Day 339, 5th December Bible Commentary

Day 339, 5^th December  Bible Commentary With Dr Oluwatoyin Ojo From the Book of Acts Chapter 27.

DISASTER

Sailing to Rome they shipwrecked! Yet they had options. 

ACTS 27:1-44

“ANCHORS”

IT WAS A LONG AND DANGEROUS JOURNEY

Paul and some prisoners were sent to Rome; Paul would face trial there.  They were escorted by Julius a centurion.

Julius was kind during a stopover in Sidon to Paul he “ allowed him go to his friends so they might provide his needs.” v.3.

• v.4 — “From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us”

The winds slowed down their journey so that they could not progress the plan course of their routes. (v.7-8)

• “Much time has been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement.” v.9

Paul warned them of pending disaster but he was ignored and advise of the pilot and the owner of the ship was taken.

• “Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called Northeaster, swept down from the island.” v.14

v.15-19 —

The risk continued to increase and several measures were taken; before long they began to throw the cargo overboard “to throw the cargo overboard” v.18c-19.

NO SUN AND NO STARS

There was neither sun nor stars for days and the storm continued raging (v.20). No food for days. But angel of God appeared; reassured Paul that no life would be lost but the ship. And Paul addressed the people with this assurance and his faith [v.22-25].

The loss of the sunshine and the stars could be symbolic for you.

It matters that in an awkward season of life, through life’s challenges, persecution and trials we trust God’s abiding Presence.

The manifestation of his Presence in life threatening situations as afford Paul was dependent on the level of their intimacy.

Can we experience these degree of attention and presence? Yes. But it happens often for those who make God their priority and their standards his precepts.

• There are some unusual circumstances where God appears to unbelievers to help and or instruct them; {See Psalm 115:3}. But if you are in a relationship with God it is guaranteed manifestation for the covenant to be upheld.

THE SAILOR’S PLANNED ESCAPE {v.27-32}

v.30-32 —The sailors would escape! But Paul had foreknowledge of this and he revealed their intentions, “so the soldiers cut the ropes that held the life boat and let it drift away.” v.32

GOING ON 14 DAYS WITHOUT FOOD❗️

Because the threat to life was too severe.  Paul encouraged them to eat (v.33-44). Saying “… No one of you will lose a single hair from his head” v.34

He broke bread, gave thanks and ate. Seeing this, they did too. They were 276 on board.

THE SHIPWRECK (v.39-44)

“Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders.  Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.” v.40-41

Sometimes we let go some “anchors” — invested trusts, influence, or relationships.

It was an invisible anchor that held Paul’s life, and extended that to those prisoners who believed (see v.37-38) — they were spared!

• For the soldiers would kill all the prisoners so they do not escape (v.42), but the centurion’s heart was moved by God in a different way — he spared all lives with Paul’s. (v.43-44).
• He allowed those who could swim swim their way through life (v.43). Though the shipwrecked, invest your life skills, forge on!
• Can’t swim, poor background, no education, yet the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness therefore—See! the planks are wasting, look up! those pieces of the ship; create value with what gave up on you, poorly invested trust, what could have drowned you, those lessons, invest self in faith step on the piece or grab them, use them as floaters, float to a direction of your desire, you’ll see a land. In this way you too like everyone will reach the promised land safely! (Read v.44).

NIGHT:

I choose team God! “Who taketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire”. (Psalm 104:4

What about you?

“Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, and said, “Do not be afraid”’ Acts 27:23

©️ 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dr Oluwatoyin Emiola Ojo.

Warmth

Toyin