Acts 27 - BibleStudy.ph

These are the original teaching notes from this passage.

Spreading Hope…
- Because of Hope…
  - The trial of Paul before King Agrippa was DIFFERENT from the other THREE…
  - This was NOT a trial to decide if Paul was innocent of guilty…
  - This was an INQUIRY – so King Agrippa could help write a letter to send to Caesar…
  - Paul began to speak – not to defend himself – but to preach the Gospel…
  - He was being JUDGED [κρίνω] because of his HOPE [ἐλπίς] in the RESSURECTION…
  - This was NOT a new HOPE – it was the same HOPE the Bible had established from the beginning!
- Finding Hope…
  - Indeed [μέν] – Paul could relate to the Jews – he had also PERSECUTED the church…
  - He put believers in Jesus to DEATH [cast his stone]
  - But when Jesus met Paul on the road to Damascus…
  - He told SAUL – He had appeared to him to HAND pick [προχειρίζω] him…
  - He would be a WITNESS to what he had seen [Jesus] – and would be SHOWN to him!
- Spreading Hope…
  - At the mention of the RESURRECTION of the Christ…
  - Festus cried out [imperfect] with a LOUD [μέγας] voice – Paul you are CRAZY [μανία]
  - Paul responded he was NOT crazy – but [ἀλλά] spoke the TRUTH with a clean mind…
  - Looking at Agrippa – Paul asked the question would Agrippa put his FAITH in Jesus…
  - Agrippa said [imperfect] – you persuade me a LITTLE [ὀλίγος] to become a Christian…
  - At which point Agrippa and Festus agreed Paul had done NO wrong…
  - If [indicative] he had NOT appealed to Caesar – he could have been [imperfect] set free…
  - What the King and Governor could not see – was the PLAN of God…
  - They were NOT sending Paul to ROME – God was – Acts 23:11
1^st – The Journey… vs. 1-12
- 1^st – Traveling Companions… vs. 1-3
  - The Centurion… vs 1
  - When it was decided we should sail to Italy – they delivered Paul and some other prisoners.
  - To one named Julius – a centurion of the Augustan Regiment!
  - As it was JUDGED [κρίνω] that Paul should be sent to ITALY [Rome]
  - They gave him and some other prisoners into the care of Centurion names Julius…
  - A trusted officer who was part of the IMPERIAL [σεβαστός] regiment…
  - He was there to make sure Paul was kept in chains – the warden of the prison…
  - But Paul was not chained to Julius – Julius was chained to Paul [a captive audience]!
  - We often make the mistake of overlooking the opportunities right in from of us…
  - If we are in school – we might think of it as a prison – but it is an opportunity…
  - Or perhaps it is our work – and we feel like that is a prison…
  - EIGHT hours a day we are surrounded by other people who cannot go anywhere!
  - God has us there so we can use it as an opportunity to share the Love of Jesus…
  - We think about Jesus in church – but it is the everyday people that need to hear!
  - Luke… vs. 2
  - So entering a ship of Adramyttium we put to sea – meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia!
  - Julius put Paul into a ship from Adramyttium [northwest Turkey]
  - The plan was to sail to Rome following the coasts of Asia [Turkey]
  - WE put to sea – the author of the book includes himself in the journey…
  - Luke who had been traveling with Paul since the SECOND missionary journey – Acts 16:11
  - Refused to leave Paul – even if it meant going with him to Rome!
  - Hebrews 13:3 – “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them, those who are mistreated, since you yourselves are in the body also.”
  - My Father went into prisons for more than THIRTY years…
  - It was NOT a glamorous way to serve – or easy – hardened prisoners…
  - But as a result I do NOT think I could count the number of people he led to Jesus!
  - We do not tend to think much about those who are in prison [getting what they deserve]
  - But the truth is we are all sinners – and we all need the Gospel message…
  - So as Christians we are NOT to forget those who are in prison…
  - We are to go and stand by them – tell them about the freedom that comes in Jesus!
  - Aristarchus… vs. 2
  - Aristarchus – a Macedonian of Thessalonica – was with us. The next day we landed at Sidon!
  - ARISTARCHUS [Ἀρίσταρχος] – his name means the BEST ruler…
  - Was a convert from Thessalonica who traveled with Paul!
  - He was FIRST arrested in the RIOT of Ephesus – Acts 19:29
  - It would appear he got arrested a SECOND time and was being sent with Paul to Rome…
  - It happened often enough Paul called him his fellows PRISONER!
  - Colossians 4:10 – “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you.”
  - New friends… vs. 3
  - And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care!
  - Julius was KIND – [φίλος] to love [ἄνθρωπος] people…
  - And gave Paul freedom to visit his FRIENDS [φίλος] in Sidon [modern Lebanon]
  - Yet this is the ONLY mention of Paul visiting Sidon in the Bible!
  - We were flying back to the Philippines [15 hour flight]
  - The man sitting in front of me saw me leaned his seat back [crunch time]
  - But when he saw I was doing a Bible study – he put his seat back upright…
  - I came to find out he was a PASTOR – on his way to Sri Lanka!
  - Because of our common faith in Jesus – there was a CONNECTION…
  - The power of the Gospel takes STRANGERS – and makes them FAMILY!
- 2^nd – Wisdom of men… vs. 4-11
  - Strong winds… vs. 4-8
  - When we had put to sea from there we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus.
  - Because the winds were contrary – and when we had sailed over the sea.
  - Which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia – we came to Myra – a city of Lycia.
  - There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy and he put us on board.
  - When we had sailed slowly many days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus.
  - The wind not permitting us to proceed – we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone.
  - Passing it with difficulty – we came to a place called Fair Havens – near the city of Lasea!
  - As they sailed from Sidon out into the Mediterranean – but had to stay close to CYPRUS…
  - Because the WINDS were against them [hard to sail in open ocean]
  - And landed in the city of Myra [southern Turkey] – where they changed boats…
  - They were put on an ALEXANDRIAN [deep water grain ship] heading for Rome…
  - It took a LONG time to get to Cnidus [western Turkey] – because the WIND was against them…
  - Those same WINDS would NOT let take the safer route through CORINTH…
  - Instead they were forced to sail south and follow the southern coast of Crete…
  - And with much DIFFICULTY they were able to land the ship at FAIR [καλός] haven [port]!
  - Godly Counsel… vs. 9-10
  - Now when much time had been spent and sailing was now dangerous.
  - Because the Fast was already over – Paul advised them saying:
  - Men I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss.
  - Not only of the cargo and ship – but also our lives!
  - The WIND had caused them to LOSE a lot of time…
  - The FAST was already over [Day of atonement] – Leviticus 16:29
  - Meaning it was already the month of October…
  - Navigation on the Mediterranean Sea is unsafe from October through March!
  - It was DANGEROUS to sail in the open Mediterranean…
  - Paul WARNED [imperfect] them – if they CONTINUED to press forward…
  - He SAW [θεωρέω] it would end in the loss of their CARGO – SHIP – and their LIVES!
  - Persuaded… vs. 11-12
  - Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship.
  - Then by the things spoken by Paul. And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in.
  - The majority advised to set sail from there also if by any means they could reach Phoenix.
  - A harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest – and winter there!
  - But the CAPTAIN [κυβερνήτης] and OWNER of the ship…
  - Persuaded [imperfect] the Julius more than the words of Paul…
  - And since Fair Haven was NOT a good port to stay over the WINTER in…
  - They decided to sail for Phoenix [western Crete] which had a better port…
  - Julius made the mistake of refusing Godly counsel – instead followed the WISDOM of MEN!
  - God will often make things HARD [winds] to try to keep us from a DANGEROUS path…
  - He will send men GODLY counsel to WARN us that we should NOT move forward…
  - But in the end we have a CHOICE to make – who do we listen to…
  - We can heed the warning – listen to the counsel – and avoid catastrophe…
  - Or we can stubbornly plow ahead – and face the ramifications of our choice!
2^nd – The Storm… vs. 13-20
- 1^st – Fair weather… vs. 13
  - When the south wind blew softly supposing that they had obtained their desire.
  - Putting out to sea they sailed close by Crete!
  - The waited for a day when the SOUTH wind blew [keep them close to Crete]
  - Assuming [δοκέω] this gave them the POWER [κρατέω] to do what they planned – they set SAIL!
  - When we choose to follow the wisdom of the WORLD – it seems to go well at first…
  - But inevitably once we set SAIL – and there is no turning back…
  - It all comes tumbling down on us – life falls apart!
- 2^nd– Euroclydon… vs. 14-19
  - Out of control… vs. 14-15
  - But not long after a tempestuous head wind arose called Euroclydon.
  - So when the ship was caught and could not head into the wind – we let her drive!
  - Not long after – they were hit by TYPHOON [τυφωνικός]
  - It was called a EURO [east wind] CLYDON [crashing wave]
  - The ship was SEIZED [ἁρπάζω] by the storm – it came on them so fast they could NOT react…
  - They could NOT steer against [ἀντοφθαλμέω] the WIND – so they let the ship be taken by it…
  - Meaning they lost all control – they were at the mercy of the storm!
  - There are TWO option as to whom is at the helm of our life – us or Jesus…
  - If we chooses to take the controls – we end up OUT of control – tossed about!
  - Tied down… vs. 16-17
  - Running under the shelter of an island called Clauda – we secured the skiff with difficulty.
  - When they had taken it on board – they used cables to undergird the ship.
  - Fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands – they struck sail and so were driven!
  - As they passed by the Island of Clauda – the storm calmed slightly…
  - And they were barely able to SECURE the LIFE boat [σκάφη]
  - They then took ROPES [βοήθεια] to wrap around the ship to hold it together…
  - Fearing they would get WRECKED on the sandbars near Syrtis [north of Libya]!
  - When life gets out of control we often try to PULL ourselves together…
  - The problem is that in spite of our best efforts – we are still in the STORM…
  - We need to look to someone else for the answer – someone who can calm the storm!
  - Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help [βοήθεια] in time of need.”
  - Overboard… vs. 18-19
  - And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed – the next day they lightened the ship.
  - On the third day we threw the ships tackle overboard with our own hands!
  - Because they were being exceedingly tossed by the WAVES…
  - The next thing they did was THROW out [ἐκβολή] the cargo of the ship…
  - They grain bound for Rome that seemed so valuable – could now sink them…
  - And the THIRD thing they did was CAST off their equipment [lighten the load]!
  - When we are in the midst of the STORM – all the things that we though were so important…
  - They are NO longer seem so valuable – when we find they cannot save us!
- 3^rd – No Hope… vs. 20
  - Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days – and no small tempest beat on us.
  - All hope that we would be saved was finally given up!
  - When they did NOT see the sun [day] or stars [night] for MANY days…
  - They lost ALL [πᾶς] hope [ἐλπίς] that they would be saved…
  - The unrelenting storm had driven them far out into the open sea…
  - They had NO idea of where they were – and began to accept they would all die!
  - Maybe we can replate – we are in a place where we feel completely LOST…
  - NO idea of where we have come from or where we are going…
  - We have given up all HOPE – there seems to be NO answer…
  - How did we got there – we chose NOT to listen to the Word of God…
  - But it is never too late – God is always ready to reach out and save!
3^rd – The Darkest hour… vs. 21-44
- 1^st – The Rebuke… vs. 21-26
  - Hubris [arrogance]… vs. 21
  - But after long abstinence from food then Paul stood in the midst of them and said:
  - Men you should have listened to me – and not sailed from Crete incurred this disaster and loss!
  - After many days of NOT having anything to eat [it was all tossed into the sea]
  - Paul gave the men on the boat – I told you so…
  - They should NEVER have left Crete – and won this DISASTER [ὕβρις]
  - Grace… vs. 22-24
  - Now I urge you to take heart – for there will be no loss of life among you – but only of the ship.
  - For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and I serve saying:
  - Do not be afraid Paul. You must be brought before Caesar.
  - And indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you!
  - Yet Paul had GOOD [εὖ] news – NO one would DIE [just the ship]
  - An ANGEL of God whom Paul served stood by him this night saying – do NOT fear [imperative]
  - He MUST stand before Caesar [God was NOT done with him]
  - And since Paul would survive – God had also GIVEN [χάρις] all the men on the boat HOPE!
  - Take heart… vs. 25-26
  - Therefore take heart men – for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.
  - However we must run aground on a certain island!
  - Therefore – they MUST [imperative] be of GOOD cheer [εὔθυμος]
  - Because Paul had FAITH [πίστις] God would do exactly what was said…
  - Though they be SHIPWRECKED [cast] onto a certain Island [Malta]
  - Paul was in the same boat as everyone else – yet he had HOPE…
  - He had confidence in spite of the circumstances – because he had FAITH in the WORD of God!
  - Hebrews 13:5 – “For He Himself has said – I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
  - Times are the most difficult in life – just before God does the most amazing work…
  - Too often we give up – wear out – just before God does something incredible…
  - It is good to remember – it is always the darkest – just before the dawn!
- 2^nd – The challenge… vs. 27-32
  - Two weeks… vs. 27-29
  - When the fourteenth night had come as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea.
  - About midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land.
  - They took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms.
  - When they had gone a little farther they took soundings again – found it to be fifteen fathoms.
  - Then fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks.
  - They dropped four anchors from the stern – and prayed for day to come!
  - After FOURTEEN nights [no light] they were somewhere on the Adriatic Sea…
  - About MIDNIGHT – they sailors thought [ὑπονοέω] they were nearing LAND…
  - They dropped a weight [βολίζω – 1.5 meters] to measure the depth of the water…
  - One of FORTY unique words [hapax legomenon] only used in this chapter [most in the NT]
  - They quickly went from 35 meters [20 fathoms] – to 27 meters [15 fathoms]
  - So they dropped FOUR anchors – and PRAYED [imperfect] for the morning to come…
  - These were likely NOT men of prayer – however they were prayer warriors this night!
  - Incredibly these anchors may have been rediscovered in the 1960s!
  - Explorer Bob Cornuke argue the ship went down on the southern coast near St. Thomas Bay…
  - They point to four Roman-era anchor found at the exact 27 meters depth [15 fathoms]!
  - Funny how it takes dire circumstances to turn us to Jesus…
  - Often in hardships we ask WHY God – but notice that we are now talking to God…
  - If things were going well – we would likely NOT be having that conversation!
  - Abide… vs. 30-32
  - As the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship.
  - When they let down the skiff into the sea under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow.
  - Paul said to the centurion and soldiers: Unless these men stay in the ship you cannot be saved.
  - Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off!
  - Some of the SAILORS tried to abandon ship on the life boat [σκάφη]
  - But Paul warned if they did not ABIDE [μένω] in the ship – they could NOT be saved…
  - So the SOLDIERS cut the ropes to the life boat [σκάφη] and let it fall into the Sea!
  - When things get HARD – it can be easy to want to ESCAPE…
  - But running away is NOT the answer – we need to ABIDE – John 15:4
- 3^rd – Communion… vs. 33-38
  - Salvation… vs. 33-35
  - As day was about to dawn Paul implored them all to take food saying:
  - Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food – and eaten nothing.
  - Therefore I urge you to take nourishment for this is for your survival.
  - Since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you!
  - As the SUN was about to rise – Paul ENCOURAGED [παρακαλέω] them to eat…
  - It had been FOURTEEN days since they had ANY food…
  - He encouraged [παρακαλέω] them to eat for their SALVATION [σωτηρία]
  - Because NOT one hair of their head would FALL out [no harm would come]!
  - Eucharist… vs. 36-38
  - When he said these things he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all.
  - And when he had broken it he began to eat.
  - Then they were all encouraged and also took food themselves.
  - And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship.
  - So when they had eaten enough they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea!
  - Paul gave THANKS to God [εὐχαριστέω]
  - This is the same word used by Jesus at the LAST supper – Luke 22:19
  - Paul had communion with the men early that morning on the ship…
  - He pointed them to the ONE who could SAVE them – Jesus…
  - And the men were all of GOOD cheer [εὔθυμος]
  - We are given the count – in ALL they were 276 SOULS [ψυχή]
  - When they had eaten and were full – the cast the remaining BREAD into the SEA!
  - If we did NOT eat rice for FOURTEEN days we would be physically starving…
  - Yet we often go longer without the bread of life – John 6:48
  - Just as we need to eat food everyday – so also we need Jesus every day!
- 4^th – Saved… vs. 39-44
  - Shipwrecked… vs. 39-41
  - When it was day they did not recognize the land – but they observed a bay with a beach.
  - Onto which they planned to run the ship if possible.
  - They let go the anchors and left them in the sea – meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes.
  - They hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. Striking a place where two seas met.
  - They ran the ship aground – the prow stuck fast and remained immovable.
  - But the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves!
  - Once it was LIGHT – they did NOT know [ἐπιγινώσκω] where they were…
  - But the HOPED [optative] to let the ship run aground on the beach…
  - The left the ANCHORS in the sea – and put up the MAIN sail…
  - But the front of the SHIP got stuck on REEF – while the back was broken up by the WAVES!
  - Escaped… vs. 42-44
  - The soldiers plan was to kill the prisoners – lest any of them should swim away and escape.
  - But the centurion – wanting to save Paul – kept them from their purpose.
  - And commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land.
  - The rest on boards and some on parts of the ship. So it was they all escaped safely to land!
  - The soldiers wanted to kill all the prisoners – to prevent their escape…
  - But Julius wanting to spare Paul – ordered EVERYONE that could to swim for shore…
  - Others rode in on the BOARDS of the broken ship [surfing]
  - And ALL [πᾶς] 276 souls were SAVED [passive] – and made it to LAND!