May 22, 2006
Bible Study: Acts Chapters 27 and 28
Promises Fulfilled
Introduction:
When we’re in the midst of the storm, it is difficult to remember God’s promises. Even more difficult is seeing His provisions in the storm. Nevertheless, God does not abort His plans for us nor does He forget our needs. He sends people to assist, to encourage, and to protect us. His purpose is to increase His Kingdom, not to increase our comfort zone.
If we are looking for comfort, peace, and happiness, we may miss the wonders, signs, and miracles God is doing in our lives. Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Jesus’ peace transcends the comforts of this world. Like Paul, we can suffer tremendous hazards and enjoy peace through our love and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Core of the Lesson:
I. God’s Provision
A. God placed people in Paul’s life to assist, to protect, and to encourage.
1. Luke accompanied Paul on his final voyage. During difficult circumstances, close friends help to carry the burden, relief apprehension and fear, and keep our focus on Jesus.
2. The centurion named Julius dealt kindly with Paul. Luke does not give the reason why the centurion was kind to Paul. Perhaps, he heard him speak and admired him. Maybe Paul’s testimony persuaded Julius to become a Christian. Whatever the reason, God established the relationship between Paul and Julius for Paul’s benefit. At different ports, the centurion allowed Paul special privileges (ch. 27 v 3; ch. 28 v 14). In verse 42, Luke wrote that the soldiers planned to kill all the prisoners to prevent their escape when they landed on the island of Malta. Because he wanted to spare Paul’s life, Julius averted their plan.
3. Believers met Paul en route to encourage and to minister to him.
B. God allowed Paul to face the storm.
1. Verses 4, 7, 8, and 9 recorded the beginning of their troubles. Luke stated that the winds were against them. His
mention of the time being after the Fast referred to the Day of Atonement, which is the last of the Jewish celebrations occurring in late September or early October. As it does today, turbulent weather began in mid-September and continued through early November. After that, all sailing on the open sea terminated until February.
2. Although the centurion respected Paul, he chose to ignore his warning (vs. 10-11). When a south wind blew, they set sail along the shore of Crete (v 13).
3. A wind of hurricane force called the “northeaster” swept across the sea.
a. The storm lasted at least fourteen days. Luke wrote that neither sun nor stars appeared (v 20).
b. The crew retrieved the lifeboat and secured the ship with ropes to bind it together
c. They began to throw unnecessary cargo overboard and finally threw the tackle overboard. (NOTE: in verse 40, Luke mentioned that they cut loose the anchors and left them in the sea. Several years ago, archeologists found the anchors in the exact location Luke recorded.)
d. After they came to the end of everything they knew to do, they (including Luke) lost all hope of being saved. This is an illustration of our spiritual battles. We need to throw out everything that hinders us, come to the end ourselves, and lose all hope of saving ourselves. Then, we can step aside and allow God to work salvation out in us.
e. Panicking, some of the sailors decided to try to save themselves (v 30). Paul warned them to stay in the ship or they would lose their lives. What an unmistakable portrait of our relationship with Christ. Many of us attempt to save ourselves through acts of self-righteousness. However, unless we stay in the “Ship” of Christ-righteousness, we will lose our lives. Jesus said, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:25).
C. God protects Paul at Malta.
1. The natives on the island of Malta welcomed the crew and the prisoners with a fire and hospitality.
2. A snake bit Paul. The islanders assumed that Paul did something punishable by death. Being superstitious, they believed that although Paul escaped the raging sea, the gods were executing justice through the snake’s bite. God protected Paul. The islanders then considered Paul a god.
3. Paul healed Publius’ father and many islanders. The kindness Paul extended to them upsurged the favor placed on the voyagers. When the seafarers planned their departure, the islanders restored the supplies needed to continue the journey.
II. Paul’s Faith
A. After the centurion ignored his warning, Paul remained silent.
B. In despair, everyone on board the ship panicked, threw cargo overboard, and resolved to death at sea. Everyone, that is, but Paul. Paul prayed and waited on God’s reply.
C. Reassured by God’s angel, Paul assumed the authority given to him by God (ch 27 vs. 21-26).1
D. Paul encouraged the crew to replenish their strength. As Jesus did, Paul took bread and gave thanks. It may be difficult to think of Paul not breaking forth in a great discourse at this point; but part of being a good witness involves knowing when to give a lengthy speech and when to demonstrate a simple act of faith.
E. Paul showed no signs of panic when the snake bit him. He simply shook it off and continued to work. There is a lesson here for us as well. Jesus called Satan, the old Serpent. He attempts to bite us and cause us pain and destruction. Like Paul, we need to learn to shake it off and go on about the LORD’s business. When someone offends me, I’m learning to keep quite about it. If I refuse to mention the offense to my friends, I have found that the injury is less painful and soon disappears from memory. It’s sort of like a mosquito bite. If I scratch and pick at it, it festers and becomes infected. However, when I keep my fingers off, it heals.
F. Even in the worst situations, Paul seized every opportunity to do good and share the gospel. He prayed for the crew and encouraged them to eat, to maintain their composure, and to stay with the ship. In Malta, he healed the sick and gave testimony.
III. God’s Promise Fulfilled
A. Through imprisonment, a raging storm, a snakebite, and physical discomfort, God fulfilled His promise to Paul.
B. The LORD paved the way for Paul to reach Rome and provided encouragement along the way – the angel on the ship, fellow believers in Italy (ch 28 vs 13-15).
C. When they reached Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with a guard. Under house arrest for two years, he stayed in his rented house and visitors were permitted to come as they pleased. According to Luke, “Boldly and without hindrance, he [Paul] preached the kingdom of God and taught about the LORD Jesus Christ” (ch 28 v 31).
Conclusion and Challenge:
God never promised Paul that he would live like a king. God promised Paul that he would speak before kings. Paul willingly threw all his “cargo” overboard to proclaim the gospel. He stayed on course and refused to abandon the good “Ship.” By His grace, God saved him. Paul allowed himself to become instrumental in saving many others.
When we find ourselves in the midst of a raging storm, remembering God’s promises and considering His provisions may elude us. Nevertheless, if we remain steadfast in prayer, God’s wonders, signs, and miracles will become recognizable to us and to others. His grace will save us. And, we, like Paul, will become instrumental in saving others. Remember: His purpose is to increase His Kingdom, not to increase our comfort zone.