Topical Encyclopedia The Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the early Christian Church, is well-documented in the New Testament for his missionary journeys and theological contributions. One significant event in his life is his transfer to a ship of Alexandria during his journey to Rome as a prisoner. This event is recorded in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 27.Context and Background Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and, after a series of trials, appealed to Caesar as a Roman citizen, necessitating his transport to Rome (Acts 25:11-12). The journey to Rome was fraught with challenges, including adverse weather conditions and navigational difficulties. The transfer to a ship of Alexandria marks a critical point in this journey. The Transfer Acts 27:5-6 states, "After sailing across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board." This transfer was orchestrated by the centurion Julius, who was responsible for Paul and other prisoners. The ship of Alexandria was likely a grain ship, part of the Roman grain fleet that transported wheat from Egypt to Italy, a vital supply line for the Roman Empire. Significance of the Alexandrian Ship The Alexandrian ship was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the providential care of God in Paul's life. Despite being a prisoner, Paul was placed on a sturdy vessel capable of making the long journey to Italy. Secondly, the ship's origin from Alexandria, a major center of commerce and learning, highlights the interconnectedness of the Roman Empire and the spread of the Gospel through these networks. The Voyage and Shipwreck The journey on the Alexandrian ship was perilous. Acts 27:14-15 describes a violent storm, "But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island. Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. So we gave way and let ourselves be driven along." Despite the dire circumstances, Paul remained a source of encouragement and faith, assuring the crew of God's promise of safety (Acts 27:23-24). The ship eventually ran aground on the island of Malta, leading to a shipwreck (Acts 27:41). Remarkably, all aboard survived, fulfilling the divine assurance given to Paul. This event further demonstrated Paul's leadership and the power of God working through him, even in the midst of trials. Theological Implications Paul's transfer to the ship of Alexandria and the subsequent events illustrate several theological themes. The sovereignty of God is evident as He orchestrates circumstances for the fulfillment of His purposes. Paul's unwavering faith and leadership during the crisis exemplify the Christian virtues of trust and courage. Additionally, the journey serves as a metaphor for the Christian life, with its trials and divine deliverance. In summary, Paul's transfer to a ship of Alexandria is a testament to God's providence and the Apostle's steadfast faith. It highlights the challenges faced by early Christians and the miraculous ways in which God guided and protected His servants. Nave's Topical Index Acts 27:6-8And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. Nave's Topical Index Library The Ecclesiastical History of Scholasticus Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ... Luke. General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History. Treatise vii. On the Mortality. One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ... St. Gregory the Great. Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved? The Holy See and the Wandering of the Nations. On the Death of his Father. Resources Was the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the super-apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:5? | GotQuestions.org What should we learn from the account of Paul and Silas? | GotQuestions.org Paul: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Paul Escapes to Derbe, where he Preaches the Gospel, and Returns to Lystra Paul is Bitten by a Viper and Miraculously Unharmed Paul is Brought Before the Sanhedrin; his Defense Paul is Confined in Herod's Judgment Hall in Caesarea Paul is Confined in the Fortress Paul is Delayed in Melita for Three Months Paul is Encouraged by a Vision from God, Promising Him That he Will Give Testimony in Rome Paul is Escorted to Caesarea by a Military Guard Paul is Persecuted by Certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and is Stoned Paul is Persecuted by the Jews Paul is Received by the Brethren Gladly Paul is Released by the Civil Authorities on the Grounds of his Being a Roman Citizen Paul is Returned to the Fortress Paul is Taken to Rome in the Custody of Julius, a Centurion, and a Detachment of Soldiers Paul is Welcomed at the Household of Lydia Paul: Appeals to be Heard by Caesar Paul: Born in the City of Tarsus Paul: Caught up to the Third Heaven Paul: Chooses Silas As his Companion Paul: Contends With Elymas (Bar-Jesus) the Sorcerer Paul: Contends With the Judaizers Against Their Circumcision "Theology" Paul: Conveys the Contributions of the Christians in Antioch to the Christians in Jerusalem Paul: Debates on Mars' Hill (At the Meeting of the Areopagus Council) With Greeks Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem Paul: Educated at Jerusalem in the School of Gamaliel Paul: Enters the Temple Courtyard Paul: Escapes by Being Let Down from the Wall in a Basket; Goes to Jerusalem Paul: Escapes to Berea by Night Paul: from the Tribe of Benjamin, Paul: Goes Through Phrygia and Galatia Paul: Goes to Troas, where he Has a Vision of a Man Saying, "Come Over Into Macedonia Paul: Has "A Thorn in the Flesh" Paul: Has Barnabas As his Companion Paul: Heals the Ruler's Father and Others Paul: His Examination Before Herod Agrippa Ii Paul: His Independence of Character Paul: His Message Received Gladly by the Gentiles Paul: His Resolute Determination to Go to Jerusalem Despite Repeated Warnings Paul: His Trial Before Governor Felix Paul: His Trial Before Governor Festus Paul: His Vision and Conversion Paul: Jewish Leaders Conspire Against his Life Paul: John (Mark), a Companion of, Departs for Jerusalem Paul: Kind Treatment by the Inhabitants of the Island Paul: Lives in his own Rented House for Two Years, Preaching and Teaching Paul: Makes his Second Tour of the Congregations Paul: Meets some Brethren Who Accompany Him to Rome from Appii Forum Paul: Persecuted by Jews, Drawn Before the Deputy, Charged With Wicked Lewdness Paul: Persecuted by the Jews Who Come from Thessalonica Paul: Persecuted, Beaten, and Cast Into Prison With Silas Paul: Persecutes the Christians; Present At, and Gives Consent To, the Stoning of Stephen Paul: Preaches in Damascus for the First Time Paul: Predicts Misfortune to the Ship; his Counsel not Heeded, and the Voyage Resumes Paul: Proceeds to Macedonia After Strengthening the Congregations in That Region Paul: Reasons in the Synagogue Every Sabbath Paul: Received by the Disciples in Jerusalem Paul: Refers the Question of Circumcision to the Apostles and Elders at Jerusalem Paul: Remains in Custody for Two Years Paul: Returns to Antioch, Accompanied by Barnabas, Judas, and Silas, With Letters to the Gentiles Paul: Returns With the Apostle John to Antioch (Of Syria) Paul: Re-Visits Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga, Attalia, and Antioch, in Syria, where he Lived Paul: Sends for the Elders of the Congregation of Ephesus Paul: Sends Timothy and Erastus Into Macedonia, But he Himself Remains in Asia for a Period of Time Paul: Sent to Damascus With Letters for the Arrest and Return to Jerusalem of Christians Paul: Sergius Paulus, Governor of the Country, is a Convert of Paul: Summons the Local Jewish Leadership Paul: Teaches at Antioch (In Syria) for One Year Paul: The People Attempt to Worship Him Paul: The Ship Encounters a Storm Paul: The Ship is Wrecked, and all on Board Take Refuge on the Island of Melita (Malta) Paul: The Spread of the Gospel Through his Preaching Interferes With the Makers of Idols Paul: This Plan is Thwarted by his Nephew Paul: Transferred to a Ship of Alexandria Paul: Visits Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica; Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Antioch (In Pisidia), and Preaches in the Synagogue Paul: Visits Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogyllium Paul: Visits Coos, Rhodes, and Patara; Boards a Ship Bound for Tyre Paul: Visits Ephesus, where he Leaves Aquila and Priscilla Paul: Visits Iconium, and Preaches to the Jews and Non-Jews Paul: Visits Lystra; Circumcises Timothy Paul: Visits Much of the Island of Cyprus Paul: Visits Perga in Pamphylia Paul: Visits Samothracia and Neapolis Paul: Waits at Tyre for Seven Days Select Readings: Paul and Silas in Prison Select Readings: Paul in Front of Agrippa Select Readings: Paul in Front of Governor Felix Select Readings: Paul on Mars' Hill Related Terms |
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