All Hope Was Lost

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Paul’s Witness: “Amidst Perilous Raging”

2. Paul’s Witness: “After Promised Reassurance”

3. Paul’s Witness: “After Providential Rescue”

Introductory Remarks.

1. Today's lesson will discuss the theme “All Hope was Lost!” As some might know, it is easy to witness Christ and the church while things are going alright. But what about when they come into our lives, as in this text: “perilous raging and times?” It appeared to Paul and all these travelers that “all hope was lost.” These perils of life and countrymen were nothing new unto this servant of God; regarding them, he wrote: “In often journeying, in perils of waters...in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren,” 2 Corinthians 11:26. I would be out of time quickly, if I spoke of some of these, like Abraham, Joseph, David, and Job. Perils, when allowed, are sent to test and try our faith. We will see this in this lesson.

2. First, we will consider our witness during these raging and perilous times. Our text of discussion takes place amidst a terrible storm. Luke wrote: “And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us (in the ship), all hope (that we might be saved) was then taken away,” Acts 27:20. But I came by to tell you; that your present circumstances do not bind you! There is nothing too “impossible with God,” Matthew 19:26. Storms are a part of life for us all; the blessing is that we do not go through them alone. Our God is ever with us in all things!

3. Second, we will discuss the angel’s promised reassurances to Paul regarding his visit to Rome. Luke wrote: “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. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me,” Acts 27:21-26. This is the same Jesus who: “Arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm,” Mark 4:39.

4. Lastly, we will investigate God’s providential rescue of these stricken voyagers en route to Rome. Luke wrote: “But when the fourteenth night came...Being driven up and down in Adria... Paul told the centurion and the soldiers that they cannot be saved except those who abide in the ship. And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat... And when it was day, they knew not the land... they were minded, if possible, to thrust in the ship... And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast and remained unmovable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. Then the centurion commanded that they who could swim should cast themselves first into the sea and get to land. And the rest, some on boards, some on broken ship pieces. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land,” Acts 27:38-44. With this introduction, let’s consider our first point.

BODY OF LESSON

I PAUL’S WITNESS: “ADMISDT PERILOUS RAGING”

A. The word “witness” in Gr., is mártys, mar'-toos; a witness literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a "martyr”: —martyr, record, witness.

1. Our lesson today means: “Those who, after Christ’s example, have proven their strength and genuine faith in Him by undergoing great hardships or even a violent death: as a martyr or witness to Christ.”

2. Luke, the historian, shares Paul’s witness during this perilous and troubling time with 276 others en route to Rome. Paul was sent to stand trial before Caesar’s throne to bear witness and testimony to Jesus Christ.

3. Luke wrote of these perilous and raging times: “And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us (in the ship), all hope was then taken away,” Acts 27:20. All hope was lost, that they should arrive safely.

4. God ordained this journey. Therefore, things will be alright regardless of the circumstances because God has commissioned it. Notice,

a. First, Paul’s purpose: “After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome,” Acts 19:21. Work in Ephesus.