Learning from the Storms that God Brings Us Through
Acts 27:1-44
December 11, 2022
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church, Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland
I. Background (Acts 27:13,14,18-20)
A. Acts 27:13,14 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
B. Acts 27:18-20 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. 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.
C. There are different kinds of storms
1. Rain storms… Wind storms
2. Rain and wind storms – storms that cause local flooding and inconvenience to us
D. But then there are REAL STORMS – serious storms – deadly storms
1. Storms that uproot trees
2. Storms that cause roofs to fly off
3. And storms that bring death and destruction across entire counties and countries
E. The Apostle Paul is heading into one of those real storms
1. He has gone through several “storms” in his Christian life
2. But this storm will bring him, and almost 280 other men to the brink of death!
F.
I wonder if there is a
reason for the storm Paul is going to go through…
and I wonder what God might teach US from it!
II. Message
A. Heading for Rome (Acts 27:1-8)
1. Paul is a prisoner, on a ship filled with criminals (Acts 27:1)
a. Acts 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.
b. Paul is a prisoner
1) He is in chains, falsely accused by the Jews of so many crimes that he has to defend himself before the highest court in Rome, before Caesar himself!
2) He has never broken any law – never hurt anyone, except their feelings
c. He has just finished giving his own personal testimony of becoming a Christian before some powerful men: Felix, then Festus and the ultimately a king named Agrippa.
d. Agrippa was impressed, and even admitted that Paul “almost persuaded him to become a Christian too” but still walked away
e. So, now, in this chapter, Paul is being loaded onto a ship heading towards Italy – towards Rome – the centre of the world in that day
f. It was a 1300 mile journey to Italy, with a few stops along the way
g. It should have been an easy trip – get there in a week or s
2. With faithful friends (Acts 27:2)
a. Acts 27:2 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.
b. A faithful friend named Aristarchus came along with Paul, and Luke on that ship
3. A bit of liberty (Acts 27:3)
a. Acts 27:3 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.
b. Julius was the name of the Roman Centurion in charge of Paul, and of all the prisoners being taken to Italy for trial and incarceration
c. He liked Paul, and so, gave him liberty to spend a bit of time with his friends before the long journey
4. Small difficulties pop-up (Acts 27:4-8) [MAP]
a. Acts 27:4-8 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. 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; And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
b. Contrary winds – winds that were pushing them back
c. Slow sailing because of the winds blowing them back
d. Stopped off at a port called The Fair Havens
B. Paul’s Warning (Acts 27:9-12)
1. Acts 27:9-10 Now when much time was spent [WASTED WAITING], and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, 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.
2. Really Bad weather can sometimes begin in the Mediterranean Sea area in October, just after the fasting time of the Jewish Day of Atonement
3. Paul spoke to the crew of the ship, and to the Centurion who was in charge of the prisoner transport – he admonished them… firmly spoke to them like a preacher!
a. “Don’t travel now”
b. “There is danger, and damage ahead of us”
c. “We will be risking our lives, and the lading and the ship itself by going now”
d. “We need to wait here until the weather gets better”
e. No ambiguity – straight up – clear
4. Who do you trust?
a. If you were a Roman Centurion / a soldier…
b. Would you trust a preacher
c. Or a seasoned ship owner and operator?
d. Who could tell what was coming?
e. Paul could!
5. But the crew took a vote and decided to try and get across the sea to Phenice in the island of Crete, and to wait out the winter there [MAP]
a. Acts 27:11,12 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. 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.
b. Sounds like a plan – sailors made decisions like this all the time
C. Into a Storm (Acts 27:13-20)
1. Euroclydon (Acts 27:13,14)
a. Acts 27:13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
b. They got so close to the island of Crete
c. But not near enough to reach the harbour of Phenice to be able to park the ship
d. Acts 27:14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
1) A euroclydon is a hurricane in the Mediterranean Sea – not very often, but happens
2) Most storms at sea form and dissipate within a day or two
3) But this one is a low pressure system that becomes locked in place for more than 2 full weeks, tossing around a huge sailing ship with Paul and 275 souls on board!
2. Ship Out of Control! (Acts 27:15)
a. Acts 27:15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
b. That means the sailors just let the wind and the water-current take them any direction it wanted – like a twisting, wabbling, spinning top on a trampoline!
c. They were at the mercy of the storm because they had NO motors – no rowing oars - just sails, and they were useless in that storm!
d. Have you ever been in such a situation yourself?
1) Where you felt like the world was falling apart all around you, and YOU were falling apart with it?
2) Where the struggle was never ending?
3) Where the stress just kept pounding and pounding against you?
4) Where there was NOTHING you can do but ride it out?
3. The sailors WORKED themselves to death (Acts 27:16-20)
a. They first tried to save the lifeboat
1) Acts 27:16,17 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: 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.
2) The main ship had a “skiff” - a smaller boat that was used as a lifeboat - that was pulled behind the main ship
3) The sailors knew it was filling up with water from the storm, so they decided to try and lift it up into the main ship to protect it from sinking – they needed that lifeboat!
4) But it was almost impossible to get it up out of the water because of the waves rocking everything, and because of how heavy the lifeboat had become with all the water in it
5) So they wrapped ropes around it (pity the guy who had to undergird it) to pull it up
6) A lot of human effort, just to save a boat that they hoped might save them!
7) Then they tied the skiff down to the deck of the main ship
b. Then they used the sail to at least TRY and steer the ship
c. But the ship was sinking, and not responding to the helm!
d. So, next, in desperation, they then lightened the ship
1) Acts 27:18-20 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. 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.
2) It was slowly sinking, so they had to do some drastic things
3) Like throwing away the cargo!
4) Just know, that the owner of the ship had to pay the value of the lost cargo, so this was serious – they were admitting they were desperate!
5) They even threw away the tackling - the blocks and tackles – the vital rigging of the sails, because they were very heavy as well.
e. But when they had done all these things, nothing helped. They were still sinking!
f. So they lost all hope of surviving
4. THAT is a serious storm! And from what I have seen in my life, we ALL go through at least one of these kind of storms!
5. Why would God bring such a deadly storm? Why bring Paul into such a storm???
D. “Be of Good Cheer” (Acts 27:21-26)
1. Paul speaks up (Acts 27:21,22) after a long wait…
a. Acts 27:21,22 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. 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.
b. “You should have listened to me back there” – oh how hard that is to hear from someone
c. “But no worries – be of good cheer – let’s all enjoy today!” WHAT?
d. “We will all be okay… except for the ship! It won’t survive!”
2. Huh? How could Paul be so cheerful? (Acts 27:23-26)
a. Nothing has changed!
1) It is still pitch black out over the waters
2) The wind and the waves were still fiercely beating against the ship
3) The rain is still stinging against the skin
4) And the ship is still sinking
5) HOW COULD PAUL BE SO CHEERFUL?! WHY WASN’T HE PANICKING?
b. #1 Yet, He trusted the presence of the God that was with him (Acts 27:23)
1) Acts 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
2) For the past 10 years, Jesus had NEVER left him.
3) Jesus had been with Paul from the very first day, back on the Road to Damascus
4) He promises to never leave YOU either if you are saved!
5) When you are in a storm, trust that Jesus has not abandoned you
c. #2 He knew Jesus was not finished with him yet (Acts 27:24)
1)
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.
2) No storm can stop the will of God!
3) Paul knew God had called him to go to the top dog himself, in Rome – Caesar Nero
d. #3 Paul knew God takes care of people who don’t deserve it – GRACE (Acts 27:25,26)
1) Acts 27:25,26 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
2) Did you notice one little word there? “We”
3) No Christian thinks only of himself!
4) Paul says with a big smile, “We are all going to be okay!”
e. #4 He knew that GOD is in charge of the weather. He had heard about how Jesus took great care of His disciples through all of their storms! (Matthew 8:23-27)
1) Matthew 8:23-27 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
2) Paul must have really enjoyed THIS storm like no other – because he had read about how Jesus had taught this great truth to His disciples
3) Jesus really is Sovereign Lord over every leaf that falls, and every raindrop too!
f. And #5, Paul knew there was a great purpose for this storm – probably so that the entire boat load of CRIMINALS and sailors, and the ship’s captain, and the Roman soldiers would all see the hand of God! (Psalm 107:23-31)
1) Psalm 107:23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
2) Psalm 107:24 These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
3) Psalm 107:25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
4) Psalm 107:26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
5) Psalm 107:27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.
6) Psalm 107:28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
7) Psalm 107:29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
8) Psalm 107:30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
9) Psalm 107:31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
3. So many people go through storms not knowing, or remembering these great truths
4. You NEED to know and believe these truths, or else the storm wins!
E. Trust the Bible Preacher (Acts 27:27-38)
1. This storm has lasted now 14 days and nights – a long time, and it was not stopping
a. The roar of the wind howling, waves beatings against the wooden sides of their ship
b. Constantly tossed up and down, and side to side – everyone was sea-sick!
c. The men bailing the water constantly to keep the ship afloat
d. No rest
2. Remember… IT IS DARK!
a. There is no light in this storm – this was a terrifying kind of storm – no lightning
b. So, they could run into anything and in an instant, and sink!
3. And that was when they discover they are headed for a shoreline… (Acts 27:27-29)
a. Acts 27:27,28 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; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
1) 20 fathoms = 120 feet (36 meters) – an okay depth for large ships
2) 15 fathoms = 90 feet (27 meters) – the sea is getting shallower
3) They evidently are heading for a shore, and will crash and drown
b. Acts 27:29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
1) Smart move - Stop your motion
2) It is good to have 4 anchors, not just one
3) And it is a good time to wait for the dawn – wait for some bit of light
4) Every Christian has a strong anchor of their soul, the Son of God!
4. Paul speaks up AGAIN (Acts 27:30-34) – actually knows what to do
a. “Gentlemen, We must stay together” (Acts 27:30-32)
1) Acts 27:30-32 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, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
2) Notice how the sailors / the shipmen could tell they were in extreme danger, and a few of them decided to use that lifeboat and save themselves!
3) A bad storm will reveal just how selfish we all really are!
4) But Paul teaches that faith is NOT “every man for himself”
5) We need to stay together, and stay the course, see this storm all the way through
6) We are in this storm together, so let’s stay together all the way to the end
7) And the Centurion gets rid of the only physical safety he had – the lifeboat
8) And he compels everyone to trust that Baptist preacher, Paul!
b. “We need to eat” (Acts 27:33,34)
1) Acts 27:33,34 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. 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.
2) It is usually very hard to eat when you are stressed, anxious, worried, hurting
3) It is okay to go a little while fasting
4) But at some point, you need to start resting in the great care of the God of heaven, and eat something healthy and nourishing
c. “We need to be thankful” (Acts 27:35) – OH HOW NEEDY THIS IS
1) 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.
2) What an awful thing that Christian men do not thank God in quiet times, in good times, and at their meals – don’t expect to be thankful in the storms then!
3) No wonder so many Christian Men and WOMEN are bitter, and backslidden – they are not thankful for the simple things
a) Like a bit of bread
b) Like a bit of light
c) A bit of fellowship with other people who are going through the same storm
d) Like the presence of the Lord Jesus, 2 or 3 gathered together!
5. Look at the effect of trusting the promises of God (Acts 27:36-38)
a. Acts 27:36-38 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we [LUKE IS WITH THEM] were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.
b. Now you know where the letter S.O.S. came from… “Save our Souls!”
c. They ALL became cheerful, and were committed to trusting Paul’s God!
F. Saved by Grace (Acts 27:39-43)
1. They did not know where they were – 14 days zig-zagging in the Mediterranean Sea
2. But were now determined to make it to the shore (Acts 27:39,40) 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. 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.
3. They ran the ship aground What a thing to try and do in the storm! (Acts 27:41)
a. It actually is the worst thing you could do – purposefully destroy the ship
b. And it was hard to do – trying to steer an out of control ship into a precise gap
c. Acts 27:41 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.
d. But they did it! Can you image them shouting for joy when the ship slammed in between massive rocks?
e. Why did they do all that?
f. To save everyone on board that ship! Souls are more important than cargo, and ships
4. Every man to the shore (Acts 27:42,43)
a. Acts 27:42 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.
b. The soldiers knew they were SUPPOSED to kill the prisoners!
c. Can you imagine what it would have been like to have 275 hardened criminals let loose on some island
d. But Paul’s temperament, calmness, joy, faith, stability had had an effect on that Centurion – Paul’s Christianity had a life-changing effect on people
1) Remember how Paul and Silas’ singing and praising God in that prison in Philippi had such a powerful effect on all the other prisoners in that jail?
2) When all the doors of that prison swung open, none of them fled – they all just stayed and waited to hear more from Paul and Silas!
e. And because of Paul, the Centurion decided to keep ALL those men alive, and to trust that everything would be okay (Acts 27:43) 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:
G. And Everyone Was Safe (Acts 27:44)
1. Acts 27:44 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.
2. A miracle! No one was lost
III. The next time you get into a storm…
A. Remember who is in charge - GOD is in charge of the storm – and can get youn through it
B. Don’t reject the preacher! Make sure you’re not rejecting the warnings of a Bible preacher
C. Walk with God – talk to Him, pray - even if you are the only one
D. Be faithful. YOUR faithfulness to Christ can bless and protect countless other people
E. Remember the promises of God, and believe them with every fibre of your body
F. Be the one who trusts God! The 275 men needed to know God cares for them, not just you
1. Trust the presence of the God who is with you (Acts 27:23)
2. Trust God for everyone around you
3. Remember that there are so many others who are going through storms as well - 275 other people are probably going through the storm too
G. Give thanks – for the little things
H. Accept the fact that God takes care of people who don’t deserve it – GRACE
I. S.O.S. Let Him save YOUR soul today! Remember, SOULS are more important than ships, and cargo and suffering. YOUR SOUL, and the souls of those around you are worth more than this world!