Chapter 42
Shipwrecked
Acts 27
In II Corinthians 11:25, Paul writes that 3 times in his life and ministry he had personally experienced a shipwreck. (I feel better about all my wrecks, now). One of those three shipwrecks is the subject of Acts 27. This chapter is one of the most detailed in all scripture. Historians and archeologists have studied this passage for its valuable description of ancient seamanship. There's much to learn about how sailors conducted their work on the seas, particularly in times of crisis.
But there are also some valuable spiritual lessons for us Christians to learn from Acts 27. In this passage, we see a vivid illustration of the providential care of God. Providence is not just the capital of Rhode Island. The dictionary defines it as "the foreseeing care and guidance of God over the creatures of the earth." The passage also reveals to us, as we shall see, the leadership qualities of Paul, the apostle.
I want to read the whole chapter in your hearing with, perhaps a few, explanatory comments, and then draw some applications for us to learn.
v. 1 - Luke is once again in the company of Paul - "we"
v. 2 - the first ship did not go out into open see but traveled along the coast.
v. 3 - Paul was apparently sick and was permitted to get help from Christian friends in Sidon.
v. 6 - There were no passenger ships in the ancient world, only cargo ships. Prisoners were sent on cargo ships in groups to Rome along with the necessary guards. This second ship, as we shall see, was carrying grain to Italy and had 276 people on it.
v. 7-8 - the trip was slow and laborious because of the strong winds. They finally put into port at a place call Fair Havens which was not where the ship's captain wanted to be stuck. He would have to pay his crew even if they were idle.
v. 9 - By now it was the worst possible time of the year for sailing (September 14 - November 11). The "fast" refers to the Jewish Day of Atonement which falls at the end of September to early October. Any attempt to sail in open sea would have been a gamble.
v. 10-12 - Paul warned them that it was a risky venture they were considering but the centurion who was guarding Paul and the other prisoners was more apt to believe an experienced sailor over his teacher. The ship's captain had a biased opinion. He did not want like Fair Havens and the majority of the advice he got was to go.
v. 13 - A warm wind caressed the rough cheeks of these weather beaten sailors. It's seductiveness prompted these men to ignore Paul's warning. So they set sail.
It was a bad decision reached by ...
supposition - v. 13 - supposing that they had obtained
Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way that seemeth right unto man but the end thereof are the ways of death.
impatience - v. 9 - much time spent
expert advice - v. 11
inconvenience - v. 12
desire of the majority - v. 12
favorable circumstances - v. 13
selfish purpose - v. 13
All this led them to ignore good and godly counsel and to make a very bad decision.
v. 14 - But not long after ...A northeastern (the word is half Greek and half Latin) came with the force of hurricane (vv. 14-20). Now, all their confidence in themselves had been drained away and they entire crew expected to perish.
v. 21 - It is now when Paul's leadership qualities assert themselves. He had to throw in an "I told you so" but it was a reminder that he could be counted on for good advice.
(Read the rest of the chapter).
10 Qualities of Godly Leader
Paul started the voyage as a prisoner and ended the voyage as the pilot. "The cream always rises to the top."
1. Is trustworthy - v. 3.
2. Show initiative - v. 10.
3. Is practical - v. 10. - (uses good judgment).
4. Speaks with authority - v. 21
5. Is optimistic/ enthusiastic - v. 22-24.
6. Is goal-oriented - v. 24
7. Demonstrated faith and trust in the Lord- v. 25.
8. Never compromises - v. 31.
9. Focuses on objectives not obstacles - vv. 33-34.
10.Leads by example - vv. 35-36.
Paul was stable and sure in the midst of a raging storm!