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.
b. Further, after Paul’s arrest: “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome,” Acts 23:11. Work in Jerusalem.
c. Finally, after Paul’s witness to Festus: “Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest ... I refuse not to die: I appeal unto Caesar. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, ‘Hast thou appealed unto Caesar?’ Unto Caesar shalt thou go,” Acts 25:10-12.
d. Conclusion: Paul’s testimony (witness) of Christ brought him into these circumstances. He would be sent to Rome to be judged at Caesar’s seat. This journey will be arduous; he would journey by ship as a prisoner of Rome.
B. Paul admonishes these mariners: “Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous because the fast (with the Day of Atonement) was now already past (end of September to the start of October).”
1. Danger ahead: “Paul admonished them, and said unto them, sirs; I perceive that this voyage will be hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.”
2. Decision to sail: “Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul,” Acts 27:9-11.
3. Ignoring Paul's prophecy, the entire ship’s crew, centurions, soldiers, and prisoners will now be “in harm’s way.”
4. They did not perceive Paul as worth listening to, standing before them as a prisoner of Rome. They had before them an experienced mariner. Notice:
a. To the Corinthians: “In labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in death oft. Of the Jews, five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep: In journeying often, in perils of waters... in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren,” 2 Corinthians 11:23-26. He had a lifetime of perils.
b. To the Hebrews: “Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for some have entertained angels unawares,” Hebrews 13:1-2.
c. Is the angel of the Lord welcomed in this House? We never know who God has sent among us with His blessings!
C. Perilous times are ahead. Luke continues: “And because the haven was not commodious (suitable) 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 a haven of Crete, and lieth toward the southwest and northwest,” Acts 27:12. Notice,
1. Misjudging the winds: “And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after, there arose against it (the ship) a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon,” Acts 27:13-14. Their decision to sail with these “soft winds that blew;” did these experienced mariners make a foolish mistake. Yet, knowing the dangers, they set out sailing close to the isle of Crete. Notice,
a. The word Euroclydon, in Gr., is Euro-klý-don, or yoo-rok-loo'-dohn, which means the east wind, or a storm from the East (or southeast), i.e., (in modern phrase) a Levanter: - (a strong easterly wind) which blow violent in the western Mediterranean. If you would: “a violent hurricane.”
b. “East-North East Wind,” a variant (abnormal) storm with winds of “violent agitation.” That is:
1) Creating wind-like typhoons or tornado-like whirling in the clouds.
2) Causing broad and high waves.
3) These waves were violently attacking the ship without ceasing.
4) These were “perilous times for any sailing ship and all occupants onboard.”
c. Illustrate: Hurricane Michael recently hit the coast of Florida and Georgia on October 10, 2018. This was the worst storm in recorded history that struck the United States coastlines. The devastation of this storm is not yet even determined—in these perilous times for Florida and its joining neighbor Georgia.
2. The ship is now in danger: “And when the ship was caught and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. And running under a certain island called Clauda: (They attempted to stabilize the ship).”
a. “We had much work (exerted great energy and strength),”
b. “To come by (or master or control) the boat,”
c. “Which when they had taken up (raise, elevate), they used equipment helps: (aids, ropes or chains, for frapping wrapping around the ship’s hull or frame),”
d. “Undergirding (bind together) the ship; and”
e. “Fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands,”
f. “Strake (striking the mass) and sail, and so were driven (carried about by the wind and waves),” Acts 27:15-17. (The helm could not control the boat, so it could drift about while they held it together with all ropes and tackle).
3. “Violent agitation” and “riotous winds” are now pressing against the ship. (The church sometimes must navigate through “perilous times.” It might face great adversities, unimaginable challenges, personal trials, and congregational discord, wherein she cannot see or find a solution during such crises. Hang on and gird up your loins; hold the work together regardless of the sacrifices or challenges. This will be your witness of true faith and trust in God). The answer will be found in God’s word and your willingness to follow it! Notice,
a. However, I desire to “put you in remembrance,” the leadership, ministers, and members, to use all of God’s “helps” to hold the church together.
b. Paul instructed the church in Ephesus: “He (Christ gave gifts) some apostles, and some prophet, and some evangelist, and some pastors and teachers.” These are all the church’s “helps” to bind and hold it together. To equip the saints!
c. For these all these great works:
1) “The work of the ministry (growing the church).”
2) “The edifying of the body of Christ (building up the body).”
3) “The practice of benevolence (doing good) unto all,” Galatians 6:9-10.
d. Why Paul? “That we henceforth be (are) no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. But speaking the truth in love may grow in Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ,” Ephesians 4:11-15.
e. How long, Paul? Till the church becomes full grown and no longer bottle babies: “Whom shall he teach knowledge? And whom shall he make understand doctrine? That is: ‘teach them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breast;’ for line must be upon line... and precept upon precepts... here a little and there a little,” Isaiah 28:9-10. Consider,
ILLUSTRATION: Wagon Load. Pick up a little bit here, a little bit there, a little bit over yonder, and before long, your wagon is full. This is not just the preacher’s work; it is the work of the entire congregation, Hebrews 5:12-14. We all must “grow up” in Christ Jesus!
4. All hand-on deck. Luke recorded: “And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; and the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship,” Acts 27:18-19. There will be times in our lives when we must lighten our load. What do you mean, preacher? Notice:
a. Paul to the Hebrews: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses:”
1) “Let us lay aside every weight, and”
2) “The sin which doth so easily beset us, and”
3) “Let us run with patience the race set before us.”
4) “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith,” Hebrews 12:1-2.
b. You must lay aside some things hindering your race before this “great cloud of witnesses” (those mentioned in Hebrews, chapter 11).
1) Paul speaking of his former life: “But what things were gain to me, I count loss for Christ,” Philippians 3:7.
2) There might be things like pride in oneself or self-accomplishments that inhibit them from realizing these are all gifts granted by God’s material graciousness so that they might be used for His purpose and glory (i.e., Paul’s Jewish heritage, education, religious standing granted only by the grace of God; that he might glorify Christ both in life and death).
3) He willingly abandoned all these things: “That he might win Christ. And be found in Him, not having his righteousness... but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith,” Philippians 3:8-9.
c. What are some things we might need to give up to win Christ?
d. Let me suggest a few things that might bear witness to our faith and devotion to the church. Paul wrote further: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do.” Notice these Three-in-One:
1) One, “Forgetting those things which are behind.”
a) That old “girlfriend.” You still call and text!
ILLUSTRATION: Brother Freeman, when I’m driving anywhere in her area, the car stops in her driveway. Here is the solution: Let your wife drive the car when you go through her area!
b) That old “boyfriend.” You still call and text! Brother Freeman, are you reading my messages?
c) You got to “forget those things which are behind.”
2) Two, “Reaching forth unto those things before.”
a) Go back to college and finish your degree.
b) Take night classes to improve your “soft skills.”
c) Volunteer with some charity or disaster response organization (Red Cross).
d) Get involved in the church’s community outreach.
3) Three, “Press toward the mark for the prize of God's high calling in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 3:13-14.
D. Paul instructs the young evangelist: “Timothy, these know also, that in the last day(s) perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their selves... despisers of those that are good... lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God... having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away,” 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
E. They that live godly. He further reminds Timothy, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ shall suffer persecution,” 2 Timothy 3:12; 2 Timothy 2:1-7. Let’s now consider our next point.
II PAUL’S WITNESS: “AFTER PROMISED REASSURANCES”
A. God’s promises to Paul regarding Rome. Let us not forget that this journey to Rome was promised to Paul by God before his imprisonment in Caesarea. Observe,
1. It was under these promises and circumstances that Paul is now on a journey to Rome. However, this journey was not on a luxury jet line or cruise ship but on a Roman ship as a prisoner of Rome.
2. He greatly desired to visit Rome and preach Christ there, Romans 1:13-18.
3. He only desired: “God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son... Making request ... I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you,” Romans 1:9-10. Notice,
ILLUSTRATION: Trip to Germany. It’s not how you get there; it's your work for Christ once there.
4. Striving to preach: “Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation,” Romans 15:20. Let us now continue this journey and Paul’s witness after receiving promised assurances from God; regarding his journey, to Rome.
B. Paul now reminds them of his warning. Luke continues: “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,” Acts 27:21. Notice,
1. He reminds the captain and crew of his earlier warning.
2. Sometimes, those who make these decisions cannot see the dangers. Many are prideful and feel they have the right to decide, even if dangers can befall others or the entire ship. Does this remind you of someone?
3. It was the pressure of getting the “cargo to Rome” while not paying attention to the signs of the weather or the admonitions of a wise and aged man. Indeed, Paul did not present the appearance of an experienced mariner in his chains.
4. I would like to emphasize: “He did not speak as to say: I told you so!” In some homes, marriages, or congregations, some men and women never commit to anything and will find fault when good people make a wrong judgment.
a. When a decision is made in good faith, with sound counsel, and in prayer, those who might oppose such a decision should never relish a mishap or a project going wrong: “I told you so.”
b. We must learn to work together, consult one another, and remember we are “members of one another.” Notice Paul’s wisdom:
1) First, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members do not have the same office: So being many, are one body in Christ, and every member one of another,” Romans 12:4-5.
2) Further, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;” Romans 12:6.
3) Next, “Or he that ministers let us wait on (his) ministering: or he that teacheth, on (his) teaching;” Romans 12:7.
4) Finally, “Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, (do it) with cheerfulness,” Romans 12:8.
c. Conclusion: Whatever the work the Lord hath called you unto, do it with thy might. Hear Solomon: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,” Ecclesiastes 9:10. Brethren, know them that work with you; use them that God might get the glory.
ILLUSTRATION: Preacher’s Pulpit. In too many works, I have witnessed that the pulpit is not shared with graciousness (to those laboring within or visiting preachers). When God has granted or sent help, use it so your health and well-being might be blessed. I wish I had some help!
C. Paul witnesses them: “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,” Acts 27:22-24. Paul informs the captain and others that things will work out for their good. Paul’s witness:
1. First, he says: “Be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life…but of the ship.”
2. Further, for this reason: “For there stood by me this night the angel of God:”
a. “Whose I am, and whom I serve.”
b. “Saying: Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.”
c. What a comfort that must have been for Paul to hear.
d. Then to those on the ship with him, “that no man’s life shall be lost.”
3. Finally, “But the ship shall suffer loss.” When things become more important than life, it will be the cost of your faith and maybe even your soul. Had they waited for better weather, both could have arrived safely in Rome.
D. Paul’s trust in God: “Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me,” Acts 27:25. Notice,
1. First, Paul witnesses that he believes in God and has been granted assurance that things shall be “just like He has promised.”
a. This was not Paul’s first time hearing the Lord's words of encouragement during his perilous times in the faith. Paul had “experiential knowledge in the Lord’s” ability to protect and deliver him. What do you mean, preacher?
b. He has “observed, practical and firsthand” knowledge that God would deliver him from this terrible tempest. He heard a word from the Lord before now.
2. Further, the Lord spoke to him in Jerusalem: “And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony (witness) concerning me,” Acts 22:17-18.
3. Next, the Lord spoke to him in Corinth: “Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee; for I have many people in this city,” Acts 18:9-10. I know we have tremendous confidence in Paul as an Apostle. But he, too, sometimes experiences fear when doing the Lord’s work. Notice the Lord’s words unto the beloved apostle Paul:
a. First, “Be not afraid.”
b. Further, “But speak, and hold not thy peace.”
c. Next, “For I am with you, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee.”
d. Finally, “For I have many people in this city.”
4. Conclusion: We might face difficulties and persecutions that cause us to doubt our worth or even make us hesitant in witnessing and preaching. Do like Paul, ask the church to pray for you. Paul requested prayer from the Ephesian saints:
a. After describing the gospel armor, Ephesians 6:10-17.
b. He requested prayers for the saints and himself: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit... for all saints; and I, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak,” Ephesians 6:18-20.
c. He’s now in prison in Rome, asking the saints at Ephesus to pray that he might: “speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
d. He is now in the Lion’s Den, asking for courage to witness for Christ!
5. The Spirit of the Lord came upon the prophet Oded.
a. To speak words to Asa, king of Judah. His words were simple:
1) Seek the Lord, and he will seek thee.
2) Forsake the Lord, and he will forsake thee.
b. The Spirit of God came upon the prophet Oded to instruct him on what he should say, enabling him to say it clearly and boldly.
c. The prophet was sent to Asa and his army when they had returned victorious from a war with the Ethiopians:
1) Not to compliment them or to congratulate them on their success.
2) But to quicken them to their duty before the Lord.
d. This is God's ministers' work and proper business: to speak clearly and boldly to His people, 2 Chronicles 15:1-8.
e. Oded charged the people of God: “Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded,” 2 Chronicles 15:7. What a great promise of God.
E. The fate awaited them: “Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island,” Acts 27:26. As we consider our last point, we notice,
III PAUL’S WITNESS: “AFTER PROVIDENTIAL RESCUE”
A. We now come to our need for witnessing after God’s providential rescue. Luke wrote: “But when the fourteenth night came... being driven up and down in Adria... we drew near to some country... And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship... Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, except these abide in the ship, they cannot be saved,” Acts 27:27-32. Notice:
1. Trouble and church unrest. We must not allow trouble or church unrest to cause us to leave the safety of the Lord’s house: “Except ye abide in the church, ye cannot be saved.” Notice,
a. Too many saints will cut and run when problems arise in the church!
b. Ride out the storm; help the weak and discouraged.
c. Quit talking about solutions, and be part of them.
d. What kind of witness is a church that cannot resolve its internal problems?
2. The stronger members: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves,” Romans 15:1-2. Let him know that he is strong:
a. Restore one overtaken in a fault, Galatians 6:1.
b. Bear one another’s burdens, Galatians 6:2.
c. Bear his weight or burden without complaint, Galatians 6:5.
1) “Who taught the word (communicate) unto him that teacheth in all good things,” Galatians 6:6.
2) “Let us not be weary in well doing...For we shall all reap if we faint not,” Galatians 6:9-10.
4. The leadership and ministers: “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as ye do. And we beseech you, brethren:”
a. First, “That ye know them which labor among you;”
b. Further, “That’s over you in the Lord;”
c. Next, “That’s among you to admonish and encourage;”
d. Finally, “That ye esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake,” 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13.
5. Membership: “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, and be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men:”
a. “Rejoice evermore;”
b. “Pray without ceasing;”
c. “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you,” 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18; Romans 12:17-21.
d. In all of these, let’s be “witnesses for Christ and the church.” I wish I had a witness!
B. While the day was coming on. Luke continues: “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 place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; 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 27:33-44. Notice,
1. Truly, in times like these, we must bear witness to God’s goodness and grace. This is a time for rejoicing and thanksgiving: “And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land,” Acts 27:44.
2. Here is our hope and witness church before the world:
a. As the angel of the Lord assured Paul and all those others under his care safety during these “perilous times.” We can also be confident of His protection. Observe,
1) First, Paul wrote of the Lord’s promise: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man (or circumstances; trials; dangers) shall do unto (or come upon) me,” Hebrews 13:5-6.
2) Further, Isaiah wrote of His salvation: “Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts: ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with a vengeance; with divine retribution, he will come to save you,’” Isaiah 25:3-4.
b. The lives and safety of all onboard this ship had been saved because of God’s promise and care for His servant, Paul, and others. Many are blessed and do not know how because you are a part of their lives, and your prayers and intercessions have not gone unheard by your heavenly Father.
1) The “effectual and fervent prayer of a righteous man (or woman) availeth much,” James 5:16.
2) God has answered your witness of faith unto God in solemn and silent prayers and should be “shouted from the mountain top.”
a) Isaiah wrote: “You, who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You, who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift your voice with a shout, lift it, and do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, Here is your God!” Isaiah 40:9.
b) David wrote: “I will lift my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help... my help cometh from the Lord, which made the heavens and the earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved... The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil and preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and coming in from this time forth, even for evermore,” Psalms 121:1-8.
3. Did I tell you? That: “Jesus Christ was the same yesterday, and today, and forever,” Hebrews 13:8. His loving-kindness doth not change from one generation unto another. He is the same loving Lord of all in every generation!
4. Can I remind you? 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. Don’t be afraid of the storms; he who permits them will also quiet them!
5. Be steadfast and unmovable. Paul encourages the church at Corinth: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
ILLUSTRATION: The Storms of Life; either see one approaching, in one, or just coming out from one. Storms are a part of life.
C. Paul and the entire ship’s crew were cast upon the Melita island as God promised. Notice:
1. The barbarous (heathen) people shewed great kindness unto everyone.
2. Paul was soon bitten by a poisonous viper but experienced no harm.
a. Jesus said: “And these signs shall follow them that believe, in my name, they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover,” Mark 16:17-18.
b. Paul healed the father of Publius: “And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So, when this was done, others who had the disease on the island came and were healed,” Acts 28:8-9.
ILLUSTRATION: The Prophet Mohammed: “Who styled himself the apostle of God, lost his life by poison; and, had he been a true prophet, or a true apostle of God, he would not have died by such.”
3. Paul witness to the chief man on the island, Publius.
4. They laden upon them many of their necessities.
5. They depart the island to continue their trip unto Rome, Acts 28:1-11.
D. Paul arrives and witnesses the Jews in Rome, Acts 28:12-16.
1. He witnessed unto them regarding his arrest and appealed to Caesar, Acts 28:17-22.
2. He preached unto them Jesus from the law and the prophets, Acts 28:23-29.
3. He was permitted to dwell for two years in his own hired house, Acts 28:30.
4. He “preached the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concerned the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him,” Acts 28:31.
5. This closes Paul’s trip to Rome and the Book of Acts. Let’s now notice his final witness regarding the Lord of Glory as we move to a conclusion.
E. Paul’s final witness before Caesar. These are the final words unto his “son in the faith,” Timothy. Notice his concern and loving affection for his son:
1. First, he wrote charging him: “I charge thee therefore before God... Preach the word... But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
2. Further, he wrote regarding his faithfulness: “For I am now ready to be offered (to become a sacrifice of faith for my witness of Christ), and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight... I have finished my course... I have kept (fulfilled) the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me... not to me only... but to all that love His appearing,” 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
3. Finally, he wrote of his final witness for Christ: “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be (given) glory forever and ever. Amen,” 2 Timothy 4:16-18.
4. This is our hope, that we too share this same blessing, provided that we remain faithful; and in the house of the Lord, Revelations 2:10. As I move to a conclusion, let me summarize...
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Paul’s Witness: “Amidst Perilous Raging”
2. Paul’s Witness: “After Promised Reassurance”
3. Paul’s Witness: “After Providential Rescue”
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered witnessing during perilous raging times. Our text read: “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. It indeed appeared that there was no hope that any could be saved. But I came by to tell you that your current circumstances do not bind you! There is nothing too “impossible with God,” Matthew 19:26.
2. Second, we discussed the angel’s promised reassurance 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 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. Don’t fear the storms; he who permits them will also quiet them!
3. Lastly, we investigated 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... we drew near to some country... And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship... 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 ran the ship aground, and the forepart stuck fast and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves. Then, the centurion commanded that they could swim, cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land. And the rest, some on boards, some on broken ship pieces. And so up it came to pass, that they escaped safely to land,” Acts 27:38-44.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation, H.B.R.C.B. (Another agitation, at the Pool of Bethesda, John 5:1-15).
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BEFORE THE LECTURE
34th Annual Arizona Lectureship, Phoenix, AZ, October 15, 2018.
Before I begin my lecture, would you please stand (those who can) to read the word of God? The text of interest can be found in Acts 27:18-20.
Theme: Witnesses for Christ and the Church.
Please allow me to thank the lectureship committee, Merlon “Mack” Thompson, my beloved brother, for over fifty years. Thanks also to Jeffry Walker, the new minister call to labor at Tonto, and to John Dunn, his co-worker, and my friend. Thanks to the brothers and sisters who don’t stand before you like us preachers for their devotion and hard work in making this lectureship a success.
Let me also acknowledge, as others find ministers have done, that I have a “sweetheart” who has supported me and has been by my side on many trips – doing the Lord’s business (Carolyn, will you please stand up so these brothers can see you are my wife?) Finally, let me honor the pioneer preachers that have gone on before us: Carroll Pitts, R.N. Hogan, G.P. Holt, G.E. Stewart, Jim H. Warren (my father in the gospel), and the esteemed and dearly beloved Marshall Keeble. These have carried the “blood stain banner” with faithfulness and sincere devotion unto the Lord we now serve. I give thanks for their examples and dedication as being "Witnesses for Christ and the Church."
The witness in our lesson did not obtain his commission to witness after the resurrection of Christ. He was an apostle “born out of due time.” He was not there on the mount to see the risen Lord ascend into heaven. While they stood there, “looking steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven,” Acts 1:9-11.
Our witness and apostle to the Gentiles were that of Paul: once a persecutor, now turn preacher; a destroyer of the way, now a defender of the faith; once an enemy of Christ, now a servant of Him. He is now on his way to Rome to stand before the seat of Caesar and bear witness for Christ and the Church. Our topic title is: “All Hope Was Lost.” We will discuss three things:
1. Paul’s Witness: “Amidst Perilous Raging”
2. Paul’s Witness: “After Promised Reassurance”
3. Paul’s Witness: “After Providential Rescue”
www.SermonCentral.com if you want to follow me in this lesson.
Updated by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on 12/27/2024.
