Note for 20250815 - Acts - Part 27 - Acts 27

Acts

Note for 20250815 - Acts - Part 27 - Acts 27 - Shipwrecked

1. Opening

As it was determined by the council of Agrippa and Bernice, the order of Festus came that Paul should continue on to Rome by his appeal to Caesar. Today's reading is partly of that journey to Rome, running into some trouble. Not heeding Paul's warning at Crete, they are shipwrecked by the Southeastern storm winds.

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The House of Bread · Note for 20250815 - Acts - Part 27 - Acts 27 - Shipwrecked

We are to receive the Word of GOD by the Spirit, so I strongly urge you to pray before you receive the Devotional. Let Christ take the lead in your Spiritual Development.

2. Scripture Text

Acts 27:1-44 KJV

[1] And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. [2] And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. [3] And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. [4] And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. [5] And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. [6] And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. [7] And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; [8] and, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. [9] Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, [10] and said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. [11] Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. [12] And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. [13] And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. [14] But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. [15] And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. [16] And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: [17] which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. [18] And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; [19] and the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. [20] And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. [21] But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. [22] And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. [23] For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, [24] saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. [25] Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. [26] Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. [27] But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; [28] and sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. [29] Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. [30] And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, [31] Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. [32] Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. [33] And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. [34] Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. [35] And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. [36] Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. [37] And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. [38] And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. [39] And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. [40] And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. [41] And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. [42] And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. [43] But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: [44] and the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.27.1-44.KJV

3. Devotional Reflection

Having read all this, a hindsight view of it, leaves one with a sense of, "why didn't they just listen to Paul's warning?" But, a real time view brings the matter to clarity, since it is hard for mankind to heed to warning in the lack of evidence. One could place Paul's warning to that of a watch man's warning, almost prophetic in nature. If only they knew who Paul was, maybe they would have listened. Only when their lives hang in the balance do they give Paul some consideration as he declares to them, amidst the storm:

Acts 27:23-26 KJV

[23] For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, [24] saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. [25] Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. [26] Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.27.23-26.KJV

In our next reading, GOD sparing, we'll learn that island to be Malta. Can you see how the salvation of the souls aboard this ship is tied to Paul's calling to Rome, friends? Did you see how the salvation of those souls were connected to a requirement of obedience to the Word that came to Paul, and to abandon their natural instinct, which would be based on fear?

At this point, I am pressed in the reins to inform you that I have as yet not read other parts of the scriptures that will be part of the devotional, like the verse of the day, and the reading from the plan of our identity in Christ. All I have is this that we read now, in the context of what I have received before.

Many times, in our lives, the conditions match that which we have read today. We press on in a direction, when we should have refrained from it, especially when such a refrain would have been by obedience to some warning or instruction. Is it so uncommon today that we are directed rather by a popular vote in a democratic society? Or, even being pulled along by some headstrong controllers?

Case in point, a commander of our military here in South Africa has thought it wise to now advise for militarily support of Iran in the current campaign against Israel. I can give our military much the same news that Paul gave to these in Crete. They would be heading into a storm they could have been spared from, if they would listen to warning. Will they? No! Because we have a rogue government that does as they please, and stands in the service of whomever will give the greatest personal profit. Unlike these in Crete, the populous of South Africa won't even be given a vote in the matter. The warning I have is not as favorable as it was here as given by Paul to those on board. Anyone, who wishes to chain themselves to these efforts of Iran, would have been served better by remembering what is written about what the Lord will do to the armies of those that go against Israel in this time. If any members return home, they will be considered "lucky."

Joel 3:2 KJV

[2] I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.

https://bible.com/bible/1/jol.3.2.KJV

Zechariah 14:12 KJV

[12] And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.

https://bible.com/bible/1/zec.14.12.KJV

But, friends, there are similar warnings written for all of us in Prophecy, even in the words that our Lord and Saviour gave in warning, regarding this time. The warning is thus not just for this commander of the SANDF and those that support his viewpoint, but also for those gathering in September (2025) of the UN, to look at a two-state solution for peace. Prophecy speaks against your efforts, and is like this South Eastern wind that brought down the storm upon these in the ship with Paul. In our time there are so many who are thinking or saying, "GOD will do neither good nor evil." They consider GOD as a Bible character that is bound in times past. Like these we read of today, not heeding the warning call, will bring you shipwreck. We are called obedient friends, did you not know that? Not obedience to me, or what I am saying, but obedience to the warning that GOD left us in written form, which the Holy Spirit confirms in us. There are some that have received word concerning what duties and testimonies that remain, much like it was given to Paul. But, like in the text, my expectation is that I will have to speak to you again in the storm.

Can you heed the warning? Or, shall I ask you as I have asked you now so many times : Are you ready yet? Have you got oil for your lamps because the night is coming and the stores will close and there will not be enough oil for all. You were not meant to suffer in the coming storm, just as the lake of fire was not prepared for mankind.

Matthew 25:41 KJV

[41] Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.25.41.KJV

Some may call me "negative," others might say, "he is a doomsday prophet," but the truth is just that I have read the Word of GOD, and I recognize the signs I am seeing. Just as Paul saw that the time to sail came to an end, and that even that port that was not suitable to winter in gave more shelter than the ship would at sea.

Like Paul, my hope remains in the merciful kindness of GOD, and my trust in God is that He will give me those that are with me, like he gave these on board to Paul, and none be hurt. Yet, the storm came, and they were shipwrecked, just as Paul proclaimed, at the isle to which their souls were saved.

4. Verse of the Day

From the YouVersion Bible App

Luke 1:49 KJV

[49] For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; And holy is his name.

https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.1.49.KJV

5. Optional Reading / Study Expansion

New identity in Christ (Part 3)

The believers in Jesus Christ are children of the Most High GOD. Your faith makes you a child of our Father in Heaven Who loves you deeply and welcomes you with joy at repentance and a return home. Of course, the very well known parable of the Lost Son comes to mind for this.

Luke 15:11-24 KJV

[11] And he said, A certain man had two sons: [12] and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. [13] And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. [14] And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. [15] And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. [16] And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. [17] And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! [18] I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, [19] and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. [20] And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. [21] And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. [22] But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: [23] and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: [24] for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.15.11-24.KJV

Now, let us look at what Paul gives us about this Loving Father of ours. It is not just that we are children, but as “the sons of GOD.” But, let me rather give over to the scripture that gives so much more than we may know, or feel in our everyday lives:

Romans 8:12-28 KJV

[12] Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. [13] For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. [14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. [15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. [16] The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: [17] and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. [18] For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. [19] For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. [20] For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, [21] because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. [23] And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. [24] For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. [26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.8.12-28.KJV

Do you see how faith, trust and obedience to the Spirit of GOD comes in again. You see, the rebel is always counter to the wise council from Heaven. The rebel mindset goes after that which comes by carnality, thoughts and feelings that are like enemies of faith and trust, and will subvert obedience. In rebellion, we become like this lost son that goes outside the safety-zone of obedience and protection by the “family” and most importantly away from the Protecting Father.

6. Closing Paragraph

Are you on a ship bound for shipwreck, my friend? Are the winds blowing and the waves high and encroaching?

You know where salvation waits. You have heard, you have been warned and been given direction. Now, break bread and cease the fasting, eat and be filled with joy, at the table of the Lord, where protection of your soul is guaranteed for eternity. In obedience, you will even be spared much travail here on earth. And yes, at times, you might get wet and have to swim to the shore. If you obey the Lord’s direction and not act according to your own fears and natural “fight or flight” for survival, but move by the guidance of His Holy Spirit, the Lord will preserve your soul, even like He saved these with Paul in the shipwreck.

Selah, Shalom