After being a prisoner at Caesarea for more than two years, Paul was finally sent to Rome. There he would make his personal appeal to Caesar. While en route to Rome, travelling by sea, a terrible storm arose from the northeast which placed the whole company in great danger. Acts 27 is a detailed account of that storm. We need no more than an atlas and common sense to understand the literal, historical events recorded in this chapter. But the chapter is recorded to give us more than historical data. It is recorded in the Volume of Inspiration to give us practical, spiritual, gospel instruction (II Tim. 3:16).

In Paul's day the sea could be a terrible thing. The sailor had no compass. So when the sun and the stars were blotted out, he had no idea where he was or where he was going. He had no engine to propel his ship through the mighty winds and raging waters. His sails and oars were helpless before the force of a hurricane. The imagery of the sea's terror is used throughout the Word of God. Jonah was thrown into the sea to appease its wrath (Jon. 2:12-15). The disciples were terribly frightened on the Sea of Galilee and cried out to the Master to save them (Mk. 4:38). In II Corinthians 11 Paul tells us he was shipwrecked three times and spent a night and a day in the deep. Jude compares the influence of false religion to the "raging waves of the sea" (Jude 13). John saw the "beast rise up out of the sea" (Rev. 13:1). In Revelation 21:1 he says, in the new creation there shall be "no more sea", as if to indicate that the sea is a symbol of terrible calamity and evil. In literature, poetry, and Scripture, our life in this world is compared to a voyage across a vast sea (Job 9:29). As we sail across the vast sea of life in this world we all must pass through many storms. The Book of God shows us how to prepare for and survive those storms. "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear" the spiritual lessons of this chapter.

First, we learn that THINGS SELDOM HAPPEN ACCORDING TO OUR DESIRES, PLANS, AND EXPECTATIONS (vv. 1-8). "The best laid plans of mice and men are soon destroyed." Paul had planned to go to Rome on his way to Spain. This band of soldiers took their prisoners on board the ship, and "launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia" (v. 2). They mapped out their course, prepared for their voyage, and expected to have smooth sailing to Rome by the Asian coasts. But Divine providence interfered with their well-laid plans. A storm arose and "the winds were contrary" (v. 4), contrary to their plans! When we are making our plans, we will be wise to consider the storms ahead and submit our will to God's will, even in our plans (James 4:13-15). Life is full of storms and contrary winds (Job 5:6; 14:1). They usually arise suddenly without warning. Without question, the greatest storm a person will ever face is the storm of his own sin. When a person comes face to face with his sin, the mighty wind of conviction and judgment is overwhelming. He feels the storm of God's wrath in his soul (Nah. 1:2-3). But, blessed be God, in Christ Jesus there is a refuge for sinners and a hiding place for the guilty (Isa. 4:6; 32:2).

Secondly, we are here shown that OUR STORMS ARE OFTEN THE FRUIT OF DISOBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF GOD (vv. 9-14). I do not suggest that all trials are the result of some particular sin. But many of our trials and sorrows could be avoided by simple obedience to our God. If these men had just given heed to the Word of God, they would not have suffered the terrible shipwreck recorded in this chapter. Read these verses carefully and learn their obvious lessons. The will of God is usually contrary to the opinion of the majority (v. 11). The will of God is always contrary to the pleasures and accommodations of the flesh (v. 12). The path of least resistance is always most appealing to the flesh; but usually it is the path to destruction (vv. 13-14). That which God plainly reveals is his will; and disobedience to his revealed will is disastrous. No matter how unreasonable, unpleasant, or costly it seems to be to obey God, "whatsoever he saith unto you, do it" (John 2:5). Obedience may be costly; but disobedience is always more costly. Faith in Christ evidences itself by obedience to Christ (Prov. 3:5-6).

Thirdly, WHEN THE STORM COMES, THE ONLY COURSE OF SAFETY IS SURRENDER (vv. 15-20). Luke says, "When the ship was caught, and could not bear up into (against) the wind, we let her drive." That is all we can do. Just hold on and "let her drive." This is not an act of fatalism. They had done all they could. They worked hard. They used all the help they could get. They lightened their load. They even threw all the tacklings overboard. But all hope of deliverance by their hands was gone. So they hoisted their sails and "let her drive." The men in command of the ship, (If you can imagine that without laughing!), had no fear of God. But for Luke, Paul and Aristarchus, this was an act of faith. Luke says, "We let her drive." They knew who was in command of the ship! They realized who had sent the storm (Isa. 45:7; Psa. 107:25; Nah. 1:3; Jon. 1:4; Amos 3:6). Like Eli of old, they humbled themselves under the hand of God, saying, "It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good" (I Sam. 3:18; Jas. 4:7, 10). Turning to the Lord in submission and faith, they found peace (Isa. 26:3-4; Psa. 42:11). Bow to the will of Christ. Slip your neck into his yoke, and you will find peace (Matt. 11:29). Trust the wisdom, grace, and promise of God. Hoist the sails of your little ship into the wind of Divine providence, and "let her drive" (Rom. 8:28).

Fourthly, WHEN THE STORM COMES, SEEK A WORD FROM GOD TO COMFORT, INSTRUCT, AND DIRECT YOU THROUGH IT (vv. 21-25). If you would find comfort in trouble, bury yourself in the Book of Consolation (Rom. 15:4). Paul found a word from God, believed it, and faithfully delivered it, even in the midst of the storm. It was a word of stern reproof (v. 21) and of cheering assurance (vv. 22-24).

Fifthly, NO MATTER HOW SEVERE THE STORM IS, STAY IN THE SHIP (vv. 26-38). Some of the shipmen were about to forsake the ship. They let down the lifeboat and were about to leave when Paul said, "Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved." Immediately, the soldiers cut the ropes and let the boat fall. They did not stand around arguing about Divine predestination and human responsibility. They cut the ropes! They cut off every other source of hope and cast themselves upon the Word of God. They took only what they needed and threw everything else overboard (vv. 19, 38). Storms have a way of changing values and making all the things of this world appear to be what they really are - vanity! They stayed in the ship and were saved (v. 37). When storms arise, cling to Christ. Stay in the good ship grace. Only those who endure the trials and storms of life, only those who persevere in faith are saved (Matt. 10:20; John 8:31; 15:9; Col. 1:23; Heb. 3:6, 14; Jas. 1:12; Acts 13:43; 14:22).

Sixthly, SET YOUR HEART UPON CHRIST ALONE (vv. 39-40). Seek him and nothing else. Throw everything else to the wind. Ask for nothing, care for nothing, and pursue nothing but Christ, and make "toward shore" (Col. 3:1-3). If Christ is all your desire, you shall have all your desire; and the storms of life will do you no harm.

Seventhly, we see in this chapter that OUR GOD WILL GRACIOUSLY BRING US THROUGH THE STORM INTO OUR DESIRED HAVEN OF REST (vv. 41-44). Some swam to safety. Some floated on boards. Some rode on broken pieces of the ship. But when they came to that place where two seas met, they all came to shore safely. "And so it came to pass, they escaped all safe to land." So it shall be with all God's elect (I Pet. 5:10-11; Jude 24-25; Rom.8:35-39).