Acts 27
by Philip Layton
Paul sailed for Rome and was shipwrecked
Discussion Questions
- Do the author’s frequent references to ‘we’ help validate the account (v 2)?
- Is this chapter only useful for historic purposes or telling the story of Paul’s journeys? Is there something you can learn and apply to your life?
Share your thoughts below, or tweet about it with the #boundlessbible hashtag. Don't forget this week's Children's Challenge!
Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
After King Agrippa heard Paul’s testimony, he said to Festus the governor, ‘This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar’ (26:32). Because Paul was a Roman citizen, he insisted on having a trial in Rome. It also gave him opportunities to share his faith with more people! So off they sailed for Italy – his final journey. It proved to be quite a voyage, with a violent storm:
The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along (27:15).
Paul, with other prisoners, had been turned over to Julius, a centurion of the emperor’s regiment. There were 276 people on board. The storm came and panic set in. Yet Paul knew all would be well. He stood before all those on board and said:
‘Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you”’ (vv 23, 24).
God’s faithfulness – shown through the great storms of life. Yes, the voyage may be rough at times, yet God is with us and will see us through.
Paul and all those on board arrived safely on land. He preached to those who would listen, and many believed. Even as he waited in Rome for his trial he continued to preach ‘the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ’ (28:31).
Prayer
Lord, help me, like Paul, to end life’s final journey well. But until then, may I keep sharing the good news of your Son, Jesus Christ, to all who will listen.
Beverly Ivany
Tags: Acts