Today we are reading Acts 27. In this chapter we read about Paul’s voyage to Rome and shipwreck. “And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea. Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.” Acts 27:35-44 ESV Paul was one of 276 people on the ship. Everyone on the ship was impacted by Paul’s faith in Jesus. In the midst of tragedy, Paul stood up and spoke. The circumstances made people listen. God granted Paul favor with the centurion Julius. How has God granted you favor with those in authority over you? Have you spoken out in times of crisis? Made God speak powerfully through you. Pastor Tim
