Paul on the Storm-Tossed Ship with Roman Soldiersby IpswichSDA
27:25Acts 27:25
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
Voyaging in the first century involved peculiar hardship and peril, for sailors directed their course largely by the sun and stars, feared to venture into open sea when those were hidden and storm threatened, and faced part of the year when safe navigation was almost impossible. Paul spoke after fourteen days drifting under a sunless and starless sky, stepping forward on deck during a lull in the tempest while suffering physically himself, yet speaking hope and giving a helping hand in every emergency. His confidence rested on earnest pleading with God to spare the lives aboard, which was granted when the angel of God, whose he was and whom he served, stood by him that night. What had been told him, which he believed would happen exactly as stated, was that no life among those sailing would be lost, though only the ship would be lost and they must be cast upon a certain island. The promise also assured that he must be brought before Caesar, so God would preserve him to witness at Rome for the truth of Christ.
He had no fear for himself, but looked with pity on the sinful, degraded souls around him who were unprepared to die. His call to be of good cheer came from faith grasping the arm of Infinite Power, with his heart stayed upon God; his trust in God's word remained firm in discouraging circumstances, keeping him calm and courageous in the middle of storm and shipwreck. The verse is an example of an angel ministering to God's people in danger. The sea journey served God's purpose for the ship's crew to witness His power through Paul and for heathen and non-Jewish people to hear about Jesus, with some converted through Paul's teaching and the miracles they saw.
Trusting God's message and word, he urged and encouraged the frightened men and sailors aboard to take courage, prayed earnestly for them, and offered hope amid danger. His assurance revived hope among passengers and crew so they roused themselves to make every effort to avert destruction, and his help preserved the lives of those aboard. His faith upheld and strengthened him through danger and opposition as he remained committed to serving Christ.
Voyaging in the first century involved peculiar hardship and peril, for sailors directed their course largely by the sun and stars, feared to venture into open sea when those were hidden and storm threatened, and faced part of the year when safe navigation was almost impossible.
Paul spoke after fourteen days drifting under a sunless and starless sky, stepping forward on deck during a lull in the tempest while suffering physically himself, yet speaking hope and giving a helping hand in every emergency.
His confidence rested on earnest pleading with God to spare the lives aboard, which was granted when the angel of God, whose he was and whom he served, stood by him that night.
What had been told him, which he believed would happen exactly as stated, was that no life among those sailing would be lost, though only the ship would be lost and they must be cast upon a certain island.
The promise also assured that he must be brought before Caesar, so God would preserve him to witness at Rome for the truth of Christ.
He had no fear for himself, but looked with pity on the sinful, degraded souls around him who were unprepared to die.
His call to be of good cheer came from faith grasping the arm of Infinite Power, with his heart stayed upon God; his trust in God's word remained firm in discouraging circumstances, keeping him calm and courageous in the middle of storm and shipwreck.
The verse is an example of an angel ministering to God's people in danger.
The sea journey served God's purpose for the ship's crew to witness His power through Paul and for heathen and non-Jewish people to hear about Jesus, with some converted through Paul's teaching and the miracles they saw.
Trusting God's message and word, he urged and encouraged the frightened men and sailors aboard to take courage, prayed earnestly for them, and offered hope amid danger.
His assurance revived hope among passengers and crew so they roused themselves to make every effort to avert destruction, and his help preserved the lives of those aboard.
His faith upheld and strengthened him through danger and opposition as he remained committed to serving Christ.