November 23, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Acts Chapter 27
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 Caesar: 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.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Acts Chapter 27 recounts the dramatic sea voyage of Paul to Rome, marked by challenges such as storms and shipwreck. This chapter highlights both the dangers and the rescue of the travelers, demonstrating Paul’s faith and leadership qualities in a life-threatening situation.
Commentary
Chapter 27 is an exciting and moving section that showcases both human failure and divine providence. Despite Paul’s warning not to continue the journey, the Roman chief officer Julius places more trust in the advice of the helmsman and the ship owner. This leads to dangerous weather conditions and ultimately to a shipwreck.
During the crisis, Paul proves to be a strong leader. He remains not only calm but also encourages others by assuring them of God’s protection. His message is based on a vision from an angel of God, who assures him that everyone on board will be saved. This confidence boosts the morale of the crew and passengers, who respect Paul’s faith and wisdom.
The shipwreck itself is a powerful image of God’s protection amidst chaos. Although the ship is destroyed, all 276 people safely reach land. This act of rescue demonstrates God’s sovereignty and affirms Paul’s role as a God-sent leader and witness.
The chapter also illustrates Paul’s humanity. Despite his heavenly vision, he acts pragmatically: he warns against poor decisions, encourages eating, and ensures that everyone on board acts safely. Paul is not only an ambassador of faith but also a role model for practical wisdom and leadership in critical moments.
Summary
In Acts Chapter 27, Paul is sent as a prisoner on a dangerous sea voyage to Rome. Despite his warning, the crew continues their journey, leading to a severe storm and eventually a shipwreck. During the crisis, Paul encourages his fellow travelers with a message of God’s protection and ensures their rescue. Although the ship is destroyed, all 276 people safely reach land. This chapter demonstrates how Paul, through his faith and leadership qualities, becomes an instrument of God’s rescue plan amidst chaos and danger.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 76—Judas
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 76 on Judas depicts the tragic story of a man who, despite his closeness to Jesus Christ and his privileged position among the Twelve, experienced the deepest fall. The text shows Judas’ initial enthusiasm for the Lord, his gradual surrender to greed, and his betrayal, which became the epitome of doom. His story is not only a tale of betrayal but also a serious warning about the danger of misusing divine gifts and opportunities.
Commentary
The story of Judas is a shocking example of how clinging to sin can render proximity to Jesus fruitless. Judas was called by Jesus and equated with the other disciples, even entrusted with the responsibility of treasurer. Despite all the miracles he saw and the words he heard, he did not allow himself to be completely changed by Christ. His love for money and his pride prevailed.
Especially striking is Judas’ apparent dedication, while he internally harbored doubts and resentment. His betrayal did not begin with handing over Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, but with small decisions that fueled his greed. The story illustrates how an unresolved weakness can become a destructive force.
Judas’ final desperate attempt to undo the consequences of his betrayal shows no true remorse but rather fear of the consequences. His tragic realization that it was “too late” underscores the seriousness of decisions that shape our hearts and determine our lives.
Summary
Chapter 76 traces the life and fall of Judas, from his calling by Jesus to his betrayal and tragic death. Judas began as a committed disciple who followed Jesus and heard his message. However, his love for money and his pride prevented him from fully surrendering to Christ. These weaknesses ultimately led him to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
Although Judas had numerous opportunities to repent, he remained trapped in his pride and greed. Even when Jesus revealed his betrayal at the Last Supper, he did not change his course. His attempt to return the money showed no genuine remorse, only fear of damnation. His life ended in despair and suicide.
The story of Judas is a serious admonition to keep the heart with God and not to be led by unresolved sins. It shows how a seemingly small weakness, if left unchecked, can lead to catastrophic consequences.
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