Acts 27–28
Common Theme
God sovereignly preserves His gospel mission and His servant despite overwhelming danger, opposition, and uncertainty. Paul’s journey to Rome shows that God’s promises stand firm even through storms, suffering, and apparent setbacks.
Questions
- How does Paul’s confidence in God shape his response to fear and chaos during the storm and shipwreck?
- What do these chapters reveal about trusting God’s purposes when circumstances appear out of control?
God Shot
God is sovereign and faithful to accomplish His purposes, preserving Paul’s life exactly as He promised despite human failure and natural disaster. He rules over storms, nations, and outcomes, ensuring that His word and mission cannot be thwarted.
Deeper
Acts 27
Paul and other prisoners were put on a ship bound for Italy, accompanied by a centurion named Julius and a Macedonian named Aristarchus. After a difficult journey, they reached Fair Havens, where Paul warned that continuing the voyage would lead to danger and loss. Ignoring his advice, they set sail but soon encountered a violent storm. The crew struggled to secure the ship and jettisoned cargo to stay afloat. After days of despair, Paul reassured them, claiming an angel had told him they would be safe, though the ship would be lost.
As they neared land, the sailors feared running aground and attempted to escape. Paul insisted that everyone must stay on the ship to survive, leading the soldiers to cut the lifeboat’s ropes. On the fourteenth day, Paul encouraged the crew to eat, assuring them of their safety. After eating, they lightened the ship by throwing wheat overboard.
When daylight came, they spotted a bay and attempted to reach the shore but struck a reef. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent escape, but Julius intervened to save Paul. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard, while others used planks to reach land. Ultimately, all 276 people aboard were safely brought to shore.
Acts 28
After safely arriving on the island of Malta, Paul and his companions were welcomed by the locals, who showed them kindness by starting a fire due to the cold rain. While gathering sticks, a viper bit Paul, leading the locals to initially believe he was a murderer. However, when he suffered no harm, they changed their minds and thought he was a god. Paul then healed Publius’s sick father, which led to many others on the island being cured. After three months, they set sail for Rome, stopping at various locations along the way. Upon arriving in Rome, Paul was allowed to stay under guard and called the local Jewish leaders to explain his situation. He expressed that he had done nothing wrong but was imprisoned due to Jewish objections. The leaders had not received any negative reports about him and were curious to hear his views. Paul preached about the kingdom of God, convincing some while others disbelieved. He quoted Isaiah, indicating that salvation was also for the Gentiles. Paul lived in Rome for two years, teaching about Jesus Christ boldly and without hindrance.