Paul on the Storm-Tossed Ship with Roman Soldiersby IpswichSDA
27:18Acts 27:18
And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;
This verse belongs to Paul's long and tedious voyage to Italy, to Rome, undertaken as a prisoner in chains amid trying experiences. It was a voyage made amid the special hardships and dangers of first-century sea travel. Mariners then steered largely by the sun and stars, shipowners feared to venture into the open sea at signs of a storm, and during part of the year safe navigation was nearly impossible.
The hardship of Paul's lot as a prisoner was lightened by the permitted companionship of Luke and Aristarchus. Aristarchus shared Paul's bondage by choice, in order to minister to him in his afflictions.
After a night in which the tempest kept raging, the vessel began to leak despite the precautions that had been taken to strengthen it. The next day those on board made the ship lighter in order to keep it afloat. They lightened the vessel by throwing cargo overboard to reduce its burden.
That sea journey served God's purpose, in that the ship's crew witnessed God's power through Paul. Through it the Gentiles heard about Jesus, and many were converted through his teaching and miracles. The storm and tempest on the water were part of Paul's many trials as an unwearied, constantly traveling worker, sometimes passing through inhospitable regions. His lot was far harder than present travel, since traveling then lacked the conveniences it has now, yet he allowed nothing to hinder his work as God's servant carrying out His will. By word of mouth and by letter he bore a message that ever since has brought help and strength to the church, speaking plainly to those living on the eve of the close of this earth's history about the dangers that will threaten the church and the false doctrines the people of God will have to meet.
This verse belongs to Paul's long and tedious voyage to Italy, to Rome, undertaken as a prisoner in chains amid trying experiences. It was a voyage made amid the special hardships and dangers of first-century sea travel. Mariners then steered largely by the sun and stars, shipowners feared to venture into the open sea at signs of a storm, and during part of the year safe navigation was nearly impossible.
The hardship of Paul's lot as a prisoner was lightened by the permitted companionship of Luke and Aristarchus. Aristarchus shared Paul's bondage by choice, in order to minister to him in his afflictions.
After a night in which the tempest kept raging, the vessel began to leak despite the precautions that had been taken to strengthen it. The next day those on board made the ship lighter in order to keep it afloat. They lightened the vessel by throwing cargo overboard to reduce its burden.
That sea journey served God's purpose, in that the ship's crew witnessed God's power through Paul. Through it the Gentiles heard about Jesus, and many were converted through his teaching and miracles. The storm and tempest on the water were part of Paul's many trials as an unwearied, constantly traveling worker, sometimes passing through inhospitable regions. His lot was far harder than present travel, since traveling then lacked the conveniences it has now, yet he allowed nothing to hinder his work as God's servant carrying out His will. By word of mouth and by letter he bore a message that ever since has brought help and strength to the church, speaking plainly to those living on the eve of the close of this earth's history about the dangers that will threaten the church and the false doctrines the people of God will have to meet.