Acts 27:21 - 44 God's Ministry of Encouragement Background - Paul doubting He would see Rome (Euroclydn) I. The MIRACLE of Angels.
23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am,
and whom I serve,
This is the last direct appearance of angels in the Bible. A Personal Appearance - 23 For there stood by me A Punctual Appearance - 23 this night A Powerful Appearance - 23 the angel of God A Practical Appearance - 23 whose I am, and whom I serve Jesus believed in their existence. “The Son of man shall send forth his angels” (Matthew 13:41). Peter “For if God spared not the angels that sinned” (II Pet 2:4). John “And I saw the seven angels which stood before God” (Rev 8:2). They are mentioned about 300 times in the Bible.
II. The MINISTRY of Angels. 23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
The Source of heir Ministry - ministering spirits (Minister to God) The Course of heir Ministry - sent forth to minister The Focus of heir Ministry - for them who shall be heirs of salvation
III. The MAJESTY of Angels. 23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God
i. Their PURITY - they are DIVINELY HOLY. Matt 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
ii. Their POWER - They are MIGHTILY POWERFUL.
David writes that they “excel in strength” (Psalms 103:20),
Peter writes as being “greater in power and might” than men.
Paul writes of Christ returning with His “mighty angels” (II Thess 1:7)
One angel slew 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night (II Kings 19:35). Another slew 70,000 Israelites after the sin of David (II Sam 24).
One angel delivered Peter from prison (Acts 12:7, 8)
in the future Satan will be bound for one thousand years by an angel (Rev 20:1-3).
iii. Their PERCEPTION - They are HIGHLY INTELLIGENT.
iv. Their PERFECTION - They are ENDURINGLY IMMORTAL.
Angels are not subject to death, but are eternal beings.
v. Their PROCLAMATION - 24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; IV. The MESSAGE of Angels -
24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. This Angel Declared :-
1. God's Presence – 23 The angel of God stood by Paul. 2. Paul's Privilege – 24 Encouraging Paul – “Saying, fear not, Paul.”
It's Personnal - Fear not, Paul;
It's Providential - thou must be brought before Caesar:
It's Profitable - and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. 3. God's Property – 23 “Whose I am” Paul belonged to God 4. Paul's Position – 23 “Whom I serve” 5. God's Purpose – 24 “Thou must be brought before Ceasar.”
6. God's Power – 24 lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
7. God's Promise – 25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
8. God's Plan - 44 And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.
