Acts 27-28

Acts_27-28
2/1/09

I. Now we come to Paul’s journey to Rome.
Acts 27:1-8 (NKJV)
1 And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment.
2 So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us.
3 And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care.
4 When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
5 And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board.
7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone.
8 Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.
II. So it was decided to put Paul on a ship to Italy in order to get him to Rome for his appeal.
A. He along with other prisoners is put into the charge of a Roman Centurion for the journey, whose name was Julius.
1. Luke and Aristarchus accompany Paul.
2. We see that the Centurion treats Paul with kindness, and some measure of respect.
a) How we treat others is important – (not talking down to others).
B. They first board a ship that is sailing along the coast of Asia minor, and in Myra they find a ship headed to Italy and transfer to that ship.
1. With much difficulty the ship reaches the island of Crete and the harbor of Fair havens
Acts 27:9-12 (NKJV)
9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them,
10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.”
11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.
12 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.
III. Having taken too much time to reach Crete the sailing season had become dangerous and would soon be impossible.
A. The “Fast” referred to is probably the Day of Atonement which took place in the late Sept. to early Oct. time frame -and sea traffic in those days ceased completely in early Nov.
B. So a debate about whether to winter there in Fair Haven or make a run up the coast to Phoenix which was a better place to winter, arose.
1. Paul is evidently taken into the council process because of his extensive travel experience.
2. Paul perceives that the journey will end in disaster advises against going on.
a) Check in his heart or just due to experience??
b) The final decision belongs to the centurion because grain ships were considered government property, so Paul is out voted by the ships owner and captain.
(1) We see here a basic human failure, what pilots refer to a “go-itis” (purchases, marriage, etc.) where we act because we want something so bad, or the alternative is inconvenient!!
Acts 27:13-38 (NKJV)
13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete.
14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon.
15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive.
16 And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty.
17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven.
18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship.
19 On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands.
20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.
21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss.
22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve,
24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’
25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.
26 However, we must run aground on a certain island.”
27 Now when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land.
28 And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms.
29 Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come.
30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow,
31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.”
32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.
33 And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing.
34 Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.”
35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat.
36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves.
37 And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship.
38 So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.
IV. Things start out smooth and conditions seem favorable, but soon become dire.
A. Ignoring the check in our hearts can be very dangerous.
B. A Euroclydon or Nor’easter comes up, a terrible storm that drives them into the open sea.

1. For fourteen days they will battle this storm, but at some point the Holy Spirit, comes and comforts Paul and gives him the revelation that no lives will be lost, only the ship.
2. Paul says you should have listened to me before and didn’t (but listen to me now).
a) Credibility or the lack of it often flows from our everyday mannerisms…
b) God has said I must be brought before Caesar in Rome and God has granted me your lives also (standing in the gap).
(1) There were 276 lives at stake including Paul’s, and the situation is dangerous enough not to expect that there be at least some loss of life.
(2) The sailors aware of the risks attempt to save their own lives (lack of trust in what God has said), but Paul says to the soldiers it is everyone or no one…
(a) Responsibility vs. personal preferences…can you imagine a fireman running the other way when a rescue was required???
c) Paul is clearly in charge now, an effective leader in time of crisis, as well as credibility extraordinaire with all on board by this time.
(1) They have not been able over the past 14 days to eat a regular meal so Paul instructs and set the example to nourish themselves physically because they will need the strength and energy.
(a) You get the impression of letting go and accepting the inevitable as well the conviction that ALL Paul has said will prove true.
Acts 27:39-44 (NKJV)
39 When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible.
40 And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore.
41 But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves.
42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape.
43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land,
44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.
V. At day break they pick the best looking place to try to beach the boat and make a run for it, running aground.
A. The prisoners were going to be killed (no risk of an escape)…
1. But the Centurion intervenes in order to save Paul.
VI. We see the open proclamation of God, a true and faithful witness, the influence of setting a good example, and the gift of encouragement on the part of Paul throughout this chapter (and the next).
Acts 28:1-10 (NKJV)
1 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta.
2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold.
3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.”
5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.
6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days.
8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him.
9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.
10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.
VII. Shipwrecked on the Isle of Malta.
A. Natives (barbarians) refers to non-Greek speaking people.
1. They demonstrated unusual hospitality in caring for the shipwrecked people, light a fire for them to be warmed by.
2. We see Paul pitching in, being a servant and collecting firewood.
a) When Paul placed a stack of stick on the fire a viper latched on to him and bit him and Paul shook the snake of and into the fire.
b) The native people thought boy this must be one wicked guy, somehow he escaped the sea during the shipwreck, but now the snake bite will kill him (he won’t cheat death).
(1) But when time passed and no harm came to Paul they came to the conclusion that he must be a god.
(2) This opened the door for ministry in the way of healing people and brought about tremendous blessings and provisions for the shipwrecked people.
(a) How we view things…
Acts 28:11-16 (NKJV)
11 After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island.
12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.
13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli,
14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome.
15 And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
VIII. So after wintering there for three months they caught another Alexandrian ship and sailed to Puteoli.
A. Finding Christians there they stayed for seven days and then began the journey by road to Rome.
1. And Paul was encouraged from place to place as they traveled toward Rome by other believers.
2. When they arrived in Rome the other prisoners were turned over to the captain of the guard, but Paul was able to dwell in his own place along with a soldier who was guarding him (house arrest of sorts).
Acts 28:17-31 (NKJV)
17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,
18 who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death.
19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation.
20 For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
21 Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you.
22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”
23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.
24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.
25 So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,
26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive;
27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” ’
28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!”
29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.
30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him,
31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
IX. After three days Paul calls the Jews together and laid out his case before them, and he persuaded them concerning Christ.
A. Paul “explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening”
B. Some believed, and some did not believe.
1. Ultimately Paul gave the message to the gentiles.
C. Paul spent two years in his own rented house, teaching all who would come and listen about Jesus.
D. Probably released at this time!
X. What a strange way to end the book, Luke left us w/o a conclusion, he just simply stops writing.
A. Because the book of Acts is ongoing…
1. And the center piece is not the works of Peter or the works of Paul, but the working of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church (you and I).
2. The witness continues to go out.
XI. Communion