Acts 27:1-12

Summary retelling of Acts 27:1-12

When it is time for Paul to set sail for Rome, Paul (and a bunch of other prisoners) is given into the hands of a Roman centurion named Julius.  They board a ship that was due to set sail west along Asia Minor.  One of the disciples that Paul made in Thessalonica, Aristarchus, went with Paul and his companions.  As they traveled, Julius treated Paul very kindly.  Whenever they got to a port in which Paul had friends, Paul could go among them and receive care until the ship sailed again.  After a while, the centurion found a ship heading directly to Rome so they changed ships.  The ship had some trouble sailing against the prevailing winds and current, but eventually they came to a place called Fair Havens.  The voyage had already taken more time than expected, and Paul knew that the season for safely sailing upon the Mediterranean Sea had passed them by.  Paul cautions them that if they continue on that the voyage will be filled with injury and great loss.  However, the captain of the ship and the centurion do not listen to Paul.  They decide to sail on in hopes to find a better harbor in which to spend the poor sailing season.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

We can note that the centurion, Julius, was very kind to Paul.  The centurion certainly knows that Paul is a Roman citizen.  He also certainly knows that Paul was not convicted of anything by Festus or Herod Agrippa.  The only reason Paul is still in custody is because he asked for his case to be heard by Caesar.  Thus, the centurion really has no reason to not trust Paul.

What can this passage teach us about compassion?  What reasons might Julius have had to treat Paul poorly?  What can this passage tell us about judging other people based on the circumstances we find them in?

Second Thought:

We also hear that Paul is cared for as they sail along the coast.  People genuinely wish to ease Paul’s plight.  They knew the burden that Paul was under.  They knew he was headed to Rome (and likely to go face-to-face with Nero).  There was reason for the people to be compassionate to Paul and they achieved the need.

What else does this passage seem to teach us about compassion?  When is the right time for compassion? 

Third Thought:

Paul gives advice, but his advice is disregarded.  It is likely that they wouldn’t consider Paul’s advice because he is, after all, simply a wandering theologian.  Paul was not a sailor.  Nor was he all that skilled in sailing the Mediterranean Sea.  So they looked past his advice.

What can this passage tell us about listening to people?  What can this passage teach us about the judgments we place on people’s thoughts based on their qualifications?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 27:13-20