Acts 27 - 12.31.25
Scripture: Acts 27:22-25
But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.
Observation
Paul is on a ship with other prisoners bound for Rome. He is going to plead his case before Caesar. On the way, the ship is overcome by a devastating storm. Even though it looks like all will perish, the centurion in charge follows Paul’s advice, and although there is a shipwreck, all survive.
Two things stood out to me as I read Acts 27:
Even in the midst of what looks like the most impossible situation, God is faithful and will fulfill his purposes.
Paul’s faith and leadership resulted in many others being saved.
Application
We now know how God used Paul’s trip to Rome to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul took the gospel directly to the center of the Roman Empire. He spent two years under house arrest, preaching about Jesus to all who would hear and writing letters to churches throughout the empire. I don’t think Paul knew the huge role he would play in spreading the gospel. He just knew that God had called him to go to Rome, and he had the faith to believe that God would fulfill his promises.
Not only was Paul a man of great faith, he used that faith and his God given wisdom to influence and impact others. In this instance, he advised the centurion in charge and the centurion listened and followed his advice. And because of that, ALL on the ship survived the shipwreck. There are many other instances in the Bible where Paul was shown favor. Even those in power who may not have understood that God’s hand was on Paul sensed that there was something about him worth listening to and respected him.
Prayer
God, please fill me with faith and wisdom. Fill me with your presence and let it overflow so that those I come in contact with will feel it. Help me to walk in obedience and faith, regardless of the circumstances around me.
- Debbie Dunn
