Acts: To The Ends Of The EarthSample

"Through many dangers, toils and snares…" having faced court charges, opposition and riots, Paul now faces a natural catastrophe.

Paul and his companions join a ship sailing to Italy, under the oversight of the centurion, Julius. It was late in the sailing season, and becoming dangerous to travel (v. 9). Paul warns about the danger awaiting them, but is disregarded. Instead, Julius listens to the owner of the ship and sails on (vv. 10–11).

A great storm hits and the ship takes a violent battering. Luke, the eyewitness, says, "we finally gave up all hope of being saved" (v. 20).

Paul now takes the lead. God has spoken to him directly in Acts 18:9–10 and 23:11. Now, an angel appears to him (v. 23). Paul’s words are hazy on the detail, but he confidently reassures all those on board that the ship will run aground (v. 26) and that none will be lost. They must stay with the ship in order to be saved (v. 31).

Luke tells us the exact number of people on board—276 (v. 37) and records that the ship is wrecked (v. 41). All on board are kept safe (vv. 43–44).

There is a parallel and a contrast between these events and the experience of Jonah. Jonah is disobedient towards God, but Paul is obedient to the Word of God. Jonah escapes to sea, but Paul takes to sea. Jonah knows the only hope is for him to leave the ship, and the others on board reluctantly throw him in to the sea. In contrast, Paul knows the only hope is for all to stay on board; his companions are reluctant to do so and try to abandon ship (v. 30). We see a parallel in that ultimately, the compliance of Jonah’s and Paul’s fellow travellers ensures their safety in both cases.

No raging tempest can thwart God’s plan—not even the murderous intent of the soldiers (v. 42), thwarted by Julius (v. 43).

As the events unfold, Julius’s leadership recedes as Paul’s becomes more dominant.

John Newton began his career as a sailor on board his father’s merchant ship in these same waters of the Mediterranean. On 10 May 1748, he captained a slave ship struck by a great storm off the coast of Africa. He later wrote of this experience in the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’, perhaps recalling Paul’s experience in Acts 27:

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come:

’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.*

Reflection

In what ways does Acts 27:25 reveal the key to Paul’s steadfastness? Compare and contrast Paul’s demeanour with that of the sailors and the soldiers on board the ship.

* Amazing Grace’, John Newton (1725–1807).