The Acts of The Apostles

Acts was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapter Twenty Seven
(27:1-44)

Vs. 1-11

The rest of the book is nearly all narration. There is a noticeable absence of doctrinal material, yet there is much to be practically learned.

In Chapter 27 we learn the need for labor and patience; we see the variety of fellow travelers who are accompanying us on our trip; we learn of the certainty of hardships and peril; we learn the value of sacrifice and a sure anchor, and we learn of the infallible promise of a safe travel.

Song writers and poets of the past have pictured life as a voyage across a great sea. Paul's voyage in chapter 27 and 28 can teach us much as we concern ourselves with our own life's journey.

Paul with other prisoners is delivered to Julius, a centurion who is to have custody of Paul. Aristarchus, (Acts 19:29; 20:4) and Luke, "we" (vs. 1), "us'' (vs. 2, etc.) Paul is in loose or protective custody. He's given liberty at the ports along the way. They change ships at Sidon (vs. 3) and Myra (vs. 6).

Sailing is not particularly good in the direction of Italy (vs. 7,8,9). Much time has been spent and very little distance has been covered. The "Past" (vs. 9) is probably a reference to the day of Atonement which was the 10th day of the seventh month The time of year is September October, a difficult time of year for sailing anywhere.

Paul prophesies that the voyage will run into much difficulty, but the experts assure the centurion that that everything will be all right.

Vs. 12-26

Just enough good weather and favorable winds entice the ship to continue on its journey. No sooner are they on the high seas and Euroclydon, a strong fall wind, arises.

Vs. 15

"Let her drive" - they faced into the wind and allowed the ship to be driven backwards.

Vs. 16

"Boat" - dinghy attached to the rear; used to transport passengers to shore and back.

Vs. 17

"Helps" under girding the ship cables are thrown overboard and wrapped around under the ship to give added strength to the structure. This helped prevent the ship from splitting open.

"Strake sail"- take the main sail down.

Vs. 18

"Lightened the ship" - they began to throw overboard their cargo.

Vs. 19

Tackling - equipment; rigging; cordage

Vs. 20

There seems to be no relief in sight and the crew and passengers are in utter desperation and have all but "given up the ship."

Vs. 21

Paul stands up and says, "I told you so" (vs. 10). But he also reassures them that God personally has assured them safe passage, and if God said it, he believes it (vs. 25).

Vs. 23

The Angel of God:

[1]. The Angel of Jehovah is Jehovah. (Gen. 16:7-13, 22:11-18, 31:11-13, 48:15,16 Ex. 3:2, 13:21, 14:19, Acts 7: 30-35; Judg. 6:11-23)

[2]. The Angel of Jehovah is distinguished from Jehovah. (Gen. 24:7,40; Ex. 23:20, 32:34 Num. 20:16; 1 Chron. 21:15-18; Isa. 63:9; Zech. 1:12,13)

[3]. The Angel of Jehovah is Jesus Christ

    (a). The Son is the visible God of the New Testament - (Jn. 1:18, 6:46;.1 Tim. 3:16; 6:16; 1 Jn. 4:12)

    (b). The Angel of Jehovah (Acts 27:23, the angel of God) never appears after the incarnation.

    (c). Both are sent from the Father

    (d). The Father and Holy Ghost cannot be seen, hence Jesus is the visible member of the Godhead of the Old Testament.

Vs. 24

Thou must be brought before Caesar (Acts 9:15, 26:32, 25:11, 23:11)

Vs. 27-32

Paul is not too disturbed with what has gone on thus far. First of all, he'd warned the centurion of what was about to take place, he'd then been personally assured by the Lord that everything would turn out all right and, after all, Paul had been through worse; this was his fourth shipwreck; he could have written a manual on How to Survive a Shipwreck or Shipwreck Survival, or What Everyone Should Know About Shipwrecks but Were Maid to Ask.

Vs. 28

20 fathoms = 120 feet of water; 15 fathoms = 90 feet

Vs. 29

The ship was very large - four anchors (Acts 27:37), with 276 passengers and crewman.

Vs. 30

Some of the crew afraid decided to cut out and make a run for shore in the dinghy (vs. 16).

"Under color" - under false pretenses. The crewmen pretended to let an anchor down from the bough of the ship and let down the dinghy to escape.

Vs. 31

Paul says, "If they leave, you die."

Vs. 33-44

(Vs. 33) indicates a fast as well as abstinence (vs. 21). Reasons for not eating are numerous: seasickness; depression; lack of time; maybe they were-not eating for spiritual reasons. There are no atheists in shipwrecks.

Vs. 35

He breaks bread and eats (Acts 20:7). He gave thanks to God before he ate.

When the meal is over, they take all the food that is left and cast it overboard.

Vs. 40

Being assured of safe arrival (somehow, vs. 44), they pull up the anchors, host the mainsail, drop the rudder and head for shore. The ship runs aground and the stern of the ship is beaten by the waves and dashed to pieces. The crew, soldiers, prisoners, and passengers all make a break for it. The instinctive reaction of the soldiers is to kill the prisoners lest they escape, but the centurion spares them all for Paul's sake.

All escape safely as Paul had said (Acts 27:25,31).

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