Acts 27:20-26 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us… I. THE PERILOUS CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE APOSTLE WAS PLACED. What calamity excites more painful sensations than a storm at sea? II. THE APOSTLE IS THE EXERCISE OF A LIVELY FAITH. His faith appears — 1. In the strength of its exercise. This was manifested in the ready regard which he paid to the testimony of the angel, although circumstances at the time seemed directly opposed to its fulfilment. 2. In the support which it yielded to his mind. While the tempest was so awful that despondency took possession of the crew, the apostle came forth to cheer their hearts, as his own was cheered, by declaring that no man's life should be lost. 3. In influential connection with the use of the ordinary means of safety and success (vers. 10, 21, 31). Unhappily for us, we carry the feelings of presumption into our religious concerns to an extent unknown in our worldly occupations. 4. In its promotion of the glory of God. There was no attempt to magnify himself by concealing the source of his prophetic assurance. He attributed nothing to his own wisdom or power; he ascribed the honour entirely to God.Conclusion: The subject may teach us — 1. The tender care which God exercises over those who love and serve Him, and sometimes over others for their sake. Not only was the apostle saved himself from the threatened destruction, but the crew also. 2. When under the mysterious dispensations of Providence not to think that the purposes of God are changed. If we make present appearances the rule or index by which we judge the love of God, we shall often be deceived and perplexed. A lengthened trial, therefore, a dark and awful calamity, should not be viewed by a Christian as implying a change in God's intention to do him good, but as involving various, and some of them painful, means by which that good is to be effected. 3. The necessity of the possession of solid peace and hope, of our being what Paul denominated himself, "a servant of God." (R. Burls.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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