Paul on the Storm-Tossed Ship with Roman Soldiersby IpswichSDA
27:19Acts 27:19
And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.
Sea travel in the first century was perilous, and navigation was difficult when sun and stars were hidden, so that signs of a storm made shipowners afraid to venture into open water and some seasons were nearly impossible for safe sailing. On the third day of the storm those aboard threw the ship's tackling overboard with their own hands, sacrificing necessary equipment in an effort to survive. Crew and passengers joined in that desperate work to lighten the leaking vessel as it was battered by the gale, badly damaged and struggling to stay afloat even at the cost of what was needed to sail her.
The voyage was a means by which God carried forward Paul's work, for the crew saw God's power through him and those who did not know God heard about Jesus. In this way it became an occasion through which many could be converted by his teaching and miracles.
The verse reflects Paul's constant travel on the water in storm and tempest as part of his many trials as an unwearied worker. His lot was far harder without modern conveniences, yet he allowed nothing to hinder his work as God's servant carrying out His will. His example gives courage not to become discouraged, and by spoken word and by letter he bore a message that has ever since brought help and strength to the church. To those living on the eve of the close of earth's history that message speaks plainly about dangers that will threaten the church and false doctrines the people of God will have to meet.
Sea travel in the first century was perilous, and navigation was difficult when sun and stars were hidden, so that signs of a storm made shipowners afraid to venture into open water and some seasons were nearly impossible for safe sailing. On the third day of the storm those aboard threw the ship's tackling overboard with their own hands, sacrificing necessary equipment in an effort to survive. Crew and passengers joined in that desperate work to lighten the leaking vessel as it was battered by the gale, badly damaged and struggling to stay afloat even at the cost of what was needed to sail her.
The voyage was a means by which God carried forward Paul's work, for the crew saw God's power through him and those who did not know God heard about Jesus. In this way it became an occasion through which many could be converted by his teaching and miracles.
The verse reflects Paul's constant travel on the water in storm and tempest as part of his many trials as an unwearied worker. His lot was far harder without modern conveniences, yet he allowed nothing to hinder his work as God's servant carrying out His will. His example gives courage not to become discouraged, and by spoken word and by letter he bore a message that has ever since brought help and strength to the church. To those living on the eve of the close of earth's history that message speaks plainly about dangers that will threaten the church and false doctrines the people of God will have to meet.