Acts 27

Do you hear the theme song to Gilligan's Island? Let's see how Paul handles rough seas. Will he be like Peter and step out onto the water? Or will he be like Jonah and get swallowed up by a great fish?

Paul is readied to sail for Italy with a Roman centurion, Julius. He is, of course, a Roman citizen and would receive benefits that normal prisoners would never see.

The historian Josephus says that at this time one of the "cohorts stationed at Caesarea took the name of Augustus."

Since there were no non-stop flights on Alliance Air, they had to settle for merchant ships. And since these followed only one schedule--the seasons--they were in for a longer than normal trip. Paul would take three ships before he reaches Rome.

We know that Luke has come along--his meticulous notes are clear and concise. You can almost hear the ship's mast groaning under the weight of the winds. He also has another companion, one he called a "fellow prisoner"--Aristarchus. Who is mentioned in Acts 19:29, 20:4 and Col 4:10.

As they sailed on to Cyprus, they kept near the shore. It was not good weather, so the stars would not be clear for mapping out their location. They kept the coastline in sight. This could also prove dangerous, because the seas were rough. And you never knew when the sea bed would surprise your boat's hull. (Aye matey!)

The final ship they climb on board is of Alexandria. It is a grain vessel, bound to Rome from Egypt. I would imagine it sat low in the water with all the grain it carried--anywhere from 500 to 1000 tons.

The Fast had passed, the Atonement...so it was October. They still kept close to the coastline because sun and stars were obscured by clouds and storms.

Paul advised these seasoned sailors to not go farther. But they listened to the captain and the pilot. Maybe they were eager to get paid for their shipment? They wanted to go a bit farther than Phoenix to winter in a safe harbor, but God had other plans.

A great wind came up...Euroclydon was the term. Or as we know it, a Northeaster'. The word actually implies hurricane. The ship was in the grip of a storm and could not stay on course. The crew gave up and let the storm blow them where it wanted. Sometimes you just have to ride the storm out and wait until it dies down.

I was reminded of the great storm that rose up on the lake with the disciples in a tiny boat...and Jesus was sleeping. Have you ever had a storm in your life and thought God was sleeping on the job? Let's see what Paul does.

Paul reminds them of his earlier advise, not to say "I told you so!" but so they would hopefully listen to his words finally. (These days it's so easy to rub some one's nose in their mistakes...hold your tongue and give them wisdom, not teasing.)

They have a battle on their hands, a battle with wind and water. They literally chain the hull together so it wouldn't break apart from the stress.

He tells them an angel told him that no one would be lost. But the ship and cargo would be gone. He gave one of his shortest sermons! Oh that we would limit our words when witnessing!

After 14 days some sailors try to drop the lifeboat and escape. But are caught...in fact, if anyone escaped it was certain death for the soldiers who were in charge. It wasn't a rank or two they'd get busted down...they would answer with their life. Paul advises the soldiers that if they leave, lives would not be spared. So they cut the ropes to the lifeboat.

Paul encourages them to eat, in fact they break bread together. It reminded me of a "last supper" scene. 276 people ate together and were encouraged.

They needed the strength, they had wheat to throw overboard now. When day came, they didn't recognize the shore. They saw a bay and set their sails for it. They cut away the anchors and got closer. But just as they thought they'd run aground much closer, the prow stuck in a sandbar and the waves broke apart the ship.

If you've ever been swimming in the ocean, you know how powerful a small wave is. And to have waves pounding a ship after a storm, I would imagine it was a very dicey situation.

The soldiers were going to kill the prisoners, they were worried they'd escape. They could not go to Rome empty handed.

After reading this part again, I realized it was not Paul that intervened, but the centurion! (v43-44)

"but the centurion, wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from their intention, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, and the rest {should follow,} some on planks, and others on various things from the ship. And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land. "

Paul had made quite an impression on this man. And they all ended up in the water...Carolyn says it was the first time a surfboard was used. :)

Dear sisters, as you disciple another, be wise. Be obedient to God's leading. Do not fear...His plans for you may seem like a shipwreck. But in His greater plan, He is just leading you to another level in your faith that you never would've gotten to by yourself.

Time to drop your anchors and let the Holy Spirit fill your sails. Yo Ho matey!!

Acts 26

Paul meets King Agrippa, a better judge for Paul than Festus. He was a Jew, and he was the legal guardian of the Temple. Paul reminds the king of scripture foretelling of the Messiah.

If you'd like to read some of the prophesy about Christ, check out Genesis 22:18, 49:10, Deut 18:15-19, Isaiah 9:6-7.

He lays out his personal history, growing up in the faith, becoming a Pharisee. Paul was a man with all the advantages of knowledge...but he didn't let it get to his heart.

Sometimes Christians can get over-zealous. They know their Bible so well, they think that preaching to someone louder or longer will get them to hear. But like Paul, they only succeed in persecuting someone for NOT believing in Jesus. The Word has not made it to the heart.

Paul goes on to tell of his born again experience. How he was traveling to Damascus to round up more Christians. And he is stopped in the road by Christ himself, blinded but not before he actually sees Jesus and realizes something. As he persecuted someone for being a Christian, he also persecuted Christ.

You see, when you become a Christian...Christ stands in your shoes. And whatever someone does to you, they do to Christ.

So Paul was not alone in this room being judged...so was Christ.

Note that when Paul recalls His voice, he remembers Jesus spoke in Aramaic. This is a point sometimes missed by readers. The People's New Testament Commentary reads,

"...It was in the Aramaic, a Hebrew dialect, that the Savior taught when on earth, and it is a significant circumstance that Paul heard his voice in the same tongue to which Peter, James and John had listened. Not only is this true, but critics hold that the Hebraisms are so prominent in the Book of Revelation as to indicate that the revelations there recorded were made in Hebrew, and afterward translated by John into Greek."

If you are a language scholar, that's pretty significant!

Paul then talks of his obedience to this vision. He repents of his life's work and becomes a Christian himself. He was tired of "kicking at the goads".

We should learn this lesson, but too often we don't. We are disobedient little children at times, and will continue to bang our head against the wall and ask God why our head hurts...and then blame Him for it!

Paul talks of his ministry in Damascus, Jerusalem and Judea...to Jews and Gentiles. No wonder they were so angry--much like the Prodigal's brother who stayed behind. The father loved both boys...it was their own hearts that separated them from him. It is the same with us. Where is your heart for God...is it far tonight in a distant country? Or is it in the next room, watching something on tv that might not be too good for your mind?

King Agrippa had heart problems. He knew scripture, prophesy, rituals--but to grasp it with his heart would be to accept the One who accepts anyone that asks. Sometimes it's those who seem to "get it" that are the hardest to lead to Christ.

I love the eloquence of Mathew Henry's words, "Let us beware of fatal hesitation in our own conduct; and recollect how far the being almost persuaded to be a Christian, is from being altogether such a one as every true believer is."

Paul had an amazing life, he realized he had a purpose in God's plan. How about you? Will you kick at the goads until you cannot walk another step?

Acts 25

I have to ask, do you think Paul ever heard what God told Ananias in Acts 9:15-16?

But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake."

Do you feel like you are chosen, like Paul? We may not face hordes of angry crowds who demand our blood...but we will may face a social death. Maybe some day Christians will be persecuted where we live like they are in China and the Middle East. I pray we are able to stand as strong as Paul did.

The king's heart is {like} channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1

The intent for the Jewish leaders was to have Paul transferred from Caesarea to Jerusalem, so he would be assassinated.

Festus is not governor. Felix has been deposed and Festus is now in charge. And being a people pleaser, listens to the charges all over again. Their charges underline the fact the Paul was a "ring leader of the Nazarenes".

So Felix proposes that Paul be transferred to Jerusalem. Can you see those officials just waiting, clenching their hands...ready to cart him off to death on the roadside? But no. Paul relies on his Roman citizenship once again. He appeals to Caesar...so off he goes.

King Agrippa and Bernice come. This is son of Herod Agrippa, who died in Acts 12:23. Drusilla and Bernice were his sisters. Bernice was married several times. She had discovered how women could wield power in that day in age...it was sex-appeal. How many times do we see women falling back on their looks to get their way instead of their brains? We see that today still...politics, office power play and even the teen scene.

Festus talked to King Agrippa about Paul. He wanted to know what to do. He was a new governor and was not familiar with Jewish customs. King Agrippa was a Jew from by birth and understand...he hoped.

So the King and Bernice arrive in court with great pomp. The video that played in my head were those scenes from the old movies...lots of trumpets, slaves carrying their thrones, dancers, fan wavers...opulent overkill.

Felix appeals to the King. He brings the puzzle that is Paul before him and Paul speaks.

God has turned the hearts of several rulers for Paul, just so Paul can have the honor of presenting the gospel once again...as an obedient child of God.

This week, watch carefully for opportunities to speak to others. Really listen to them, don't listen to what your head is going to say. Look into their eyes and really listen. And when God says speak...SPEAK.

Acts 24

So this group who tried to beat him up, have him flogged by soldiers is now trying it the legal way. They hire a lawyer and take him before Felix.

The charges are: sedition, unlawful religion, profaning the Temple. This last charge was punishable by death, and the Romans were known to agree with the punishment.

Paul answers his charges. He was not denying Judaism and saying he was following an illegal religion. He was affirming Judaism by showing the fulfilment in Christ.

For the third charge, the one punishable by death, there were no witnesses. So in a Roman court they could not prosecute. It is the same in our courts--we must be able to face our accusers.

To apply this to yourself, think about those times when "the tapes" play in your head. They tell you how bad you are, how unworthy...or maybe they pick on your looks or intellect. When you have accusations thrown at you I want you to remember something. Stand and face your accuser, satan, and tell him who you are in Christ. He cannot stand against you with Christ as your advocate!

Paul gets to the real issue of why they want him silenced. It is for him preaching about resurrection. You see, Christ is just another man who was nice if he never resurrected. He isn't the Messiah if he didn't come back on the third day. This one sticking point was the crux of Paul's argument. Christ is the Messiah.

Felix had Paul held longer in hopes of making money off of him and his supporters. Plus he wanted to placate the Jews. For two years he would call to Paul and hear him speak. And when it got too hot for him, he'd send him away.

"Many fear the consequences of sin, yet continue in the love and practice of sin." MHC

When you share the good news with others, they may be moved by the words so much that it makes them uncomfortable. They may want to listen later, at a more convenient time, when they can shake off that feeling they are getting. Make sure they know, that very moment is the perfect time for this "inconvenient truth". Speak the words the Holy Spirit gives you, do not have any regrets that you withheld anything from them. So when they tell you "no thanks", it's not you they are rejecting but Christ himself.

Acts 23

Looking at this group, the Sanhedrin, Paul must've seen some old friends. Old friends that had turned on him. He would also easily figure out what titles they had. There must be witnesses according to Deut 19:15:

"A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed. "

They saw him as a turn-coat, betrayer and they didn't trust him. He speaks and the High Priest takes offense and orders him "smitten". Paul calls him a hypocrite and prophesies his life will be "smitten". In AD 59, he was assassinated.

Paul then apologizes. Says he didn't know he was the High Priest. He quotes Ex 22:28--we too are not to speak evil of our rulers. We respect the office.

How much more can we gain when we respectfully speak to or about our leaders? Whether it's a boss, a pastor or a president...e must not speak evil of them. We must be "conscientious in all words and conduct." (MHC)

Paul then proceeds to divide and conquer. The one issue that would instantly divide the Sadducee's and Pharisees was the fact of resurrection. So, identifying himself as a Pharisee, he dug in. The assembly was in an uproar as the two sects argued with each other, and he was removed. (See Matt 22:23 for Sadducee doctrine)

God encourages Paul--who is almost running for his life. And yet, another threat arose. But...how encouraged he must've been to have God speak to him!

Some say these Jews that banded together were his bitter enemies from Asia, who had laid hands on him in Temple. There was also a group of assassins called Sicarii.

The Talmud states that if their vow could not be fulfilled, they could be eventually released from it.

Paul's nephew might have been in Jerusalem for study and heard of the plot. Can't you see this young man coming to "uncle Paul's" rescue? He had no problem with access, because of Paul's status as a Roman citizen. He tells the commander about the plot and they decide to secretly send him out.

Think about it...how secret was 470 soldiers, some horsemen...in the middle of the night?

"Even the men of the world can discern between the conscientious conduct of upright believers, and the zeal of false professors, though they disregard or understand not their doctrinal principles. All hearts are in God's hand, and those are blessed who put their trust in him, and commit their ways unto him." MHC

The next time you are in a tight spot, try Truth. It will set you free.

Acts 22

Paul has his first opportunity to speak to the Jews of Jerusalem. Many knew of him. he builds his argument using his past--who trained him, where he grew up, how he rose in the ranks of the Jews. He identified himself with them. He mentions the High Priest as a witness--who at the time was probably a Sanhedrin and friend.

In verses 6-11 we see an account of his conversion. The word "hear" means understand. It does not contradict Acts 9:7.

Ananias is mentioned--a disciple but also a devout Jew. he kept the law. He stood beside Paul when he received his sight. Paul gives his testimony that he "saw Him". He saw Jesus, thereby giving him the title of apostle. You could not be an apostle and never had seen Jesus. For more of his testimony, ready 1 Cor 9;1, 15-18.

Three years after the conversion he came to Jerusalem. He had a trance in the Temple. God warned him and sent him to the Gentiles. This immediately sends the group into a fury.

The People's New Testament says, "Amid their long sufferings from foreign oppressors, the Jew took comfort in the thought that when his Messiah came the Gentile would be abased and the Jew would put his feet upon his neck. Hence, nothing so stirred their passions as an intimation that Christ would be a Savior to the Gentiles."

The commander probably had no idea what Paul was saying since he spoke in Hebrew. A Roman would not know that language. The commander assumed that Paul said something that was criminal and bound him to be scourged. The had to keep order...a riot could get this soldier in deep trouble. Once Paul was bound, he asked if it was lawful to scourge a Roman. I Acts 16:37 he did this too, but only after torture.

In Roman times it was a capital offense to lay hands on a Roman citizen. The officer assumes Paul purchased his citizenship--but no, Paul was born into it.

Remember, as citizens of God's Kingdom, we have a similar right. When we feel trapped or chained by sin, we need to remind our spiritual captor that we are a citizen of Zion--AND THE CHAINS WILL FALL.

We are free indeed dear sisters!

Something to think on from Carolyn: "Why do we expect an immediate response from God, when we ourselves take our own sweet time?"

Acts 21

Much like Jesus was appealed to by his disciples to not go into Jerusalem, Paul faced that same appeal. his disciples knew his life was in danger. But Paul had insight--his intention was not suicide but to stop the division of the church in Jerusalem.

How quick are we to squelch gossip in our own church? Do we face social suicide by standing up to those who would disturb the unity of Christ's church?

The People's New Testament says, "There can be no doubt that he braved the danger in order to prevent a schism that threatened the church. False reports were circulated at Jerusalem concerning his teaching to Jewish Christians; the church there was filled with prejudice against him; from thence Judaizing teachers went forth to interfere with his work. Hence, in a loving spirit, filled with that charity that suffers all things, and carrying large offerings gathered in the Gentile churches for the poor at Jerusalem, he came to disarm prejudice and show the falsehood of the stories alleged about his teachings."

We should also not be afraid when persecution arises. Ask God to show you the path to take, surround yourself with reliable prayer partners and forge ahead!

Always look to older, wiser disciples to rest and refresh with. What wisdom and encouragement we miss out on when we bypass that older saint for a book or music.

The James mentioned in verses 18-27 is Jesus' brother James. He is now a church administrator. Paul gives a report to him and the elders. They praise God and report to him that "10s of thousands" of Jews believe but are still zealous for the law. It seems they are outnumbered by those that are enraged due to Paul's teaching regarding circumcision. They thought the Gentile Christians had to convert to Judaism, then become Christian.

Again, the PNT says, "They believed upon Christ as the Messiah, but did not understand that the Old Covenant had passed away to give place to the New (Heb. 8:13). Hence, while they observed the Christian rites, they still kept up the forms of Judaism. It took a direct interposition of the Spirit to teach that Gentiles were entitled to baptism without circumcision. It required a council in Jerusalem to settle the question that Gentile Christians were not to keep the Jewish law. God taught the church, lesson by lesson, but up to this time that at Jerusalem had not yet learned that they were freed from the obligation to keep the law of Moses. "

What do you think Paul was up to?

He takes a vow and is found in the temple. They grab him and assume he brought a Greek Christian into the temple for purification--thereby making the Temple unclean. He is dragged out and the doors shut. (They didn't want to defile the Temple with a man's blood--but they didn't mind committing murder outside the doors!)

Roman troops intercede--a riot is boiling and Paul is getting a beating. He is bound with chains, just as Agabus had prophesied. They cannot hear him for the crowd, so they take him off to the barracks. They ended up carrying him because the crowd pressed in. Paul speaks to the commander, who assumes he is an Egyptian and is surprised he speaks Greek.

Josephus speaks of the notorious Egyptian, a pretend prophet and leader of Sirarii or assassins. But he would've been illiterate and not known a second language. (Maybe we all need to consider a second and third language!)

Paul receives permission to speak. he stands on the stairs above the crowd and speaks in Hebrew.

Matthew Henry said, "But God seasonably interposes for the safety of his servants, from wicked and unreasonable men; and gives them opportunities to speak for themselves, to plead for the Redeemer, and to spread abroad his glorious gospel."

When we are obedient and keep God's will of unity in mind, the opportunities to preach Christ will astound you. I can only imagine how many of those thousands of Jewish Christians stood to hear this message from Paul. Were they receptive? The words he spoke--did they appeal to them more since they were in Hebrew?

Can we be as brave?

Acts 20

Here we see Paul after the uproar. Did he get whisked away? No...he remained to encourage those who where there. Only afterwards did he go to Greece to spend 3 months. And evidently agitate some people there. A plot was hatched to harm him before he sailed to Syria, so he changed his plans and went to Macedonia.

He had a group of men with him, representatives from each city where a church was planted. they were bringing gifts to Jerusalem. And note in v5, it changes from talking of Paul to talking of "us". Luke joins the group here.

Notice that Paul took 5 days for a 7 day stay. This trip normally took 2 days, so something was hindering their travel. Remember, opposition may change your path, but be ready "in all seasons" to work for God. He will direct your path.

We see that ever since the first lord's supper, the church continues to meet and break bread on the first day of the week.

The People's New Testament says, "...the Lord arose on the first day of the week, showed himself to the apostles a second time one week later on the first day of the week, that the church was founded and the Holy Spirit shed forth on Pentecost, which was on the first day of the week."

Their services don't last an hour and fifteen minutes...this one lasted until midnight. It must have been stuffy in that room. Because a young man drops out of a window three stories to his death!

Paul brings him back to himself by throwing himself , arms around him and says, "Do not fear...he's alive!" Luke says nothing about Paul pounding on his chest or administering any medical help. Being a doctor, he would've noted that for sure. It was the power of the Word.

We have that same resurrection power in our words. We can heal, we just have to have that faith. Our words can destroy a life or we can bring life to someone.

When do we start checking our watches in church? How much time and effort do we really put towards learning the word and worship? I feel a bit humbled.

It reminds me of a story of a man visiting a church in a third world country...for 3 hours they sang and praised God. When they sat, he thought that was it...that was church. But the man with him smiled and said, "Ah my friend...now it's time for church!"

In verses 13-16 we see Paul sailing and very intent on getting to Jerusalem. So much so that instead of stopping at Ephesus, he sends for elders to visit him in Miletus.

He calls the elders together and makes himself an example for them. When we disciple someone, we should never ask them to do what we ourselves don't do. If you want them to get up at 5am to read their bible, you'd better be up at 4:55am to do it! We must be an example. They have to know it is possible and see the evidence in our lives of that same obedience we ask of them!

He commissions these men...the same ones he taught for two years at the school set up at Tyrannus and again in Ephesus.

You must also be ready to say like Paul that you did not hold back the Word from anyone. You must have no regrets!

In verses 28-31, we find excellent guidelines for church leaders or someone who disciples.

• Keep watch over yourself and your flock
• Shepherds who take their job seriously--blood bought
• Watch for wolves or false teachers...those who take advantage of your disciples
• Watch fellow teachers who may twist the Word to steal some away for their own flocks

He then commits them to God and the Word of His grace. It is the Word that sanctifies--washes. Keep the love of money out of the ministry...PRAY.

Verses 31-35 lists 5 sins to watch out for:

• carelessness-be on the lookout!
• shallowness-be wise
• covetousness-don't wish you had someone else's things
• laziness-work hard
• selfishness-it is more blessed to give

Sometimes it is hard to say goodbye to good friends...they become like family to us. But we have a hope, that if they claim Christ as their Savior, we will see them again!