Topical Bible: Trouble: The People in the Shipwreck

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The account of the shipwreck involving the Apostle Paul is a dramatic narrative found in the Book of Acts, specifically Acts 27. This event is a significant moment in the New Testament, illustrating themes of divine providence, faith, and human perseverance amidst adversity.

Context and Background

The shipwreck occurs during Paul's journey to Rome, where he is to stand trial before Caesar. Paul, having appealed to Caesar as a Roman citizen, is under the custody of a centurion named Julius. The journey begins with difficulty, as adverse winds hinder their progress (Acts 27:4-8). Despite Paul's warning of impending disaster, the centurion and the ship's crew decide to continue their voyage (Acts 27:9-11).

The Storm and Shipwreck

As they sail, a violent storm, described as a "Northeaster," engulfs the ship (Acts 27:14). The crew takes desperate measures to secure the vessel, including throwing cargo overboard (Acts 27:18-19). Amidst the chaos, Paul stands as a beacon of hope, sharing a vision he received from an angel of God. He assures the crew that there will be no loss of life, only the ship (Acts 27:22-24).

Paul's faith and leadership become evident as he encourages the crew to eat and maintain their strength, promising them safety (Acts 27:33-36). His words reflect a deep trust in God's promises and serve to bolster the morale of those on board.

Divine Providence and Human Agency

The ship eventually runs aground on the island of Malta, where all 276 people on board are brought safely to shore (Acts 27:37-44). This outcome underscores the theme of divine providence, as God's promise through Paul is fulfilled. The narrative highlights the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, as the crew's actions, guided by Paul's counsel, contribute to their survival.

Lessons and Theological Insights

The shipwreck account offers several theological insights. It demonstrates God's faithfulness in the midst of trials and His ability to use difficult circumstances for His purposes. Paul's unwavering faith serves as an example of trusting God even when circumstances seem dire. The narrative also emphasizes the importance of leadership and encouragement in times of crisis.

Furthermore, the account illustrates the broader theme of salvation, as the physical deliverance of those on the ship mirrors the spiritual salvation offered through Christ. The shipwreck becomes a metaphor for the storms of life, where faith and reliance on God's promises provide the anchor for the soul.

Conclusion

The shipwreck narrative in Acts 27 is a powerful testament to God's providence and the strength of faith in adversity. It serves as a reminder of the hope and assurance found in God's promises, encouraging believers to trust in His guidance through life's tumultuous seas.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 27:22-25,30-36
And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

As to Your Charge of Perjury, Since You Refer Me to Your Book; and ...
... Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, only to make shipwreck in the ... kind and putting me to
the trouble of bringing ... it, instead of boasting of other people's dreams as ...
/.../32 as to your charge.htm

A Short Confession of Faith
... One can scarcely help contrasting this shipwreck"the only one in ... world has a right
to say to Christian people. ... to God' does not need to trouble himself about ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a short confession of faith.htm

The Children's Bible
... MAKING THE BEST OF TROUBLE. THE DEATH OF TWO BRAVE WARRIORS. ... JESUS IS GLADLY WELCOMED
BY THE PEOPLE. JESUS FIGHTS WRONG IN THE TEMPLE. ... PAUL'S SHIPWRECK. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

An Ancient Nonconformist
... It saves a great deal of trouble, and it gratifies a ... sure as you are living you will
make shipwreck of your ... I could people many of these pews with the faces of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/an ancient nonconformist.htm

At a Public Fast in July, First Sabbath, 1650. (257)
... him in his dealings; therefore doth the Lord trouble our peace ... praise rub so many
marks of shame on his people. ... If you come here, ye may make shipwreck, but ye ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i at a public.htm

A Letter of Mara, Son of Serapion.
... all these things, although they suffered shipwreck when the ... hunger, and can endure
thirst, and mitigate every trouble. ... from the multitude of her people: it was ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents a letter.htm

The Two Paths
... of human nature, and how much people like to save themselves the trouble of thinking ...
whom alone is life, and which therefore has made shipwreck of everything ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the two paths.htm

Psalm CVII.
... unto the Lord when they were in trouble, and He ... he was endangered among the risks
of shipwreck and storm ... port; who, finally, placed him in that people, where He ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cvii.htm

Jer. 6:16 the Good Way.
... truth, the simple cause why many make shipwreck for ever ... They would not take the
trouble to look forward ... which Isaiah brings against Israel: "My people doth not ...
/.../ryle/the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter v jer 6 16 the.htm

Waiting Only Upon God
... how many men have made a fearful shipwreck of their entire ... not yours, except to look
at; and other people can do ... as he, and I have not the trouble of keeping ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/waiting only upon god.htm