Acts 27:1-20 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to one named Julius… I. "MAN PROPOSES, BUT GOD DISPOSES." The determination that Paul should sail to Italy was, on the human side, the result of Paul's purpose to disappoint the murderous treachery of the Jews, but above this was God's purpose — that the gospel should be more fully preached, not only in Rome, but in all the empire. II. The fair weather and the softly blowing south wind allured the navigators from their safe but not sufficiently commodious harbour in the hope of finding a better one; and SO MEN, DISSATISFIED WITH THEIR MODERATE COMPETENCE, STRIKE OUT FOR WEALTH OR HONOURS, SO RISKING AND OFTEN LOSING THE SUFFICIENCY ALREADY POSSESSED. In times of prosperity they assure themselves that "tomorrow will be as this day, and more abundant," presumptuously boasting of what they know not. In the heyday of hopefulness youth is deaf to the voice of wisdom, madly trusting that for them the skies will always be bright and the winds continue to blow gently. But man's experience of the uncertainty of the most hopeful prospects has made the gentle winds and the smiling sea proverbs of treachery. III. Very reluctantly, and only after three days of buffeting, the men consented to "lighten the ship." Thus, IN TIMES OF SEVERE TRIALS, OUR TREASURES OFTEN BECOME OUR BURDENS; and he only is wise who, to save his soul, consents to give up all else. But how carefully is this done, lest the sacrifice should be greater than is necessary! At first the less valuable parts of the cargo are cast out; but another day's perils made them willing even to dismantle the ship and cast out the furniture. So will men do in order to save their lives; but who will make such sacrifices for the saving of their souls? A striking illustration is given in the flight of Cortez from Mexico, when the Aztecs compelled the invaders to flee. Each man was allowed to take what he would, but their commander warned them, saying, "He travels safest in the dark night who travels lightest." The experience of the conflict that ensued demonstrated the wisdom of the advice and the folly of those who failed to heed it, for all such became an easy prey to the lances of the Aztecs. Because men will trust in outward things so long as they have them, it is often a great mercy when God takes them away. IV. BECAUSE THE LESSONS OF PROVIDENCE ARE NOT LEARNED AT ONCE, THE TIMES OF DARKNESS AND DISMAY ARE CONTINUED. "Neither sun nor stars in many days appeared." And in such extremities men learn the folly of their self-confidence, and are the more ready to listen to instruction. "Before I was afflicted I went astray," says the Psalmist, "but now [since I have been afflicted] have I kept Thy word." V. Until that dark night of the utter failure of hope except from God the apostle spoke only as a man — a wise and judicious counsellor; but now he spoke to them as from the mouth of God, and they could not gainsay his words. And SO GOD IS ACCUSTOMED TO REVEAL HIMSELF WITH GREATEST CLEARNESS AND IN THE RICHEST CONSOLATIONS AMONG THE DARKEST AND SEVEREST TEMPTATIONS. And even then the assurance of deliverance often reveals also the taking away of all earthly dependences. Though Paul was assured that he and his fellow voyagers would be saved alive, yet he was also shown that they must suffer shipwreck. VI. Paul and the mariners and soldiers were exposed to the same perils; and by virtue of this forced association deliverance came to the latter. And AS IN THEIR DOMESTIC AND SOCIAL RELATIONS UNBELIEVERS ARE SOMETIMES CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH GOD'S PEOPLE, SO THEY ARE OFTEN DELIVERED IN TIMES OF CALAMITY. And as we are all fellow voyagers through life, and God has made every man his brother's keeper, so has He made it the duty of each by prayer and exhortation, and by all other available means, to seek the salvation of all men. The saved and rescued ship's company were given to Paul. (D. Curry, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. |
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