saved but shipwrecked on the island of Malta. God works in many ways to get Paul to Rome where he can witness before Caesar and the Romans. I'm sure Paul was witnessing to all the crew etc who were on the ship and while they were shipwrecked also.. I don't think paul let moments go by without telling of Jesus and the Word.
ReplyDeleteYou can definitely tell when Luke is travelling with Paul by the writing style and information!
DeleteI bet that Paul, while he was sailing in good weather (and even in the storm) was chatting up the sailors about God! He takes every opportunity to tell about God- Imagine if we did that!
Good points!
Awwww, Luke, so descriptive in your writing - but so informative. Paul behaves exactly as we would have expected him to! Paul specks to them in vs. 10 which the centurion does not heed, then Paul lets matters take it's course and does not speck to them again until vs. 21-26 which vs. 21 starts with "But after long abstinence Paul stood forth...." What great timing Paul (from God) has! And then Paul comes forward again in vs. 31 - which by now, the Centurion has learned to believe. So Paul is being taken to Rome as a result of trials in Cesarea, the Centurion and the Roman soldiers know why Paul is being taken to Rome, but yet Paul has the courage to again speak of his role and to even say that GOD is the reason why he is going to Rome - not because of the trails nor Paul's request to be tried by Caesar. But God. Paul also notes that he serves GOD - not Caesar! Treasonous? And tells them of his vision with such conviction. I love vs. 25 where Paul says "....I believe God...." I see that your version says "I trust God" - to me that means two different things and, honestly, I like the "believe"!! I wish I had that faith - that belief that what is in my head are words from God direct to me and not some random thought I have!! That I could be aboard a ship in such a terrible storm and yet have such complete faith in God that I will be saved!! Paul's faith is so strong that he encourages them to eat a meal and then cast out the rest because they will be saved!! My notes say that Paul had them eat the meal for 2 reasons - for nourishment and to thank God "publicly". It also says that it was common practice among God's people to give thanks - does this mean that they performed this before each meal? Another unsung hero in this Chapter - Julius the centurion. Although he makes the mistake of believing the master of the ship over Paul's first words (and how many times are we asked to make a decision between our beliefs and our work?), he shows many kind acts to Paul and believes him when the sailors are about to abandon ship (they could not sail the ship without them) and then stands against the soldiers to save Paul's life. I have loved Acts but am ready to move on to Romans!!
ReplyDeletePaul does enter in to some treasonous territory in some of his comments and statements! Its a good thing Nero didn't hear him!
DeletePaul being on the boat in the storm reminds me of John Wesley on his trip to Savannah GA in the storm when the Moravians are singing and Wesley is afraid he is going to die!
I don't know if there was the bread breaking ritual before each meal- but there was lots of prayer, especially for the Jews and I would imagine the early Christians.
When we look back at Paul's missionary trips- there are several of those "unsung heroes" as you mention. It seems like no matter how much trouble Paul gets into there is always a guard or centurion or someone that helps him. Kind of makes you look at people that help you differently!
Good points Donna! Thanks!
What a difficult and harrowing journey! When we think about how easy it is to travel all over the world for us this is hard to imagine. I had to smile when I read that they ran into a a strong wind called a Northeaster. We here in the northeast know all about that! To have to just go where the wind blows you is hard to imagine. I find it so interesting that those who had imprisoned Paul ended up listening to his guidance. I also wonder what kind of instruments they had that as they neared the land they measured and found the water was about one hundred twenty feet deep. Paul continues to care for those who have imprisoned him by begging them to eat and breaking bread with them.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most difficult parts for me is to appreciate the time and distances that Paul traveled- and his mode of movement! In "normal" times, we can be across the world in just a few hours! We have no idea what it was like to travel on a ship for weeks or to walk for weeks!
DeleteHmmm...good question about measuring devices! Sextants weren't invented until the 1700s. I don't even know what kind of maps they had 2000 years ago!
Paul does have compassion for people- and it is evident especially in this reading!
Good thoughts Cindy!
I am so glad that this published. I tried four times on Friday and then gave up. I hope everyone had a good weekend! Donna I hope you enjoyed your time with your family. Jack how wonderful that you get to live in such a beautiful place with your family. Clara thank you for checking on me. I went to the doctor today and got a very good report!
ReplyDeleteThis can be finicky at times!! Thanks for updating us on your progress!
DeleteHow difficult life must have been in those days and how brave many people were. Can you imagine boarding a ship with only the stars to navigate by? And then a storm with high winds and rain. I can't even imagine going days without eating!
ReplyDelete"Keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told." Again and again Paul is so faithful and believes so deeply. Can you imagine having this commitment especially in a storm? Wonder if anyone was sea sick? or incredibly anxious?
And then the ship starts breaking apart but they were all brought safely to land. You know that God was there helping everyone get to shore.
You're right, pastor, this would be a great movie.
Life was tough then...and we complain today when the power goes out for a few hours!! Things were definitely different 2000 years ago!!
DeletePaul really expresses his faith and belief in God whenever he can, and this trial in the storm is a great opportunity for him to express that devotion!
This ship in a storm story reminds me of John Welsey's journey to Savannah GA. The ship was caught in a terrible storm and Wesley was petrified, thinking he was going to die. There were some Moravians on the ship also, and they were singing hymns! Wesley questioned them and the pastor said, if we die, we know we will be with God! This helped solidify Wesley's belief and trust in God.
Maybe we can make a movie company and produce this chapter when we all get together!!
Great thoughts Cathy- thanks!
Paul, your comments about Nero were very interesting. I remember studying ancient Rome in school (and, NO. It was not a one room school!!!), but I only remember Julius Caesar. I don't remember Nero, but we must have studied him. I know he was a bad guy, but I didn't know that his early years were decent.
ReplyDeleteShipping was hazardous in that time just as it is today. To this day, ships break up and sink in storms, so, while ship construction is better today, storms still take their tolls on shipping. Think of the Gordon Lightfoot song "Wreak of the Edmund Fitzgerald." This happened on Lake Superior. I can only imagine what shipping was like in places like the Mediterranean Sea.
It had to be tough being a sailor and facing a ship wreak or possible loss of life as well as cargo. I wonder if ship owners in that time penalized their crews or captains for loss of life or cargo at sea. The crew on the ship carrying Paul wanted to kill the prisoners to save their own skins. Just think of the poor lions going without a meal. (sarcasm!) I wonder how often this happened. Probably more than we would want to know.
Nero is a very interesting guy. Nero ruled from mid-50s to late-60sAD. He was adopted by the emperor Claudius; his mother tried to dominate him, so about 5 years into his reign- he killed her! During his early reign, he listened to his mentor, Seneca. Life was ok for Rome during those ties, then Nero decided he didn't need help, killed his mom and things went down hill for Rome and Christians! It is believed that he started the fire that destroyed Rome, but Nero blamed the Christians to shift blame!
ReplyDelete"Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" Great song and great analogy to the troubles Paul was having! I can't imagine the roughness of the seas.
Those poor lions!!
Great comments Jack- thanks!