The Lifeboat of Life
Paul was destined to be in Rome. It was God’s will. Nothing was going to stop Paul from going to Rome to appear before Caesar. We’re going to listen to how Luke describes Paul’s sailing from Israel to Rome. I think you will agree, it wasn’t something you and I would like to experience.
Let’s set the scene:
- Time of the year ____________________(Acts 27:9)
- Name of the centurion: _______________(Acts 27:1)
- Departure port: ____________________(Acts 27:2)
- Paul’s fellow missionary accompanying him: __________________(Acts 27:2
Winter is not the time of the year to travel on the Mediterranean Sea, at least in Bible times. The winds were treacherous. Paul even warned the men that the trip was going to be disastrous. Paul told them that not only would they lose ship and its cargo, but also human life.
We’re going to start our journey with Paul as they set sail from Crete.
Read Acts 27:13-26
- How quickly times change. From a gently south wind to a Nor’easter. What was the strength of the wind? (verse 14)
- The captain decided to let the wind blow where it would and ride it out. What did the sailor’s resort to save the ship? (verse 17)
- From bad to worse. Day two: the cargo sent overboard. And day three, it was the ship’s tackle. Describe the scene reading from verse 20.
The trip to Malta
As the crow flies; the trip from Caesarea to Malta is just less than 1,200 miles. But with the time of the year and hurricane force winds, they traveled almost 400 additional miles before reaching Malta. (Source: Quick Verse, Mapping Tool)
All is seemingly hopeless. That is until Paul stood up and spoke to the crew and the Roman contingent.
- What does Paul tell his fellow travelers? Who spoke to Paul?
- The Bible tells us about the Angel of the Lord on several occasions. Let’s check other references. Who do you think the angel of the Lord is? And is the angel the same in all references? What was the primary purpose of their appearance?
- Genesis 16:7 _______________________
- Exodus 14:19 _______________________
- Numbers 22:23 _____________________
- Judges 2:1; 13:3 _____________________
- Isaiah 63:9 ________________________
- Matthew 28:2 ______________________
- Acts 8:26 _________________________
- What was Paul’s lifeboat according to verse twenty-five?
- Our journey is no less treacherous at times. Using the terms “shipwreck” and “lifeboat,” can you share with the class <individually> a situation that was seemingly hopeless (shipwreck) and how God pulled you out (lifeboat)?
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Shipwreck |
Lifeboat |
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God’s hand is in everything we do. As we will read, when the ultimate shipwreck occurred, the prisoners were going to be killed to prevent escape. But God had other plans.
Read Acts 27:27-44
- The sailors were prepared to put their lives in the ship’s lifeboats. Paul told the centurion, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” Who did the soldiers listen to?
- Fourteen days without food. Considering the sea’s violence, they were to eat as much as they could to regain their strength in preparation for the rough landing that was to come. From where do you get your strength for life’s rough seas? How would you encourage others who are experiencing life’s troubles and where to get their strength to endure?
- We are told that 276 people were on board. We know that Paul and his friend, Aristarchus, were on board, the centurion Julius, other prisoners, the crew, and of course, soldiers. Verse thirty-eight tells us that they ate as much as they wanted. Daylight appears and yet, they are lost. Then, a sandy beach appears. Action: ________________________
- Paul’s promise held true. Everyone reached the shore safely. Acts 28:1-2 tells us that they were on the island of Malta. How did the people receive these 276 visitors?
Read Acts 28:1-10
- Remember, “God did miraculous things through Paul.” (19:11) And the island of Malta is no different. The list below are the miracles that occurred here:
- Safe landing in the winter winds/hurricane
- Paul’s snakebite
- Paul’s healing of the chief official’s father
- Paul’s healing of the rest of the island’s sick
- How many times now have we witnessed how God used public officials to accomplish His plan? Do you think God is using (world leaders) in these troubled times? If so, how?
Three months later, they left Malta on an Alexandrian ship and headed for Rome. Castor and Pollux were twin sons of Zeus who were supposed to watch over sailors.
Read Acts 28:11-16
- What evidence does Luke list that tell us the Word had already spread to Italy?
- What was Paul’s response to meeting other Christians?
Paul spent over two years in Rome. How does Luke end the book of Acts?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your servant and Apostle Paul. His vile was turned to zeal for the gospel. Many came to the knowledge of the truth because of the Spirit’s work in him. Bless all those who today are eager to broadcast the Word and scatter the Seed. In your son’s blessed name, Amen.