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Acts Chapter
Twenty-seven
Acts 27
His innocence fully established and acknowledged by his
judges, the purposes of God must still be accomplished. His appeal to Caesar
must carry him to Rome, that he may bear testimony there also. In his position
here he again resembles Jesus. But at the same time, if we compare them, the
servant, blessed as he is, grows dim, and is eclipsed before Christ, so that we
could no longer think of him. Jesus offered Himself up in grace; He appealed to
God only; He answered but to bear testimony to the truth-that truth was the
glory of His Person, His own rights, humbled as He was. His Person shines out
through all the dark clouds of human violence, which could have had no power
over Him had it not been the moment for thus fulfilling the will of God. For
that purpose He yields to power given them from above. Paul appeals to Caesar.
He is a Roman-a human dignity conferred by man, and available before men; he
uses it for himself, God thus accomplishing His purposes. The one is blessed,
and his services; the other is perfect, the perfect subject of the testimony
itself.
Nevertheless, if there is no longer the free service of the Holy Ghost
for Paul, and if he is a prisoner in the hands of the Romans, his soul at least
is filled with the Spirit. Between him and God all is liberty and joy. All this
shall turn to his salvation, that is, to his definitive victory, in his contest
with Satan. How blessed! Through the communications of the Spirit of Jesus
Christ the word of God shall not be bound. Others shall gain strength and
liberty in view of his bonds, even although, in the low state of the church,
some take advantage of them. But Christ will be preached and magnified, and
with that Paul is content. Oh how true this is, and the perfect joy of the
heart, come what may! We are the subjects of grace (God be praised!), as well
as instruments of grace in service. Christ alone is its object, and God secures
His glory-nothing more is needed: this itself is our portion and our perfect
joy.
It will be remarked in this interesting history, that at
the moment when Paul might have been the most troubled, when his course was
perhaps the least evidently according to the power of the Spirit, when he
brought disorder into the council by using arguments which afterwards he
hesitates himself entirely to justify-it is then that the Lord, full of grace,
appears to him to encourage and strengthen him. The Lord, who formerly had told
him at Jerusalem to go away because they would not receive his testimony, who had
sent him warnings not to go thither, but who accomplished His own purposes of
grace in the infirmity and through the human affections of His servant, by
their means even, exercising at the same time His wholesome discipline in His
divine wisdom by these same means-Jesus appears to him to tell him that, as he
had testified of Him at Jerusalem, so should he bear witness at Rome also. This
is the way that the Lord interprets in grace the whole history, at the moment
when His servant might have felt all that was painful in his position, perhaps
have been overwhelmed by it, remembering that the Spirit had forbidden him to
go up; for, when in trial, a doubt is torment. The faithful and gracious
Saviour intervenes therefore to encourage Paul, and to put His own interpretation
on the position of His poor servant, and to mark the character of His love for
him. If it was necessary to exercise discipline for his good on account of his
condition and to perfect him, Jesus was with him in the discipline. Nothing
more touching than the tenderness, the opportuneness, of this grace. Moreover,
as we have said, it all accomplished the purposes of God with regard to the
Jews, to the Gentiles, to the world. For God can unite in one dispensation the
most various ends.
And now, restored, reanimated by grace, Paul shews
himself in his journey to be master of the position. It is he who counsels,
according to the communication he receives from God, he who encourages, he who
acts, in every way, on God's part, in the midst of the scene around him. The
description, full of life and reality, which Luke his companion, gives of this
voyage, needs no comment. It is admirable as a living picture of the whole
scene. Our concern is to see what Paul was amid the false confidence, or the
distress of the whole company.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Acts》
Acts 27
Chapter Contents
Paul's voyage towards Rome. (1-11) Paul and his
companions endangered by a tempest. (12-20) He receives a Divine assurance of
safety. (21-29) Paul encourages those with him. (30-38) They are shipwrecked.
(39-44)
Commentary on Acts 27:1-11
(Read Acts 27:1-11)
It was determined by the counsel of God, before it was
determined by the counsel of Festus, that Paul should go to Rome; for God had
work for him to do there. The course they steered, and the places they touched
at, are here set down. And God here encourages those who suffer for him, to
trust in him; for he can put it into the hearts of those to befriend them, from
whom they least expect it. Sailors must make the best of the wind: and so must
we all in our passage over the ocean of this world. When the winds are
contrary, yet we must be getting forward as well as we can. Many who are not
driven backward by cross providences, do not get forward by favourable
providences. And many real Christians complain as to the concerns of their
souls, that they have much ado to keep their ground. Every fair haven is not a
safe haven. Many show respect to good ministers, who will not take their
advice. But the event will convince sinners of the vanity of their hopes, and
the folly of their conduct.
Commentary on Acts 27:12-20
(Read Acts 27:12-20)
Those who launch forth on the ocean of this world, with a
fair gale, know not what storms they may meet with; and therefore must not
easily take it for granted that they have obtained their purpose. Let us never
expect to be quite safe till we enter heaven. They saw neither sun nor stars
for many days. Thus melancholy sometimes is the condition of the people of God
as to their spiritual matters; they walk in darkness, and have no light. See
what the wealth of this world is: though coveted as a blessing, the time may
come when it will be a burden; not only too heavy to be carried safely, but
heavy enough to sink him that has it. The children of this world can be
prodigal of their goods for the saving their lives, yet are sparing of them in
works of piety and charity, and in suffering for Christ. Any man will rather
make shipwreck of his goods than of his life; but many rather make shipwreck of
faith and a good conscience, than of their goods. The means the sailors used
did not succeed; but when sinners give up all hope of saving themselves, they
are prepared to understand God's word, and to trust in his mercy through Jesus
Christ.
Commentary on Acts 27:21-29
(Read Acts 27:21-29)
They did not hearken to the apostle when he warned them
of their danger; yet if they acknowledge their folly, and repent of it, he will
speak comfort and relief to them when in danger. Most people bring themselves
into trouble, because they do not know when they are well off; they come to harm
and loss by aiming to mend their condition, often against advice. Observe the
solemn profession Paul made of relation to God. No storms or tempests can
hinder God's favour to his people, for he is a Help always at hand. It is a
comfort to the faithful servants of God when in difficulties, that as long as
the Lord has any work for them to do, their lives shall be prolonged. If Paul
had thrust himself needlessly into bad company, he might justly have been cast
away with them; but God calling him into it, they are preserved with him. They
are given thee; there is no greater satisfaction to a good man than to know he
is a public blessing. He comforts them with the same comforts wherewith he
himself was comforted. God is ever faithful, therefore let all who have an
interest in his promises be ever cheerful. As, with God, saying and doing are
not two things, believing and enjoying should not be so with us. Hope is an
anchor of the soul, sure and stedfast, entering into that within the veil. Let
those who are in spiritual darkness hold fast by that, and think not of putting
to sea again, but abide by Christ, and wait till the day break, and the shadows
flee away.
Commentary on Acts 27:30-38
(Read Acts 27:30-38)
God, who appointed the end, that they should be saved,
appointed the means, that they should be saved by the help of these shipmen.
Duty is ours, events are God's; we do not trust God, but tempt him, when we say
we put ourselves under his protection, if we do not use proper means, such as
are within our power, for our safety. But how selfish are men in general, often
even ready to seek their own safety by the destruction of others! Happy those
who have such a one as Paul in their company, who not only had intercourse with
Heaven, but was of an enlivening spirit to those about him. The sorrow of the
world works death, while joy in God is life and peace in the greatest
distresses and dangers. The comfort of God's promises can only be ours by
believing dependence on him, to fulfil his word to us; and the salvation he
reveals must be waited for in use of the means he appoints. If God has chosen
us to salvation, he has also appointed that we shall obtain it by repentance,
faith, prayer, and persevering obedience; it is fatal presumption to expect it
in any other way. It is an encouragement to people to commit themselves to
Christ as their Saviour, when those who invite them, clearly show that they do
so themselves.
Commentary on Acts 27:39-44
(Read Acts 27:39-44)
The ship that had weathered the storm in the open sea,
where it had room, is dashed to pieces when it sticks fast. Thus, if the heart
fixes in the world in affection, and cleaving to it, it is lost. Satan's
temptations beat against it, and it is gone; but as long as it keeps above the
world, though tossed with cares and tumults, there is hope for it. They had the
shore in view, yet suffered shipwreck in the harbour; thus we are taught never
to be secure. Though there is great difficulty in the way of the promised
salvation, it shall, without fail, be brought to pass. It will come to pass
that whatever the trials and dangers may be, in due time all believers will get
safely to heaven. Lord Jesus, thou hast assured us that none of thine shall
perish. Thou wilt bring them all safe to the heavenly shore. And what a
pleasing landing will that be! Thou wilt present them to thy Father, and give
thy Holy Spirit full possession of them for ever.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Acts》
Acts 27
Verse 2
[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.
Adramyttium —
was a sea port of Mysia. Aristarchus and Luke went with Paul by choice, not
being ashamed of his bonds.
Verse 3
[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.
Julius treating Paul courteously — Perhaps he had heard him make his defence.
Verse 4
[4] And
when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds
were contrary.
We sailed under Cyprus — Leaving it on the left hand.
Verse 7
[7] 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;
Cnidus —
was a cape and city of Caria.
Verse 8
[8] And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens;
nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
The Fair Havens still retain the name. But
the city of Lasea is now utterly lost, together with many more of the hundred
cities for which Crete was once so renowned.
Verse 9
[9] Now
when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast
was now already past, Paul admonished them,
The fast, or day of atonement, was kept on
the tenth of Tisri, that is, the 25th of September. This was to them an ill
time of sailing; not only because winter was approaching, but also because of
the sudden storms, which are still common in the Mediterranean at that time of
the year.
Paul exhorted them —
Not to leave Crete. Even in external things, faith exerts itself with the
greatest presence of mind, and readiness of advice.
Verse 10
[10] 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.
Saying to them — To
the centurion and other officers.
Verse 11
[11]
Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more
than those things which were spoken by Paul.
The centurion regarded the master — And indeed it is a general rule, believe an artificer in his own art.
Yet when there is the greatest need, a real Christian will often advise even
better than him.
Verse 12
[12] 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.
Which is a haven —
Having a double opening, one to the southwest, the other to the northwest.
Verse 14
[14] But
not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
There arose against it — The south wind; a tempestuous wind, called in those parts Euroclydon.
This was a kind of hurricane, not carrying them any one way, but tossing them
backward and forward. These furious winds are now called levanters, and blow in
all directions from the northeast to the southeast.
Verse 16
[16] And
running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come
by the boat:
We were hardly able to get masters of the
boat — To prevent its being staved.
Verse 18
[18] And
we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the
ship;
They lightened the ship — Casting the heavy goods into the sea.
Verse 19
[19] And
the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.
We cast out the tackling of the ship — Cutting away even those masts that were not absolutely necessary.
Verse 20
[20] 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.
Neither sun nor stars appeared for many days — Which they could the less spare, before the compass was found out.
Verse 21
[21] 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.
This loss —
Which is before your eyes.
Verse 23
[23] For
there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
The God whose I am, and whom I serve — How short a compendium of religion! Yet how full! Comprehending both
faith, hope, and love.
Verse 24
[24]
Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath
given thee all them that sail with thee.
God hath given —
Paul had prayed for them. And God gave him their lives; perhaps their souls
also. And the centurion, subserving the providence of God, gave to Paul the
lives of the prisoners. How wonderfully does his providence reign in the most
contingent things! And rather will many bad men be preserved with a few good,
(so it frequently happens,) than one good man perish with many bad. So it was
in this ship: so it is in the world.
Thee — At
such a time as this, there was not the same danger, which might otherwise have
been, of St. Paul's seeming to speak out of vanity, what he really spoke out of
necessity.
All the souls —
Not only all the prisoners, as Julius afterward did, Acts 27:43; ask for souls, they shall be given
thee: yea, more than thou hopest for, that sail with thee - So that Paul, in
the sight of God, was the master and pilot of the ship.
Verse 27
[27] 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;
The fourteenth night — Since they left Crete, Acts 27:18,19.
In the Adriatic sea — So
the ancients called all that part of the Mediterranean, which lay south of
Italy.
Verse 30
[30] 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,
The sailors were attempting to flee out of
the ship — Supposing the boat would go more safely over
the shallows.
Verse 31
[31] Paul
said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye
cannot be saved.
Unless these mariners abide in the ship — Without them ye know not how to manage her, ye cannot be saved - He does
not say we. That they would not have regarded. The soldiers were not careful
for the lives of the prisoners: nor was Paul careful for his own. We may learn
hence, to use the most proper means for security and success, even while we
depend on Divine Providence, and wait for the accomplishment of God's own
promise. He never designed any promise should encourage rational creatures to
act in an irrational manner; or to remain inactive, when he has given them
natural capacities of doing something, at least, for their own benefit. To
expect the accomplishment of any promise, without exerting these, is at best
vain and dangerous presumption, if all pretence of relying upon it be not
profane hypocrisy.
Verse 33
[33] 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.
Ye continue fasting, having taken nothing — No regular meal, through a deep sense of their extreme danger. Let us
not wonder then, if men who have a deep sense of their extreme danger of
everlasting death, for a time forget even to eat their bread, or to attend to
their worldly affairs. Much less let us censure that as madness, which may be
the beginning of true wisdom.
Verse 34
[34]
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.
This is for your preservation — That ye may be the better able to swim to shore.
Verse 36
[36] Then
were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
Then they were all encouraged — By his example, as well as words.
Verse 38
[38] And
when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat
into the sea.
Casting out the wheat — So firmly did they now depend on what St. Paul had said.
Verse 39
[39] 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.
They did not know the land — Which they saw near them: having a level shore.
Verse 40
[40] 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.
Loosing the rudder bands — Their ships had frequently two rudders, one on each side. were fastened
while they let the ship drive; but were now loosened, when they had need of
them to steer her into the creek.
Verse 41
[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.
A place where two seas met — Probably by reason of a sand bank running parallel with the shore.
Verse 42
[42] And
the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim
out, and escape.
The counsel —
Cruel, unjust, ungrateful.
Verse 44
[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.
They all escaped safe to land — And some of them doubtless received the apostle as a teacher sent from
God. These would find their deliverance from the fury of the sea, but an
earnest of an infinitely greater deliverance, and are long ere this lodged with
him in a more peaceful harbour than Malta, or than the earth could afford.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on
Acts》
Chapter 27. Meet with Storm in the Sea
The Lives of
All Aboard
God has Given to You
I. On the Way
to Testify in Rome
II. Ministry in
Chains
III. Shipwreck,
Run Aground and Rescued
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》