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PAUL SHIPWRECKED

III. QUAR., LESSON X., SEPT. 3, ACTS 27:30-44

Golden Text—”God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”—Psa. 46:1

This chapter finds Paul under a military guard, in company with other prisoners, on his way to Rome to appear before Caesar’s judgment-seat. The journey which can now be accomplished in a few days with improved steam navigation, then required as many weeks—sails and oars being the only propelling powers. In this case, the journey was an eventful one, and one of special blessing to all on the ship, because one of the Lord’s elect was on board, and God was with him, making every circumstance of his consecrated life a blessing to himself and others.

The strange prisoner, against whom no real charges could be made out (Acts 25:27; 26:31,32), found favor in the eyes of the captain of the guard, and by his permission enjoyed special liberties which he used for the comfort and cheer of the believers at Sidon. (Verse 3.) When a great storm overwhelmed the vessel, threatening shipwreck and death to all on board, this calamity was made the special occasion of a gracious message for all from God, through, and on account of, his faithful Apostle. The angel of God stood by him, saying, “Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and lo, God hath given thee all them that sail

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with thee.” That is, on his account, all the passengers and crew should escape with their lives from the wreck.—Verses 23,24,34,44.

The lesson which we are warranted in gathering from this circumstance is a very comforting one, viz., that God is not unwilling to let some droppings of his favor fall upon those associated with his saints—not because they know him or seek his favor, but because he so loved the world that he not only gave his Son to redeem them, but he thus sends to them his living witnesses to bear testimony of his love and grace, and to call them to repentance, that they may place themselves in a proper attitude to receive his favor. This remarkable interposition on behalf of Paul and his fellow-passengers was an impressive lesson never to be forgotten—a testimony to the power and love of God.

In view of God’s willingness, thus manifested, to show favor to those associated with his people, even though they know him not, it is plainly our privilege to request such favor toward our dear ones who are yet aliens to the commonwealth of Israel, and even enemies. But in so doing, let us not forget that severe chastenings of such are often, necessarily, the only marks of favor which divine wisdom can bestow for the good of the wandering and erring. And for these we should therefore be thankful, and not repine against the kind providence which discerns such necessity. While the heavy strokes of discipline fall upon the erring for their correction, God’s children, through whose interposition they are thus specially brought under divine supervision, must endeavor to take God’s standpoint in viewing the necessities of the case, and thankfully say, Amen! to all his wise, though often severe measures.

Sometimes, as in the instance of this lesson, the favor shown to the unconverted associates of the saints is a more manifest favor; but in either case, like Paul, we should co-operate with God to the end of enforcing and emphasizing the lesson.

VERSES 30,31 show that Paul understood the promise of God revealed in the vision (verse 24) to be of necessity subject to certain conditions—viz., that the deliverance would not be forced upon them, nor would it be granted to them without their co-operation. The promise presupposed both the desire and the effort of all to obtain deliverance, which desire and effort would, by divine interposition, be rewarded with success. But when the effort of the crew, which had assumed the responsibility of bringing the vessel into port, was directed to a mean and selfish purpose which ignored their responsibility and sought only to save themselves and leave the rest to their fate, Paul understood that God would be a party to no such selfish course, and he therefore told the soldiers that, notwithstanding the revelation of the vision, they would perish unless these pursued the proper course of sticking to the ship and making use of the means for averting the impending disaster. This teaching of the Apostle is quite contrary to the ideas of some Christians to-day who excuse themselves from active co-operation with God, idly expecting him to work miracles on their behalf. But such is not God’s purpose; and the apostles taught quite to the contrary.

The soldiers took immediate measures to frustrate the selfish scheme of the shipmen by cutting the ropes and letting the life-boat drift away, that so the crew would be obliged to use their efforts for the salvation of all; and in the use of their utmost means and efforts God saved all. Doubtless the impression made upon the minds of all was a deep one, which will be remembered when, in the times of restitution, they are brought to a clearer knowledge of Jesus Christ whom Paul preached unto them.—Acts 3:19-21.

VERSES 33-36 bring into marked contrast the comforting faith of the children of God and the disquiet and unrest of those who lack that faith. Yet the steady faith of the Christian in the midst of trials is an inspiration, as well as a testimony, to those of the world about them. All the frightened and weary passengers and crew took courage from Paul’s words and example, and were strengthened. “Ye are the light of the world,” said the Master, “let your light shine.” The poor world has its heavy load of sorrow. Give them all they will take of your comfort and cheer.

VERSE 42 again reminds us of the contrast between ignoble selfishness and benevolent love. The soldiers were plotting to kill their prisoners, Paul included, lest they might escape, and they, according to Roman law, might have to forfeit their own. From this plot, also, Paul and those with him were saved, through the favor of the centurion, and all, by the blessing of God upon their efforts, reached the shore in safety.

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In considering this lesson we are forcibly reminded of the Apostle’s advice to Timothy (1 Tim. 4:16)—”Take heed unto thyself [unto thy walk and conversation before men], and unto the doctrine [—Declare it and defend

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it on every proper occasion]; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee [from sinking into error and sin and reaping its bitter consequences].”

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— August 15, 1893 —