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I. PAUL AS THE TEACHER OF PROVIDENCE. He stood up calmly and faithfully in the presence of those Pagan sailors and criminals, to teach that the world was governed by Providence, and not by fate. The vision, and the facts connected with it, lead to three truths —

1. There is an absolute certainty that God will accomplish His designs.

2. God sometimes employs unexpected and unlikely means to accomplish His designs. Paul wished to go to Rome, but how? perhaps he had no definite plan, but God had. No sooner had the apostle and his friends left Sidon, to sail unto Italy, than perils commenced — "Because the winds were contrary," the perils increased — "All hope that we should be saved was taken away." What about Rome, Paul? we see Crete, and Clauda, and Malta, but no Rome.

3. That genuine faith in the certainty of Divine Providence stimulates and directs the free action of man. There is one verse in this chapter which is beautifully illustrative of this truth — "Paul said to the centurion, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved." He believed that God had ordained a certain end, but not as detached from means adapted to secure that end.

II. PAUL AS THE SERVANT OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE. After looking upon the character of the apostle as given here during the voyage, we are struck with —

1. His deep sense of Divine responsibility. "For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve." This is the foundation of Christian excellence in all, an intelligent feeling that we are God's.

2. He maintained a high Christian character. In his intercourse with the crew and passengers, there are two features of character worthy of imitation —

(1)  Kindness.

(2)  Devotion.

3. He exerted a beneficial influence. Paul was the means of saving 276 lives, and was that a little thing?

(C. Morris.)

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KJV: For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

WEB: For there stood by me this night an angel, belonging to the God whose I am and whom I serve,