Atos 27
Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
Atos 27
Spurgeon - Morning and Evening - Tempest and long darkness, coupled with imminent risk of shipwreck, had brought the crew of the vessel into a sad case; one man alone among them remained perfectly calm, and by his word the rest were reassured. Paul was the only man who had heart enough to say, "Sirs, be of good cheer." There were veteran Roman legionaries on board, and brave old mariners, and yet their poor Jewish prisoner had more spirit than they all. He had a secret Friend who kept his courage up. The Lord Jesus despatched a heavenly messenger to whisper words of consolation in the ear of his faithful servant, therefore he wore a shining countenance and spake like a man at ease. If we fear the Lord, we may look for timely interpositions when our case is at its worst. Angels are not kept from us by storms, or hindered by darkness. Seraphs think it no humiliation to visit the poorest of the heavenly family. If angel's visits are few and far between at ordinary times, they shall be frequent in our nights of tempest and tossing. Friends may drop from us when we are under pressure, but our intercourse with the inhabitants of the angelic world shall be more abundant; and in the strength of love-words, brought to us from the throne by the way of Jacob's ladder, we shall be strong to do exploits. Dear reader, is this an hour of distress with you? then ask for peculiar help. Jesus is the angel of the covenant, and if his presence be now earnestly sought, it will not be denied. What that presence brings in heart-cheer those remember who, like Paul, have had the angel of God standing by them in a night of storm, when anchors would no longer hold, and rocks were nigh. "O angel of my God, be near, Amid the darkness hush my fear; Loud roars the wild tempestuous sea, Thy presence, Lord, shall comfort me." Acts 27:24 saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.' NET Acts 27:24 and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul! You must stand before Caesar, and God has graciously granted you the safety of all who are sailing with you.' GNT Acts 27:24 λέγων, Μὴ φοβοῦ, Παῦλε, Καίσαρί σε δεῖ παραστῆναι, καὶ ἰδοὺ κεχάρισταί σοι ὁ θεὸς πάντας τοὺς πλέοντας μετὰ σοῦ. NLT Acts 27:24 and he said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What's more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.' KJV Acts 27:24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. ESV Acts 27:24 and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' CSB Acts 27:24 and said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And, look! God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.' NIV Acts 27:24 and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' NKJ Acts 27:24 "saying,`Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.' NRS Acts 27:24 and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before the emperor; and indeed, God has granted safety to all those who are sailing with you.' YLT Acts 27:24 saying, Be not afraid Paul; before Caesar it behoveth thee to stand; and, lo, God hath granted to thee all those sailing with thee; NAB Acts 27:24 and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You are destined to stand before Caesar; and behold, for your sake, God has granted safety to all who are sailing with you.' NJB Acts 27:24 and he said, "Do not be afraid, Paul. You are destined to appear before Caesar, and God grants you the safety of all who are sailing with you." GWN Acts 27:24 The angel told me, 'Don't be afraid, Paul! You must present your case to the emperor. God has granted safety to everyone who is sailing with you.' BBE Acts 27:24 Saying, Have no fear, Paul, for you will come before Caesar, and God has given to you all those who are sailing with you. Do not be afraid: Ac 18:9,10 Ge 15:1 46:3 1Ki 17:13 2Ki 6:16 Isa 41:10-14 43:1-5 Mt 10:28 Rev 1:17 you must stand before Caesar;: Ac 9:15 19:21 23:11 25:11 Mt 10:18 Joh 11:9 2Ti 4:16,17 Rev 11:5-7 Behold: Ac 27:37 Ge 12:2 18:23-32 19:21,22,29 30:27 39:5,23 Isa 58:11,12 Mic 5:7 Jas 5:16 Video - The Storm Acts 27 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries DO NOT BE AFRAID! Saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar - This was the first of two promises and of course was the main one. That Paul had to be encouraged (commanded) this way indicates he was fearful, which shows that Paul was human. It would be natural for anyone to have some element of fear in such circumstances. Notice that the angel echoes the promise of Jesus in Acts 23:11 that Paul "must witness at Rome." Do not be afraid (phobeo) is present imperative with a negative which can mean either stop an action in progress or don't let it begin. In this context the sense is most likely the former. This is the same command the Lord had given to Paul in Acts 18:9, 10+ "Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent." Must (1163) (dei from deo = to bind or tie objects together, put in prison and also root of doulos, bond-servant) refers to what is not optional but binding out of intrinsic necessity and inevitability. This is the same verb used in Acts 23:11 and is used 3 times in this chapter (Acts 27:21, 24, 26). Beloved, when the All Powerful God says something is a "must" it is a divine necessity and you can be sure it WILL happen because God is ALWAYS faithful to His promises! It was a necessity because it was part of God's plan and purpose for Paul. Behold (2400)(idou) is the second person singular aorist middle imperative of eidon which means to see, perceive, look at. In the NT idou is used as a demonstrative particle that draws attention to what follows. Idou in the middle voice means "you yourself look, see, perceive!" The aorist imperative is a command emphasizing "Do it now! Don't delay!" Spurgeon reminds us that "Behold is a word of wonder; it is intended to excite admiration. Wherever you see it hung out in Scripture, it is like an ancient sign-board, signifying that there are rich wares within, or like the hands which solid readers have observed in the margin of the older Puritanic books, drawing attention to something particularly worthy of observation." I would add, behold is like a "divine highlighter," or a "divine underlining" of an especially striking or important text. It says in effect "Listen up, all ye who would be wise in the ways of Jehovah!" THE GRACE OF GOD Paul now gives the second promise from the angelic messenger. God has granted you all those who are sailing with you - Do you see the implication of this statement? This phraseology of God granted is often used in the context of prayer, specifically answer to one's prayer. In this context, the implication is that Paul had prayed for each of these 276 souls, because initially he had made the statement that there would not only be loss of cargo but of life! (Acts 27:10) It would not be hard to imagine Paul beginning to intercede for the lives of all on board when he realized they would choose not to heed his wise advice. As John Phillips aptly observes "The world will never know how much it owes to those in its midst who know God and have the key to God's heart in their hands." THOUGHT - God's granting Paul all those sailing with him recalls the words of Jeremiah 29:7 "And seek (SPEAKING TO JUDAH) the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile (BABYLON), and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare." When I was in medical practice, most of my associates were unbelievers, but upon reading this passage one day, I began to apply it in frequent intercession for the medical practice. While I am cautious in making this next statement, there is no question in my mind that God blessed our practice to the point that I was able to retire from medicine and go into full-time ministry at the age of 59 (I am 73 in 2019). To God be the glory! While God may not always bless your place of work in the same way, the principle behind this prayer is always worth applying. As James says "ye have not, because ye ask not." (James 4:2KJV). Just make sure that you do not ask with wrong motives (selfish, self-seeking purposes - the best motive is always for God to get the glory from the answer!). (James 4:3). Polhill – It was Jonah’s presence on the ship that gave rise to the storm, and only in his absence were the others saved. It was altogether different for Paul’s ship. The apostle’s presence on the ship led to the deliverance of all aboard. (New American Commentary ) Has granted is perfect tense indicating God's gift of these men will be for the duration of the voyage. In other words the perfect tense here indicates certainty. It is reasonable to mention that Paul may have interceded (but we cannot be dogmatic) much like Abraham interceded for Sodom repeatedly asking God if He would destroy Sodom if there were 50, 45, 40, 20, 30 or 10 righteous people there (Ge 18:23-31, 32). Has granted (5483)(charizomai from charis = grace, undeserved merit or favor) has the basic meaning of to give or grant as a favor, gratuitously, generously, graciously and in kindness. It means to bestow as a gift of grace or out of grace, giving help to those who don't deserve it. As
Atos 27
Spurgeon adds "So God had said, “and so it came to pass.”" Swindoll writes "All two hundred seventy-six souls survived—a miracle in itself. They swam, gagged, gasped, struggled, then finally sloshed ashore. Safe yet soaked. Alive yet exhausted. And they found themselves on an unexpected, tumultuous, time-consuming detour. All along they had Italy in their sights, the dream of Rome in their hearts . . . but now were dumped on an out-of-the-way island named Malta. How could they not ask themselves, What now?" (See "Stormy Seas" in Start Where You Are: Catch a Fresh Vision for Life) NET Note has an interesting comment that "The whole scene is a historical metaphor representing how listening to Paul and his message could save people."(Acts 27 Notes) Keener - In Greco-Roman literature, someone’s escape from disaster at sea could serve as evidence of that person’s religious purity even before a court. (Ibid) Peterson - In various ways, the whole narrative (Acts 27:1-28:16) points to God as Creator and Saviour, and to Paul as his prophet or representative. (Ibid) Gilbrant - All of them must surely have been thankful to be alive. But undoubtedly there was praise and thanksgiving in the hearts of Paul and his friends to God and to the Lord Jesus who loved them, died for them, and was now risen, ascended to the right hand of the Father's throne where He was interceding for them through all this. Truly God had kept His promise, not only for Paul, but also for the 275 others who were on board. (Complete Biblical Library) Polhill writes that "all were able to reach shore safely (v. 44b). And the whole narrative from Acts 27:23 on has made it clear that Paul’s presence on the ship and God’s protection of him was responsible for the remarkable deliverance of all 276 on board. In a real sense, it was something of a reversal of expectations. In many ancient shipwreck stories there is a motif in which a storm or shipwreck is attributed to the presence of one on board who has incurred the wrath of a god (Ed: As was the case with Jonah - read Jonah 1:7-10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15). The presence of the guilty party endangers the lives of all the voyagers." In this instance the opposite took place. Paul’s presence was in no sense responsible for the storm. Had his advice been followed, the ship would never have encountered the storm in the first place. On the contrary, Paul’s presence was responsible for their deliverance from the storm. His God was with him, and because he was with the apostle, all were saved. (The New American Commentary Volume 26) Vance Havner said, “Our Lord’s life was full of storm and tempest, yet in the darkest days of all, He bequeathed to us His legacy of peace. His rest is no imaginary escape from reality... (but) that blessed consciousness that in the midst of trouble our real lives are beyond the reach of circumstance, hid with Christ in God (Col 3:3+).” A modern worship song has the words below which would be apropos to the presence of God with Paul in the midst of the violent storm... And if our God is for us Then who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us Then what could stand against? And if our God is for us Then who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us Then what could stand against? (Play "Our God") Brought safely (1295) see note above on diasozo. Larkin comments that "In a very real sense Paul was a "saving presence," for saving him automatically meant saving the other prisoners. Thus as a mediator of physical preservation, Paul again becomes a living parable of spiritual salvation, which is just as certain when persons take refuge in the name Paul preaches (Acts 16:31)." (See A Saving Presence ”the Prophecy Fulfilled) ILLUSTRATION - Years ago a ship met with disaster off the shores of the Isle of Wight. In the confusion a young woman was swept overboard. She found a piece of wreckage and clung to it, but soon she was drifting down the channel and out to sea. A few hours later the captain of another vessel saw an object floating in the distance. He sent some sailors in a boat to investigate. Before they reached their object, they heard a woman’s voice singing: “Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high! Hide me, O my Savior, hide, ‘till the storm of life is past; Safe into the haven guide, O, receive my soul at last!” On that piece of wreckage, drifting out to sea, the woman had peace in her heart because Jesus was Lord of her life! She had Jesus and she trusted Jesus! You can escape physical dangers and be delivered from death on earth, but if you have never come to Jesus Christ and turned to Him and trusted in Him then you will not reach the other shore safely! (Jack Andrews Expository Studies: Understanding Acts) Perhaps you feel like you are drifting out to sea clinging to a piece of wreckage, but even if you are are not, take a moment to worship and join Fernando Ortega as he sings Charles Wesley's beautiful hymn... Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly, While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high: Hide me, O my Savior, hide, Till the storm of life is past; Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last. Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helpless soul on Thee; Leave, oh, leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me. All my trust on Thee is stayed, All my help from Thee I bring; Cover my defenseless head With the shadow of Thy wing. Thou, O Christ, art all I want; More than all in Thee I find; Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Heal the sick and lead the blind. Just and holy is Thy name, I am all unrighteousness; Vile and full of sin I am, Thou art full of truth and grace. Plenteous grace with Thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin; Let the healing streams abound; Make and keep me pure within. Thou of life the fountain art, Freely let me take of Thee; Spring Thou up within my heart, Rise to all eternity. Robertson sums up this chapter - So Luke in this marvellous narrative, worthy of any historian in any age, shows how Paul's promise was fulfilled (Acts 27:24). Paul the prisoner is the hero of the voyage and shipwreck, a wonderful example of God's providential care. Just a Paul had predicted... Acts 27:22 “Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. Acts 27:24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ LIFE APPLICATION - THE JOURNEY - Paul's arduous trip to Rome (Acts 27-28) provides us with at least four good tips for making the most of our own journey through life: 1. Recognize the presence of God (27:1-28:31)—understand that God is with you, even in the darkest times. 2. Rely on the people of God (27:1-3; 28:2, 7-10, 14-15, 30)—lean on the people whom God graciously puts in your life. 3. Rest on the promises of God (27:22-25; cf. 23:11)—know that what God has said, he will do. 4. Remember the purposes of God (28:8-9, 17-31)—keep your eyes on the destination and ultimate goal. (Bruce Barton - Life Application Bible Commentary – see Acts) John MacArthur gleans several principles from the voyage and the shipwreck - Looking back over this dramatic episode in Paul's life, several key principles of true biblical leadership can be clearly seen. First, a leader is trusted. Paul was an important prisoner, whose escape or death would have meant serious trouble for Julius. Yet somehow during the brief journey from Caesarea to Sidon, Paul convinced the centurion that he could be trusted. Julius therefore let him leave the ship to be ministered to by the Christians there. Second, a leader takes the initiative. At the council at Fair Havens, Paul, although a prisoner, did not hesitate to give his advice. Third, a leader uses good judgment. Had the centurion and sailors heeded Paul's sound advice, they would have been spared a terrible ordeal—and the loss of the ship. Fourth, a leader speaks with authority. In the midst of the raging storm, Paul's confident assertion that all on board would be saved must have seemed like madness. But his unshakable confidence in God's Word caused him to speak out boldly. Paul also called others to obedience; he was the one who prevented the sailors from abandoning the rest of the passengers (Acts 27:31). Fifth, a leader strengthens others. Paul three times encouraged the terrified passengers and crew (Acts 27:22, 25, 34)—twice not to lose hope and once to eat. His calmness, confidence, and optimistic trust in God also reassured the others. Sixth, a leader never compromises his absolutes. Paul prevented the crew from prematurely abandoning the ship. God had said that all would be saved, but all must remain together, and Paul refused to compromise on that instruction. Seventh, and most important, a leader leads by example. Believing God would do exactly as He said, Paul set an example for the others by remaining calm and confident. Realizing they needed to eat before attempting to get ashore, Paul "took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all; and he broke it and began to eat" (Acts 27:35). His example motivated the others, "and they themselves also took food" (Acts 27:36). Leaders do not push people from behind; they lead them from the front. These timeless principles of leadership, manifested in the midst of appalling circumstances, reveal Paul as the godly leader he was. They must characterize every leader who wishes to effectively lead God's people. (See Acts 1-28 MacArthur New Testament Commentary)
Atos 27
Spurgeon - He is very unwise who trusts the winds, and equally so is he who sets his confidence upon any earthly thing, for fickle as the wind that blows are all things beneath the moon (Commentary on Acts) Moderate...came (only NT use)(5285) (hupopneo from hupo = under + pneo = blow, make a breeze) means to blow gently, like the air was just slightly moving. Gilbrant - A unique term of rare use, hupopneō appears to be a compound form of hupo (in this case does not take one of its many prepositional forms; rather, it has a generally diminutive application), and pneō, “to breathe,” and the resulting compound means “to breathe softly.” Applying the term to the wind the verb means to “blow gently, blow softly.” Its single appearance in classical Greek is in Aristotle’s Problemata at 8.6 where it is translated “blow underneath.” New Testament translators differ little in their renderings of its only appearance; in Acts 27:13 it refers to a light wind. The KJV states: “And when the south wind blew softly . . . they sailed close by Crete.” RSV simply changes it to “when the wind blew gently.” (Complete Biblical Library) Had attained (2902)(krateo) in this context means "to be able to complete or finish, presumably despite difficulties - 'to accomplish, to do successfully, to carry out" (L-N). So they assumed they had confirmation that they had accomplished their purpose. The perfect tense speaks of the permanence of this attainment (or so they thought!) They weighed anchor (142)(airo) means they lifted up, took up, raised as with stones (Jn 8:58), one's hand (Rev 10:5) and in this context an anchor. And began sailing along Crete, close inshore - The sailed very close to the southern coast to protect from the northerly winds. Began sailing (3881) see above for note on paralegomai Gaertner writes that "Progressing perhaps a little more than half of the distance, the ship rounded a cape known as Cape Matala. (see map below for location of this cape which is the promontory just south of he Messara Valley). When it did so, the ship was more open to prevailing winds. But what happened caught everyone by surprise." (see Acts - Page 407 ) ILLUSTRATION - When people reject the wisdom gained from observing God's natural order, foolish decisions are likely to follow. As one mountaineer said as he turned back from the challenge of climbing an Alaskan peak because his equipment was inadequate for the icy conditions, "There are old mountaineers, bold mountaineers, but no old, bold mountaineers" (Robinson 1993). (Larkin) God Leads Us Along In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet God leads His dear children along Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary one's feet God leads His dear children along Some through the waters, some through the flood Some through the fire, but all through the blood Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song In the night season and all the day long Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright God leads His dear children along Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night God leads His dear children along Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose God leads His dear children along Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes God leads His dear children along Away from the mire, and away from the clay God leads His dear children along Away up in glory, eternity's day God leads His dear children along THE PERIL OF MERE SUPPOSITION ACTS 27:13 - James Smith in Handfuls of Purpose SUPPOSING. This is a word common enough in everyday language. “Well, now, let us suppose, for the sake of argument,” we say. LEGITIMATELY NECESSARY. It may be legitimately necessary in some branches of philosophy and science. An example: In one of the latest books on the existence of God, the hypothetical argument is proclaimed as the only satisfactory proof. Supposing there is a God, we find that works. DANGEROUS. In matters concerning daily life it is dangerous. 1. Moses’ supposition meant forty years’ exile (Acts 7:25). 2. The supposition of the Military and seamen led to loss of ship, cargo, and property (Acts 27:13). FATAL. In matters concerning Christ and our personal salvation supposition is fatal. I. Supposing Him to be a Mere Man (Luke 3:23). 1. That was THEN an excusable blunder, for He came so lowly. 2. It is NOW, in view of the discovery of His compatriots, and in view of the full revelation of His Word, and the history of the past two thousand years, inexcusable. 3. To make this mistake means: a. You have not a Saviour. b. You are yet in your sins, for He is dead. II. Supposing Him to be Where He was Not (Luke 2:44). 1. Excusable then, remembering the social custom of the time. 2. It is a tragic mistake if made to-day. 3. Do you “suppose” He is a. In your heart as Saviour and Lord? b. With you as Friend and Guide? 4. Oh, see that “supposition” is changed into certainty! III. Supposing Him to be Less than He really Was. (John 20:15). 1. Excusable to poor Mary, blinded by grief. 2. But fatal to holiness and fellowship to-day. 3. “A Gardener”—yes—but more than that! 4. Don’t imagine He— a. Loves to bury your hopes, and that He is b. Saviour only to soul and not Lord of life. Acts 27:13-26 Every Inch Of Me By Herbert Vander Lugt Take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. —Acts 27:25 Shortly before Peter Doot died at age 92, he said, “I am six-foot-four, and every inch belongs to the Lord.” I had known him for 65 years, and I’m sure what he said was true. As a younger man, Peter had left a well-paying job so he could serve as an evangelist for his church. He made a profound impact on hundreds of lives, even though he had little formal training. When I was 19, he challenged me to witness and to preach the gospel in street-corner meetings. What made Peter so effective? His way of life. Everybody could clearly see that God was his Master. The same could be said about the apostle Paul. In Acts 27 we read that when he was a prisoner being taken to Rome, the ship on which he was sailing was being battered by a furious storm. The sailors had given up all hope. But when Paul spoke, everybody listened and was encouraged. Even the Roman centurion followed his instructions. Why? Because it was obvious that Paul was a godly man who was telling the truth. They had good reason to believe him when he spoke of “the God to whom I belong and whom I serve,” and when he said there would be no loss of life (vv.22-23). O loving Savior, here's my will— With Yours, I pray, may it be one; I long to know You more each day So that Your will in me is done. —D. De Haan Give your all to Christ; He gave His all for you. Acts 27:13 DON'T FAIL TO LOOK IN GOD'S BOOK. When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire… they sailed. Acts 27:13 In Acts 27 we read that Paul, a prisoner headed for Rome, warned the centurion of disaster if they set sail. The man, however, listened to contrary advice and gave orders for the ship to leave port. When a gentle south breeze got them off to a favorable start, it looked as if Paul had been wrong. But soon the sky darkened. The breeze med into a howling wind. Waves battered the ship with merciless fury several days later the vessel ran aground and was broken into pieces by the storm. Paul had been right! J. C. Macauley used this story to show what happens to a young person who is lured by the soft south wind of pleasant circumstances that may temporarily accompany wicked conduct. He described five stages of decline in Acts 27. A youth leaves (Acts 27:13) the moorings of home and church, is caught (Acts 27:15) in a whirl of excitement, is driven (Acts 27:17) by the winds of passion, is lightened (Acts 27:18) of his or her former virtues, and finally is broken by the storm (Acts 27:41). IT IS ONLY WHEN WE ARE DECEIVED BY SIN, THAT WE TAKE DELIGHT IN SIN. Acts 27:14 But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; NET Acts 27:14 Not long after this, a hurricane-force wind called the northeaster blew down from the island. GNT Acts 27:14 μετ᾽ οὐ πολὺ δὲ ἔβαλεν κατ᾽ αὐτῆς ἄνεμος τυφωνικὸς ὁ καλούμενος Εὐρακύλων· NLT Acts 27:14 But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a "northeaster") caught the ship and blew it out to sea. KJV Acts 27:14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. ESV Acts 27:14 But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. CSB Acts 27:14 But not long afterward, a fierce wind called the "northeaster" rushed down from the island. NIV Acts 27:14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island. NKJ Acts 27:14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. NRS Acts 27:14 But soon a violent wind, called the northeaster, rushed down from Crete. YLT Acts 27:14 and not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, that is called Euroclydon, NAB Acts 27:14 Before long an offshore wind of hurricane force called a "Northeaster" struck. NJB Acts 27:14 But it was not long before a hurricane, the 'north-easter' as they call it, burst on them from across the island. GWN Acts 27:14 Soon a powerful wind (called a northeaster) blew from the island. BBE Acts 27:14 But after a little time, a very violent wind, named Euraquilo, came down from it with great force. But before very long there rushed down: Ex 14:21-27 Jon 1:3-5 a violent wind, called Euraquilo: Ps 107:25-27 Eze 27:26 Mt 8:24 Mk 4:37 Video - The Storm Acts 27 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SUDDEN BURST OF A EURAQUILO But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo - As the ship rounded Cape Matala to enter the Gulf of Messara, the southerly breeze changed abruptly to a northerly "hurricane." Luke describes the sudden burst of wind of hurricane force sweeping down the island (presumably from the 7000 foot peaks on Crete) as depicted on the map above. The Euraquilo was well known to ancient sailors. This was not a typhoon per se for a typhoon lets up but this wind did not let dissipate.
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Spurgeon applies this text - You may have a calm at one moment, and a storm at the next, and unless your protection it from above, and your confidence in something more stable than can be found in this world, woe betide you. Sometime, it is well to yield to the stress of circumstances. If you have struggled hard, and can do no more, it is well to leave the result with God....Apparently, that was the only thing they could do; and, at times, we may find that it will be well to follow their example. When we have done our best, and can make no headway, we had better commit our vessel to the care of God, and “let her drive” wherever he wills. James Smith - The ship was ‘caught’ in a typhoon, which blew with such violence that they could not face it, but were forced, in the first instance, to scud before it, for such is the evident meaning of the expression—ἐπιδόντες ἐφερόμεθα—‘yielding to it we were borne along by it.’...The sudden change from a south wind to a violent northerly wind is a common occurrence in these seas. The term ‘typhonic,’ by which it is described, indicates that it was accompanied by some of the phenomena which might be expected in such a case, namely the agitation and whirling motion of the clouds caused by the meeting of the opposite currents of air when the change took place, and probably also of the sea, raising it in columns of spray. Pliny, in describing the effects of sudden blasts, says that they cause a vortex, which is called ‘typhoon;’ and Gellius, in his account of a storm at sea, notices ‘frequent whirlwinds,’ ‘.… and the dreadful appearances in the clouds which they call typhoons.’...Pliny calls the typhoon—‘The chief pest of seamen, destructive not only to the spars but to the hull itself.’...The fact, that the ships of the ancients were provided with hypozomata, or cables ready fitted for undergirding, as a necessary part of their stores, proves how liable they were to such casualties; and I may add as another proof the frequent notice of lightening ships we meet with in ancient authors. In the present narrative they occur not less than three times....It is easy to account for the comparative immunity of modern ships from such casualties. The most obvious cause is the improvement in naval architecture; but another, and I suspect a more efficient one, is the manner in which they were rigged. In modern times the strain is spread over three masts, with small sails which can be quickly taken in; but the ancient ships had to sustain the leverage of a single mast, with a ponderous yard at the upper end. We can scarcely suppose that St. Paul’s ship escaped uninjured. The circumstances mentioned, of her being undergirded, lightened, and finally run ashore, afford conclusive evidence that she did not....At the time the ship was caught in the gale, she must have been near a small group of islands, called the Paximades, in the Gulf of Messara. The island of Clauda lay about twenty-three miles to leeward, and thither they were driven, as the expression ἐπιδόντες ἐφερόμεθα (ver. 15) implies, before the gale. Upon reaching it they availed themselves of the smooth water under its lee, to prepare the ship to resist the fury of the storm. Their first care was to secure the boat, by hoisting it on board. This had not been done at first, because the weather was moderate, and the distance they had to go short. Under such circumstances it is not usual to hoist the boats on board, but it had now become necessary. (The Voyage and Shipwreck of St Paul ) (ED: Scud - Move fast in a straight line because or as if driven by the wind. E.g., ‘three small ships were scudding before a brisk breeze’) Steven
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Spurgeon - HERE we see a believer full of comfort cheering others. The words of good cheer now before us are from a man; but inasmuch as he does but repeat what the Lord had spoken to him, they are none the less precious, and they may be all the more profitable if they move us, by their example, to speak words of cheer to others. The believer is sure to come to the front. He may be hidden away in the crowd, and his condition and circumstances may put him in the rear rank for a time; but his light will by some means rise out of obscurity. Paul is nothing but a prisoner all the time the ship sails safely: he is courteously entreated, yet he holds rank among others who are being carried to Rome far trial; but the storm comes on, and the ship is driven before the tempest, and he who was only a prisoner becomes practically the chief man in the ship. The owner, the captain, the centurion,—these are very small figures in the picture; you scarcely notice them in the. group huddled together in the labouring barque. Paul is the centre of the whole company, the observed of all. He is as much the master of the ship as Cæsar was when, in the tempest, he encouraged the mariners with the words, “Fear not, you carry Cæsar and all his fortunes.” Paul is greater than Cæsar, for he says less of himself, and more of the Eternal God. He is evidently reverenced and esteemed even by those who hold him in charge. (See full sermon Acts 27:18-25 Paul in a Tempest) Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss - Some see this as a rebuke, but others simply as a reminder (which I favor). Recall Paul's advice had been "that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” (Acts 27:10+) Part of this had already come to pass with loss of cargo. But notice that Paul does not berate them and say "I told you so!" (He was not "rubbing it in!") He is reminding them of his earlier warning to establish his credibility for what he was about to tell them. Surely they would all be very attentive to his second declaration! John
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Spurgeon - Oh, what a privilege it would be if God would say the same to us! If, in the night of trouble, when you are tossed to and fro, mother, father, the Lord should say to you, “Fear not, I have given you your whole family they shall all be saved,” you would not mind how fiercely the storm might rage if you could be sure of that. And how happy would my heart be if all that sail in this big vessel were given to me! I should not be satisfied even then; I should want a great many more than that; but, still, what a blessed thing it would be to have every soul that sails with us saved! H A
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Spurgeon applies this to the believer long night in this dark world writing "Then they “wished for the day, “and how often the Christian throws his great anchor out, and wishes for the day, — waiting “till the day break”, and the shadows flee away.” Well, it will not be long. If night lasts through the whole of this life, the morning cometh, — the everlasting morning." Wished (imperfect tense prayed over and over) (2172)(euchomai from euche = a vow in Acts 18:18, a prayer in Jas 5:15) literally meant to speak out or utter aloud and came to mean as used by to express a wish. "In classical Greek euchomai demonstrates a wide range of meanings. In its simplest state it means “offer prayer, pray that." (Gilbrant) In 2 Cor 13:7 Paul says "we pray (euchomai) to God" which clearly indicates intercessory prayer (again in 2 Cor 13:9). James 5:19 used euchomai for intercessory prayer. Polhill - As in the shipwreck of Odysseus, the pagan sailors now prayed to their gods for daylight to come and for deliverance through the night. Their prayer was ultimately answered—not by their gods but by Paul’s God. They owed their salvation to Paul. (ED: TO HIS INTERCESSION TO THE TRUE AND LIVING GOD!)(Ibid) Keener - Various deities claimed the role of protector at sea, like Isis or the Dioscuri (Acts 28:11); but God is the true protector. H A
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Spurgeon comments that "God had said that they should be (SAVED), so that it is quite consistent to believe in divine predestination and yet to see the utility, nay, the necessity, of the use of means: “Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.” Paul's point in context of subsequent events is that these seasoned sailors would be needed to try to get the ship to go aground at the best spot. God was not sending angels to carry them to safety! And they could not just let the ship drift on its own any longer. While God is sovereign, clearly He is able to use the ungodly to accomplish His will. Gilbrant adds that God "used the ungodly Assyrians to bring His judgment on Israel, even though they did not know He was using them (Isaiah 10:5-7). He used the idol-worshiping Cyrus to send the Jews back to rebuild the temple (Isaiah 45:1-4). He used heathen sailors to throw Jonah overboard, and a big fish to get Jonah headed back in the direction He wanted him to go. There is no limit to what God can use to accomplish His purposes. It is obvious Paul was not using his own imagination to decide how he wanted God to act or what miracle he would like performed. Rather, he was sensitive to the Holy Spirit and was acting on the wisdom given him by the Spirit." (Complete Biblical Library)
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Spurgeon writes "What a grand speech this is! It is the utterance of faith. Talk of eloquence! This is real eloquence, — for Paul to be addressing the people in a storm-tossed ship as calmly as if he were safely on shore." (It is so easy to read these verses in the calm of our study and forget that they were in the middle of a fearful storm!) Therefore I encourage you to take some food, for this is for your preservation - Note that while Paul believed God would deliver all the passengers here he adds human responsibility to God's providence. Paul wisely knew that they would need the energy supplied by intake of food, so he did not rely solely on God's promise of preservation. It is notable that again Paul uses language of this physical salvation that also used to describe spiritual salvation. And the word for perish is used of perishing eternally. Encourage (exhort) (3870)(parakaleo from para = side of, alongside, beside + kaleo = call) means literally to call one alongside, to call someone to oneself, to call for, to summon. Parakaleo can include the idea of giving help or aid but the primary sense in the NT is to urge someone to take some action, especially some ethical course of action. Sometimes the word means convey the idea of comfort, sometimes of exhortation but always at the root there is the idea of enabling a person to meet some difficult situation with confidence and with gallantry. See the following discussion for elaboration on the nuances of this great Greek verb. Parakaleo in Acts - Acts 2:40; Acts 8:31; Acts 9:38; Acts 11:23; Acts 13:42; Acts 14:22; Acts 15:32; Acts 16:9; Acts 16:15; Acts 16:39; Acts 16:40; Acts 19:31; Acts 20:1; Acts 20:2; Acts 20:12; Acts 21:12; Acts 24:4; Acts 25:2; Acts 27:33; Acts 27:34; Acts 28:14; Acts 28:20 Larkin - Eric Liddell, "the Flying Scotsman," won the four-hundred-meter race at the 1924 Paris Olympics in world-record time. But his real heroics occurred twenty years later, in the Weihsien concentration camp in China. This missionary's faith and energy encouraged many of the eighteen hundred trapped in the camp's squalid conditions. "Uncle Eric" to children separated from their parents, he "organized activities, served as a teacher and a guardian for youth, and fulfilled the role of pastor until a brain tumor claimed his life in February 1945" (Williamson 1991:127). Many centuries and many miles away on the dark, storm-tossed Mediterranean, Paul too determined to make a difference to those around him. His example helps us understand what it is to proclaim by one's life the salvation blessings found in Christ alone. (IVP New Testament Commentary Series – Acts) Take (3335)(metalambano from meta = with denoting association + lambano = take, receive) means receive a portion, take a share of, partake (Acts 2:46; Acts 27:33, 34; 2 Ti 2:6; Heb 6:7; 12:10). With the word kairos (time) it was an idiom meaning to take opportunity later, to find time (Acts 24:25). In Hebrews 6:7 metalambanō is used metaphorically of the earth “receiving a blessing from God” because it fulfilled divine purpose through producing vegetation after having been watered by the rain that He sent. Gilbrant says metalambano "is usually used in classical Greek to refer to literally having or getting a physical portion or share of something. It can also be found in a figurative sense meaning “have part in, participate in” activities or ideas that one is in agreement with (Liddell-Scott)." (Complete Biblical Library) Metalambano - 7v - find(1), receive his share(1), receives(1), share(1), take(2), taking...together(1). Acts 2:46; Acts 24:25; Acts 27:33; Acts 27:34; 2 Tim. 2:6; Heb. 6:7; Heb. 12:10 Preservation (4991)(soteria from soter = Savior in turn from sozo = save, rescue, deliver) describes the rescue or deliverance from danger, destruction and peril. The 5 previous uses of soteria in Acts (except Acts 7:25) refer to spiritual salvation - Acts 4:12, Acts 13:26 Acts 13:47 Acts 16:17. For not a hair from the head of any of you will perish - This is like our modern idiom "not harm a hair on your head," which means not hurt or injure someone in even the slightest degree. Paul is saying not one person will die. To not lose a hair from one's head was an idiom used in the OT - see 1 Sa 14:45; 2 Sa 14:11; 1 Ki 1:52. In the NT Jesus encouraged His followers declaring "not a hair of your head will perish." (Lu 21:18+). Perish (622)(apollumi from apo = away from or wholly + olethros = state of utter ruin <> ollumi = to destroy <> root of apollyon [Re 9:11] = destroyer) means to destroy utterly but not to cause one to cease to exist. This is the very word the disciples used when caught in a great storm on the Sea of Galilee in yelling out "Save (aorist imperative), Lord; we are perishing (apollumi)!" (Mt 8:25, Lk 8:24+) Jesus used this to speak not of perishing not just temporally but eternally declaring that "whoever wishes to save his life will lose (apollumi) it, but whoever loses (apollumi) his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses (apollumi) or forfeits himself?" (Lk 9:24-25+) Apollumi in Acts - Acts 5:37; Acts 27:34 Acts 27:35 Having said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and he broke it and began to eat. NET Acts 27:35 After he said this, Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all, broke it, and began to eat. GNT Acts 27:35 εἴπας δὲ ταῦτα καὶ λαβὼν ἄρτον εὐχαρίστησεν τῷ θεῷ ἐνώπιον πάντων καὶ κλάσας ἤρξατο ἐσθίειν. NLT Acts 27:35 Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. KJV Acts 27:35 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. ESV Acts 27:35 And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. CSB Acts 27:35 After he said these things and had taken some bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all of them, and when he broke it, he began to eat. NIV Acts 27:35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. NKJ Acts 27:35 And when he had 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. NRS Acts 27:35 After he had said this, he took bread; and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat. YLT Acts 27:35 and having said these things, and having taken bread, he gave thanks to God before all, and having broken it, he began to eat; NAB Acts 27:35 When he said this, he took bread, gave thanks to God in front of them all, broke it, and began to eat. NJB Acts 27:35 With these words he took some bread, gave thanks to God in view of them all, broke it and began to eat. GWN Acts 27:35 After Paul said this, he took some bread, thanked God in front of everyone, broke it, and began to eat. BBE Acts 27:35 And when he had said this and had taken bread, he gave praise to God before them all, and took a meal of the broken bread. and gave thanks: Ac 2:46,47 1Sa 9:13 Mt 15:36 Mk 8:6 Lu 24:30 Joh 6:11,23 Ro 14:6 1Co 10:30,31 1Ti 4:3,4 in the presence of all: Ps 119:46 Ro 1:16 2Ti 1:8,12 1Pe 4:16 Video - Shipwreck Acts 27 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE IMPACT OF ONE MAN IN A STORM Steven Cole rightly concludes that "One man who trusts God in a storm of life can have a major impact on others who see the reality of God in his life." Having said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all (cf. 1 Tim. 4:5-6) - Paul was not ashamed of God and neither should we be ashamed. Do you pray for at your meal in public? Do you ask your waiter if they have any prayer requests? Spurgeon - He would not eat without giving thanks to God. There are some who do, even as the swine do; but the Christian finds it good at all times, before he eats, to bless the God that gave the food to him. It is a Christian habit which should not be given up. Paul gave thanks when it was most inconvenient to do so, — when a great storm was raging, and when there were only two or three on board who sympathized with him. I tend to agree with Gilbrant who comments that "This was no mere formal prayer. It came from the depths of Paul's heart. It was an anointed prayer. All the people on the ship must have felt the impact of the Holy Spirit as he prayed. Then Paul broke the bread and began to eat." (Complete Biblical Library)