Acts 27:33-38

Summary retelling of Acts 27:33-38

As they drew near to the land and day came, Paul urged them to eat what little food remained on the boat.  Paul knows that in the course of a shipwreck people will need some energy – hence they will need food.  Paul reminds them that God has promised nobody will die.  Paul then takes food, gives thanks to God for it, and breaks the food open in order to begin eating it.  Paul encourages everyone present to eat.  There were 276 people present.  When everyone had eaten, they threw the rest of the food overboard in order to lighten the ship as much as possible.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul keeps his head.  He knows what happens when people are stressed.  He knows what it feels like to wonder when the moment of death is going to surround a person.  He knows that eating is not the first thing on a person’s mind during such times.  However, Paul also trusts in God’s power.  He calms down the people on the boat and reminds them that God is with them.  Paul is willing and able to be a testimony for God because he keeps his wits about him and he is willing to trust that God is in control.

Is it easy for you to trust God?  When is it easier than other times?  When is it harder than other times?

Second Thought:

Paul has a meal that reads very similar to communion.  Paul takes the food (we presume bread since they talk about “throwing wheat into the sea).  He offers thanks to God.  He breaks it.  Then they partake of it.  Sounds like communion to me!  Remember that we are told that Jesus will always be found in the genuine “breaking of the bread.”  Paul is showing the people on this ship that even though they are in the midst of a very dangerous event and a life-threatening situation, Jesus Christ is present and among them.

How do you react in reading that one of the last things that Paul does before the ship is wrecked is to have communion with the ship-mates?  Would communion be on your mind at that time?  What can this teach us about priorities in life?

Third Thought:

There were 276 people present – most of whom are likely not Christians.  Look at the witness that Paul is able to give to them.  He can give this witness because he is willing to be used and even sacrifice his own life if necessary.  How great is God in that He can even make converts in the midst of a shipwreck!

Is there any bad time to be a witness to Christ?  What are some times in your past where you could have been a great witness but you simply were focused elsewhere and missed that opportunity?

Passage for Tomorrow: Acts 27:39-44