Day 345, December 11 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Acts 27–28
Navigating the Storms of Life
Most of us have experienced storms in our lives. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms with close lightning flashes threaten to destroy us. Heavy rains can flood us out of our homes, and heavy snows can shut down airports. Financial storms and stormy relationships also batter us. Where is God when we’re about to capsize? Can any good things come from dire experiences?
A Dangerous Journey
In today’s Bible reading, Paul and a few of his companions are taken as prisoners to Rome. A ship transports them, but because of the strong winds against them, they sail close to the islands to gain some shelter. When they attempt to sail from Crete across the Adriatic Sea, however, the trip becomes perilous—a northeaster threatens to tear their ship apart! All the passengers and crew are in constant despair over their lives. Sleepless and exhausted, they relentlessly fight the storm.
The sailors give up all hope of being saved, but Paul encourages them. He tells them that God has revealed to him that all the passengers will be saved. Then Paul encourages the crew and prisoners to eat because they have gone fourteen days without food. They need strength to survive. Similarly, like Paul,
Those who hear from God by attending to his Word (the Bible) receive encouragement and faith to share with others.
Sometimes, storms arise unexpectedly in our lives, and they can be fierce. God doesn’t promise we'll have blue skies and calm weather. We may have to ride out the storms, knowing God is with us. Life may batter us more than we think we can bear, but we can take in the spiritual food of God’s Word, and the Lord will give us strength.
Saved!
The ship runs aground on a sandbar close to Malta. She’s wrecked, but the crew and passengers either swim ashore or float on the ship’s pieces. There’re 276 people on board. Their salvation from perishing in the storm is so complete, they don’t lose any hair from their heads, as Paul prophesied (Acts 27:34). Whether that statement is literal or figurative, it gives us hope that if God saved them miraculously, maybe he’ll uniquely save us. We need to trust God, whether he takes us through a storm or delivers us from it. Do we know him? (more).
The people of Malta are kind to the crew and passengers, providing them a warm fire. As Paul warms himself by it, a snake seizes Paul on the hand. He shakes it loose into the fire. The native people first think Paul must’ve been a murderer because the snake attacked him. However, seeing no harm come to him, they change their minds and think he’s a god. They’re mistaken, but they recognize God is with Paul. While in Malta, Paul heals many of the village residents. Although he’s a prisoner, he cares for the needs of others.
From Malta, Paul, the other prisoners, and crew get on another ship and sail to Italy, finally arriving in Rome on foot. In Rome, Paul, and his companions, and perhaps all the crew, stay with the Christian brothers there. Rome represents the uttermost parts of the earth at the time of the apostles. Acts 1:8 is being fulfilled.
Making a Choice
Paul faced stormy trials. He had a choice to make: Would he allow harrowing experiences to fill him with fear and anxiety? Would Paul be bitter? Would he seek sympathy or self-pity, or would Paul exercise faith in God and keep doing the things God had called him to do?
The choice was his, and the choice is ours. If we keep trusting the LORD, he will help us through storms or deliver us from them. Do we have a personal relationship with the LORD so he will help us? (more)
When Paul gets to Rome, the Christians warmly receive him, and he is allowed some freedom, although he is still under guard. Paul explains to his Christian friends he was brought to Rome to stand trial because of false accusations. Paul insisted his case be heard before Caesar. He told them he is in chains for proclaiming Jesus as the hope of Israel.
In Rome, Paul tries to persuade the Jewish leaders that Jesus is the Messiah for whom they’re seeking. He explains the Law of Moses and the prophets and how Jesus fulfills them. As usual, some believe, and some don’t. Because the Jews refuse to listen, Paul’s message will continue to be carried on through the Gentiles (non-Jewish people). Many will turn from their idols and believe in God.
Use God-given opportunities
Paul ministers in Rome for two years and does this in the open without being hindered. Are we free to proclaim the good news of Christ dying for our sins and rising again? Can we do it without being much restricted? We should use the freedoms we have; we don’t know how long those freedoms will last.
Discussion
God speaks through his Word, the Bible. Why is it important to hear from Him?
What can we learn from the storms God allows in our lives?
Focus Verses
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod (the author)
Looking Ahead: Paul writes a letter to the Ephesian church while he is a prisoner in Rome. In it he tells them (and us) what it is to be Adopted and Included in God's family. Find out more in our Next Lesson.
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