Acts 27:27-44 The Shipwreck

The Shipwreck
Acts 27:27-44

Have you ever been seasick? What happened? How did you recover? 

#God                  #People           #Time                #Place              #Obedient faith          #Sin    #Key Idea

Acts 27:27-44 (ESV)

 

27When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors suspected that they were nearing land. 28So they took a sounding and found twenty fathoms.^d A little farther on they took a sounding again and found fifteen fathoms.^e 29And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. 30And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship’s boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it go.

33As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength,^f for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” 35And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. 36Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37(We were in all 276g persons in the ship.) 38And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

The Shipwreck

39Now when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach, on which they planned if possible to run the ship ashore. 40So they cast off the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudders. Then hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41But striking a reef,^h they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf. 42The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.

Hashtags

People
#Paul
#we – Paul and Luke
#the centurion = (Julius) of the Augustan Cohort named
#the sailors
#the soldiers
#prisoners
#276 persons

Places
# Adriatic Sea #Cnidus
#the land, a bay with a beach

Topics
#Skill of sailing
#Emotions of travel on sea
#praying for daylight, Paul’s prayer for food observed
#responsibility to passengers
#Importance of food for strength
#Everyone can contribute a positive in the midst of a “Storm”

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• How does one’s reaction to a crisis reveal character?
• What did this crisis show about Paul’s character?
• How is Paul’s role in the storm and wreck an example for us?
• Why would Julius listen to Paul’s advice about anything?
• How does one become the person whose advice others will seek?
• What do you think the angel meant by saying that God had graciously given Paul the lives of his fellow passengers (27:24)? What does this show that Paul had been doing?
• Why did Paul reprimand the men on the boat?
• Compare verse 31 with verse 11. How does the centurion feel about Paul now? About the God Paul serves?
• How do Paul's words and his example serve to encourage the others? How would your estimation of Paul change during the two weeks of the storm? 
• What do you imagine the scene in verses 39-44 was like? What was said? How did people look? Feel? 
• How do Paul's attitudes and actions compare with those of the sailors? To what would you attribute Paul's ability to remain calm under pressure?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• What situation in your life most dramatically shaped your character? What is the greatest pressure situation you're facing now? 
• How can Paul's example and the principles you've learned from his experience help you? What is your part and what is God's part in the resolution of your storm? 
• When have you been tempted to bail out of a stormy situation and slip away in a lifeboat? What happened? What did you learn?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

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SERMON: Four Anchors that Stabilize our Soul

TEXT: Acts 27:29

1. GOD is our Anchor - Acts 27:24 "Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee."

2. FAITH is our Anchor - Acts 27:25 "I believe God."

3. PERSEVEREANCE is our Anchor - Acts 27:31, "except you abide in the ship."

4. STRENGTH is our Anchor - Acts 27:33, "take meat." Our soul needs spiritual food like our body needs nourishment.

Conclusion: Anchors hold; they hold our soul!

Acts 22:1-21 Paul's Defense

Paul's Defense
Acts 22:1-21

Intro Questions

#God                                    #People    #Time         #Place        #Obedient faith            #Sin             #Key Idea

Acts 22:1-21

 

1“Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”

2And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said:

3“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day. 4I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed toward Damascus to take those also who were there and bring them in bonds to Jerusalem to be punished.

6“As I was on my way and drew near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ 9Now those who were with me saw the light but did not understandc the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.’ 11And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

12“And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight and saw him. 14And he said, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from his mouth; 15for you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

17“When I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18and saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ 21And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

Hashtags
#Saul AKA Paul
#the Jews
#Gamaliel
#both men and women
#those who were with me
#Stephen

Places
#Tarsus of Cilicia
#this city
#Damascus
# Jerusalem

Topics
#conversion
#obedience

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

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The Forensic Defense Speeches of Paul

(Acts 22:1-21; 26:1-23; cf. Malina & Neyrey, Paul, p. 91)

 

I.             Exordium (or Prooemium) (cf. Rh. Her. 1.4.6; Cicero, Inv. 1.15.20; Quintilian, Inst. Orat. 4.1.14). This prepares the hearers to be positively disposed and attentive to the defendant. The ―lawyer‖ should show that he is taking the case out of duty to family or honor or better out of a sense of patriotism (captatio benevolentiae). Good will can be derived from (Cicero, Orat. 2.43.182, 184, Loeb): 

A.          The person of the speaker – by speaking of our own deeds without arrogance, by prayers and petitions, by demonstrating hardships well endured. Name, Acts 21:38-39

1.            Nature -- Gender (Quintilian notes that males are more likely to commit robbery and females poisoning) & Ethnicity, Acts 22:3

2.            Manner of life, Acts 22:3-5; 26:4-5, 9-11

3.            Fortune, Acts 22:5; 26:9-12

4.            Habit, Acts 22:3

5.            Feeling, Acts 22:7-8, 11; 26:14-15

6.            Interest, Acts 22:3-4; 26:10-11, 19-20

7.            Purpose, Acts 22:15; 26:16-18

8.            Achievements, accidents, speech, Acts 22:6-11; 26:12-18

B.          The person of the opponent – by showing them to be mean, vicious, or cruel.

C.          The person of the judge – by flattering the hearers without being too obviously effusive.

D.          The case itself – if it is noble (for the group) rather than self-seeking.

II.           Statement of Facts (Narratio) (cf. Quintilian, Inst. Orat. 4.2.31). It is to prepare the mind of the judge (nst Orat. 4.2.4-5). It is comprised of:

A.          The main question at issue – What was done? Was it done rightly? (Acts 21:28; 24:5-8; contra 23:6, 29; 24:21; 25:18-19; 26:6-8)

B.          The line of defense

C.          The point for the judge‘s decision

D.          The foundation or basic argument for the defense (Inst. Orat. 3.11.6-7)

III. Proof (Probatio) 

A.          Eyewitness (e.g. Demosthenes, Against Eubulides 4; Philo, Spec. leg. 4.59;  Conf. 141). Paul served as an eyewitness to the resurrection, Acts 22:15; 26:16. This is considered ―irrefutable‖ evidence (tekmerion), (cf. Acts 1:3; 10:41 cf. Lk 24:37-43)

B.          Evidence from probability, examples, tokens, signs and maxims (Rh. Al.  36, 1442b; 391443a, 6). These can be used in conjunction with other facts to build a strong case. 

1.            Sign: The great light (Acts 22:6, 9; 26:13); abd Paul‘s blindness and healing (Acts 9:7-9, 17; 22:11,13) 

2.            Corroborating witnesses (Acts 22:9, 12; 26:13-14).

3.            General experience (Aristotle, Rh. Al. 7, 1428a; see Quintilian, Inst. Orat. 5.10.16-19).

C.          Witnesses and confessions that are obtained by torture (Aristotle, Rh. Al. 36, 1442b; 37). (cf. Acts 22:24). This was considered the strongest evidence.

D.          Evidence from the person‘s nature and character.

IV. Refutation and Peroration

A.          The refutation is the countering of the arguments of the opposition, generally involving some sort of attach on the opponent’s character, person, or social standing (Acts 4:13).

B.          The peroration is an attempt to elicit certain emotions from the audience/judge in order to secure a verdict in one‘s favor. 

Life of Paul - Paul's Arrival & Arrest in Jerusalem = July 10

Paul's Arrival & Arrest in Jerusalem

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 58 A. D.

Scripture: Acts 21:17-22:21

NOTE: 

#Paul

#Apostle Paul

#Jerusalem

    The prophecy of Agabus is soon to be fulfilled. Upon his return to Jerusalem, Paul now finds himself being arrested and attacked by local Jews who have been stirred up by certain men from Asia. Fortunately, however, Paul is rescued by Roman soldiers acting under Claudius Lysias, the local Roman commander. The historical record sets forth Paul's attempt to defend himself before a mob that is demanding his death and indicates a fair reception to his discourse until he mentions being God's messenger to the Gentiles. The angry crowd's reaction to that assertion forces Claudius Lysias to take Paul into protective custody. 

    On the following day, the record reveals that Paul is put on trial before the Sanhedrin Council, in much the same way that Jesus himself had been tried years earlier. By referring to his own heritage as a Pharisee, and to his belief in a resurrection after death, Paul skillfully sets the Pharisees in controversy against the Sadducees, who do not believe in a resurrection. In the debate which ensues, no charges are brought, and Paul is returned to custody. When a plot to kill Paul is uncovered, Paul is secretly taken away by night to Caesarea, where he will later be brought before the governor, Felix. 

    Now, as Luke records Paul's arrival in Jerusalem before his arrest, an effort is made by James and the elders at Jerusalem to calm the anxiety of Jewish Christians, who are uncertain about Paul's teaching. 

Paul’s Arrival & Arrest In Jerusalem

INTRODUCTION

• Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem must have been with some joyful anticipation...
• He had been in a hurry to get there for the Day of Pentecost - Acts 20:16
• He had been delayed right at the last moment, having to wait in Tyre and then Caesarea - Acts 21:3-4,7-10 ...for he was accompanying a contribution for needy Christians in Jerusalem - Romans 15:25-27

• His arrival must have also been with anxious expectations...
• He knew that chains awaited him in Jerusalem - Acts 20:22, 23
• He knew that he would be delivered into the hands of the Gentiles - Acts 21:10-11 ...yet he was willing not only to be bound, but die for the name of Jesus - Acts 20:24; 21:12-14

[With such mixed emotions in his heart, then, we read of...]

PAUL’S ARRIVAL IN JERUSALEM

A. HIS RECEPTION BY THE CHURCH...

• The brethren receive him and his companions gladly - Acts 21:17
• On the next day, he and his companions visit James and the elders - Acts 21:18-21
• He details what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry
• They glorify the Lord when they hear this news
• They tell Paul what thousands of Jewish Christians have heard about him
• That he teaches the Jews among the Gentiles to forsake Moses
• That he teaches them not to circumcise their children, nor to keep the customs
• They counsel Paul in view of these things - Acts 21:22-25
• To be purified along with four men who have taken a vow (likely the Nazarite vow, cf. Numbers 6:1-12)
• To pay their expenses at the completion of the vow
• To thereby reassure Jewish Christians...
• That what they have heard is false
• That Paul himself was willing to keep the Law
• That Gentiles were not required to do so, but to keep the ordinances from the conference in Jerusalem - cf. Acts 15:20,29

B. HIS INVOLVEMENT WITH THE VOW...

• Paul agrees and the next day enters the temple with the four men - Acts 21:26
• Having been purified with them
• To announce the date on which the days of purification would end and offerings would be made for each of them - cf. Numbers 6:13-20
• There are three views concerning Paul’s involvement with this vow
• Paul acted ignorantly, not aware that the Law of Moses was no longer binding
• Unlikely, since Paul preached “the whole counsel of God” - Acts 20:27
• Unlikely, since Paul had already penned Romans, 1st & 2nd Corinthians, and Galatians, which clearly reveal Paul was not ignorant
• Paul acted hypocritically, like Peter did at Antioch - cf. Galatians 2:11-13
• Unlikely, since Paul had endured so much mistreatment already
• Unlikely, since Paul was willing to be bound and die for Christ
• Paul acted consistently, with what he actually taught (which is my view)
• The Law was no longer in force - cf. Romans 7:1-6; Galatians 3:24-25
• Anyone seeking to be justified by the Law was fallen from grace - Galatians 5:4
• Yet a Jewish Christian (like Paul ) could observe the customs of the Law - cf. Acts 18:18; 1 Corinthians 9:20
• A Jewish Christian could observe elements of the Law provided:
• He did not do so seeking justification & salvation, for that comes only through the sacrifice of Christ
• He did not bind it upon others, especially Gentiles who were never under the Law of Moses

[It was this effort to reassure misinformed brethren that led to...]

PAUL’S ARREST IN JERUSALEM

A. HIS ARREST IN THE TEMPLE...

• Prompted by Jews from Asia - Acts 21:27-30
• Who stirred up a mob to seize Paul, accusing him:
• Of the same things the brethren had heard - cf. Acts 21:21
• Of bringing a Gentile into the temple (a false presumption)
• Who dragged Paul out of the temple
• Rescued from death by the Roman commander - Acts 21:31-36
• The news came to the commander as they were seeking to kill Paul
• The crowd stops beating Paul when they see the commander along with soldiers and centurions
• After binding Paul with chains, the commander is unable to determine why people are so upset with Paul
• Paul is commanded to be sent to the barracks

B. HIS ADDRESS TO THE JERUSALEM MOB...

• Permission obtained from the Roman commander - Acts 21:37-40
• Paul seeks to speak with the commander, who is surprised Paul speaks Greek
• Paul identifies himself as a Jew from Tarsus
• With permission, Paul begins to speak to the mob in Hebrew
• Paul’s defense to the Jerusalem mob - Acts 22:1-21
• He reviews his early life - Acts 22:1-5
• His birth in Tarsus, and religious training in Jerusalem
• His persecution of the church
• He relates the circumstances of his conversion - Acts 22:6-16
• Recorded by Luke in Acts 9:1-19
• Recounted again by Paul in Acts 26:12-18
• He refers to a vision on an earlier visit to Jerusalem - Acts 22:17-21
• In which the Lord told him to flee Jerusalem
• In which the Lord told him to go to the Gentiles

C. HIS APPEAL TO HIS ROMAN CITIZENSHIP...

• The enraged mob call for Paul’s death - Acts 22:22-23
• Angry at his mention of the Gentiles
• Tearing their clothes and casting dust into the air
• The Roman commander prepares to scourge Paul - Acts 22:24
• Paul is ordered back into the barracks
• To learn why the people are so angry
• Paul is spared because of his Roman citizenship - Acts 22:25-30
• As he is about to be scourged, Paul tells the centurion he is a Roman
• The commander, learning Paul was born a Roman citizen, is afraid for having put him in bonds
• The next day, Paul is brought to appear before the council, that the commander might learn why Paul was being accused by the Jews

D. HIS ADDRESS TO THE SANHEDRIN COUNCIL...

• Paul claims a clear conscience - Acts 23:1
• This angers Ananias the High Priest, who has Paul struck - Acts 23:2-5
• Seeing the council is divided between Sadducees and Pharisees, Paul identifies himself as a Pharisee - Acts 23:6; cf. Philippians 3:5
• A dispute arises between the Sadducees and the Pharisees, with the latter defending Paul - Acts 23:7-9
• Fearing for Paul’s life, the commander returns him to the barracks - Acts 23:10

E. HIS ESCAPE FROM A PLOT TO KILL HIM...

• The Lord reassures Paul that he will bear witness in Rome - Acts 23:11
• Forty Jews bind themselves under an oath to kill Paul, and a plot is formed with the chief priests and elders - Acts 23:12-15
• Paul’s nephew hears of the plot, and is sent by Paul to the commander - Acts 23:16-22
• The Roman commander, Claudius Lysias, prepares an armed guard and a letter to accompany Paul to Felix the governor - Acts 23:23-30
• Paul safely arrives in Caesarea, and is presented to the governor - Acts 23:31-33

SUMMARY OF PAUL’S TIME IN JERUSALEM

• Paul’s time in Jerusalem must have been disappointing...
• He had been in Jerusalem hardly a week
• He was likely sent away before the Day of Pentecost - cf. Acts 20:16
• But the Lord had given him reason to rejoice, for he was going to Rome! - cf. Acts 23:11
• Something he had wanted to do - cf. Acts 19:21; Romans 1:9-11,15; 15:23-29
• Something he had asked brothers and sisters to pray for - cf. Romans 15:30-32
• 3. The Lord had answered the first part of his request (deliverance from those in Judea who did not believe, Romans 15:31), and would answer the second part (go to Rome, Romans 15:32), though not as soon or in quite the manner Paul might have expected!

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