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Acts Chapter
Twenty-seven
Acts 27
His innocence fully established and acknowledged by his
judges
the purposes of God must still be accomplished. His appeal to Caesar
must carry him to Rome
that he may bear testimony there also. In his position
here he again resembles Jesus. But at the same time
if we compare them
the
servant
blessed as he is
grows dim
and is eclipsed before Christ
so that we
could no longer think of him. Jesus offered Himself up in grace; He appealed to
God only; He answered but to bear testimony to the truth-that truth was the
glory of His Person
His own rights
humbled as He was. His Person shines out
through all the dark clouds of human violence
which could have had no power
over Him had it not been the moment for thus fulfilling the will of God. For
that purpose He yields to power given them from above. Paul appeals to Caesar.
He is a Roman-a human dignity conferred by man
and available before men; he
uses it for himself
God thus accomplishing His purposes. The one is blessed
and his services; the other is perfect
the perfect subject of the testimony
itself.
Nevertheless
if there is no longer the free service of the Holy Ghost
for Paul
and if he is a prisoner in the hands of the Romans
his soul at least
is filled with the Spirit. Between him and God all is liberty and joy. All this
shall turn to his salvation
that is
to his definitive victory
in his contest
with Satan. How blessed! Through the communications of the Spirit of Jesus
Christ the word of God shall not be bound. Others shall gain strength and
liberty in view of his bonds
even although
in the low state of the church
some take advantage of them. But Christ will be preached and magnified
and
with that Paul is content. Oh how true this is
and the perfect joy of the
heart
come what may! We are the subjects of grace (God be praised!)
as well
as instruments of grace in service. Christ alone is its object
and God secures
His glory-nothing more is needed: this itself is our portion and our perfect
joy.
It will be remarked in this interesting history
that at
the moment when Paul might have been the most troubled
when his course was
perhaps the least evidently according to the power of the Spirit
when he
brought disorder into the council by using arguments which afterwards he
hesitates himself entirely to justify-it is then that the Lord
full of grace
appears to him to encourage and strengthen him. The Lord
who formerly had told
him at Jerusalem to go away because they would not receive his testimony
who had
sent him warnings not to go thither
but who accomplished His own purposes of
grace in the infirmity and through the human affections of His servant
by
their means even
exercising at the same time His wholesome discipline in His
divine wisdom by these same means-Jesus appears to him to tell him that
as he
had testified of Him at Jerusalem
so should he bear witness at Rome also. This
is the way that the Lord interprets in grace the whole history
at the moment
when His servant might have felt all that was painful in his position
perhaps
have been overwhelmed by it
remembering that the Spirit had forbidden him to
go up; for
when in trial
a doubt is torment. The faithful and gracious
Saviour intervenes therefore to encourage Paul
and to put His own interpretation
on the position of His poor servant
and to mark the character of His love for
him. If it was necessary to exercise discipline for his good on account of his
condition and to perfect him
Jesus was with him in the discipline. Nothing
more touching than the tenderness
the opportuneness
of this grace. Moreover
as we have said
it all accomplished the purposes of God with regard to the
Jews
to the Gentiles
to the world. For God can unite in one dispensation the
most various ends.
And now
restored
reanimated by grace
Paul shews
himself in his journey to be master of the position. It is he who counsels
according to the communication he receives from God
he who encourages
he who
acts
in every way
on God's part
in the midst of the scene around him. The
description
full of life and reality
which Luke his companion
gives of this
voyage
needs no comment. It is admirable as a living picture of the whole
scene. Our concern is to see what Paul was amid the false confidence
or the
distress of the whole company.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Acts》
Acts 27
Chapter Contents
Paul's voyage towards Rome. (1-11) Paul and his
companions endangered by a tempest. (12-20) He receives a Divine assurance of
safety. (21-29) Paul encourages those with him. (30-38) They are shipwrecked.
(39-44)
Commentary on Acts 27:1-11
(Read Acts 27:1-11)
It was determined by the counsel of God
before it was
determined by the counsel of Festus
that Paul should go to Rome; for God had
work for him to do there. The course they steered
and the places they touched
at
are here set down. And God here encourages those who suffer for him
to
trust in him; for he can put it into the hearts of those to befriend them
from
whom they least expect it. Sailors must make the best of the wind: and so must
we all in our passage over the ocean of this world. When the winds are
contrary
yet we must be getting forward as well as we can. Many who are not
driven backward by cross providences
do not get forward by favourable
providences. And many real Christians complain as to the concerns of their
souls
that they have much ado to keep their ground. Every fair haven is not a
safe haven. Many show respect to good ministers
who will not take their
advice. But the event will convince sinners of the vanity of their hopes
and
the folly of their conduct.
Commentary on Acts 27:12-20
(Read Acts 27:12-20)
Those who launch forth on the ocean of this world
with a
fair gale
know not what storms they may meet with; and therefore must not
easily take it for granted that they have obtained their purpose. Let us never
expect to be quite safe till we enter heaven. They saw neither sun nor stars
for many days. Thus melancholy sometimes is the condition of the people of God
as to their spiritual matters; they walk in darkness
and have no light. See
what the wealth of this world is: though coveted as a blessing
the time may
come when it will be a burden; not only too heavy to be carried safely
but
heavy enough to sink him that has it. The children of this world can be
prodigal of their goods for the saving their lives
yet are sparing of them in
works of piety and charity
and in suffering for Christ. Any man will rather
make shipwreck of his goods than of his life; but many rather make shipwreck of
faith and a good conscience
than of their goods. The means the sailors used
did not succeed; but when sinners give up all hope of saving themselves
they
are prepared to understand God's word
and to trust in his mercy through Jesus
Christ.
Commentary on Acts 27:21-29
(Read Acts 27:21-29)
They did not hearken to the apostle when he warned them
of their danger; yet if they acknowledge their folly
and repent of it
he will
speak comfort and relief to them when in danger. Most people bring themselves
into trouble
because they do not know when they are well off; they come to harm
and loss by aiming to mend their condition
often against advice. Observe the
solemn profession Paul made of relation to God. No storms or tempests can
hinder God's favour to his people
for he is a Help always at hand. It is a
comfort to the faithful servants of God when in difficulties
that as long as
the Lord has any work for them to do
their lives shall be prolonged. If Paul
had thrust himself needlessly into bad company
he might justly have been cast
away with them; but God calling him into it
they are preserved with him. They
are given thee; there is no greater satisfaction to a good man than to know he
is a public blessing. He comforts them with the same comforts wherewith he
himself was comforted. God is ever faithful
therefore let all who have an
interest in his promises be ever cheerful. As
with God
saying and doing are
not two things
believing and enjoying should not be so with us. Hope is an
anchor of the soul
sure and stedfast
entering into that within the veil. Let
those who are in spiritual darkness hold fast by that
and think not of putting
to sea again
but abide by Christ
and wait till the day break
and the shadows
flee away.
Commentary on Acts 27:30-38
(Read Acts 27:30-38)
God
who appointed the end
that they should be saved
appointed the means
that they should be saved by the help of these shipmen.
Duty is ours
events are God's; we do not trust God
but tempt him
when we say
we put ourselves under his protection
if we do not use proper means
such as
are within our power
for our safety. But how selfish are men in general
often
even ready to seek their own safety by the destruction of others! Happy those
who have such a one as Paul in their company
who not only had intercourse with
Heaven
but was of an enlivening spirit to those about him. The sorrow of the
world works death
while joy in God is life and peace in the greatest
distresses and dangers. The comfort of God's promises can only be ours by
believing dependence on him
to fulfil his word to us; and the salvation he
reveals must be waited for in use of the means he appoints. If God has chosen
us to salvation
he has also appointed that we shall obtain it by repentance
faith
prayer
and persevering obedience; it is fatal presumption to expect it
in any other way. It is an encouragement to people to commit themselves to
Christ as their Saviour
when those who invite them
clearly show that they do
so themselves.
Commentary on Acts 27:39-44
(Read Acts 27:39-44)
The ship that had weathered the storm in the open sea
where it had room
is dashed to pieces when it sticks fast. Thus
if the heart
fixes in the world in affection
and cleaving to it
it is lost. Satan's
temptations beat against it
and it is gone; but as long as it keeps above the
world
though tossed with cares and tumults
there is hope for it. They had the
shore in view
yet suffered shipwreck in the harbour; thus we are taught never
to be secure. Though there is great difficulty in the way of the promised
salvation
it shall
without fail
be brought to pass. It will come to pass
that whatever the trials and dangers may be
in due time all believers will get
safely to heaven. Lord Jesus
thou hast assured us that none of thine shall
perish. Thou wilt bring them all safe to the heavenly shore. And what a
pleasing landing will that be! Thou wilt present them to thy Father
and give
thy Holy Spirit full possession of them for ever.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Acts》
Acts 27
Verse 2
[2] And
entering into a ship of Adramyttium
we launched
meaning to sail by the coasts
of Asia; one Aristarchus
a Macedonian of Thessalonica
being with us.
Adramyttium —
was a sea port of Mysia. Aristarchus and Luke went with Paul by choice
not
being ashamed of his bonds.
Verse 3
[3] And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated
Paul
and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
Julius treating Paul courteously — Perhaps he had heard him make his defence.
Verse 4
[4] And
when we had launched from thence
we sailed under Cyprus
because the winds
were contrary.
We sailed under Cyprus — Leaving it on the left hand.
Verse 7
[7] And
when we had sailed slowly many days
and scarce were come over against Cnidus
the wind not suffering us
we sailed under Crete
over against Salmone;
Cnidus —
was a cape and city of Caria.
Verse 8
[8] And
hardly passing it
came unto a place which is called The fair havens;
nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
The Fair Havens still retain the name. But
the city of Lasea is now utterly lost
together with many more of the hundred
cities for which Crete was once so renowned.
Verse 9
[9] Now
when much time was spent
and when sailing was now dangerous
because the fast
was now already past
Paul admonished them
The fast
or day of atonement
was kept on
the tenth of Tisri
that is
the 25th of September. This was to them an ill
time of sailing; not only because winter was approaching
but also because of
the sudden storms
which are still common in the Mediterranean at that time of
the year.
Paul exhorted them —
Not to leave Crete. Even in external things
faith exerts itself with the
greatest presence of mind
and readiness of advice.
Verse 10
[10] And
said unto them
Sirs
I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much
damage
not only of the lading and ship
but also of our lives.
Saying to them — To
the centurion and other officers.
Verse 11
[11]
Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship
more
than those things which were spoken by Paul.
The centurion regarded the master — And indeed it is a general rule
believe an artificer in his own art.
Yet when there is the greatest need
a real Christian will often advise even
better than him.
Verse 12
[12] And
because the haven was not commodious to winter in
the more part advised to
depart thence also
if by any means they might attain to Phenice
and there to
winter; which is an haven of Crete
and lieth toward the south west and north
west.
Which is a haven —
Having a double opening
one to the southwest
the other to the northwest.
Verse 14
[14] But
not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind
called Euroclydon.
There arose against it — The south wind; a tempestuous wind
called in those parts Euroclydon.
This was a kind of hurricane
not carrying them any one way
but tossing them
backward and forward. These furious winds are now called levanters
and blow in
all directions from the northeast to the southeast.
Verse 16
[16] And
running under a certain island which is called Clauda
we had much work to come
by the boat:
We were hardly able to get masters of the
boat — To prevent its being staved.
Verse 18
[18] And
we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest
the next day they lightened the
ship;
They lightened the ship — Casting the heavy goods into the sea.
Verse 19
[19] And
the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.
We cast out the tackling of the ship — Cutting away even those masts that were not absolutely necessary.
Verse 20
[20] And
when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared
and no small tempest lay on
us
all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
Neither sun nor stars appeared for many days — Which they could the less spare
before the compass was found out.
Verse 21
[21] But
after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them
and said
Sirs
ye
should have hearkened unto me
and not have loosed from Crete
and to have gained
this harm and loss.
This loss —
Which is before your eyes.
Verse 23
[23] For
there stood by me this night the angel of God
whose I am
and whom I serve
The God whose I am
and whom I serve — How short a compendium of religion! Yet how full! Comprehending both
faith
hope
and love.
Verse 24
[24]
Saying
Fear not
Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and
lo
God hath
given thee all them that sail with thee.
God hath given —
Paul had prayed for them. And God gave him their lives; perhaps their souls
also. And the centurion
subserving the providence of God
gave to Paul the
lives of the prisoners. How wonderfully does his providence reign in the most
contingent things! And rather will many bad men be preserved with a few good
(so it frequently happens
) than one good man perish with many bad. So it was
in this ship: so it is in the world.
Thee — At
such a time as this
there was not the same danger
which might otherwise have
been
of St. Paul's seeming to speak out of vanity
what he really spoke out of
necessity.
All the souls —
Not only all the prisoners
as Julius afterward did
Acts 27:43; ask for souls
they shall be given
thee: yea
more than thou hopest for
that sail with thee - So that Paul
in
the sight of God
was the master and pilot of the ship.
Verse 27
[27] But
when the fourteenth night was come
as we were driven up and down in Adria
about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;
The fourteenth night — Since they left Crete
Acts 27:18
19.
In the Adriatic sea — So
the ancients called all that part of the Mediterranean
which lay south of
Italy.
Verse 30
[30] And
as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship
when they had let down the
boat into the sea
under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of
the foreship
The sailors were attempting to flee out of
the ship — Supposing the boat would go more safely over
the shallows.
Verse 31
[31] Paul
said to the centurion and to the soldiers
Except these abide in the ship
ye
cannot be saved.
Unless these mariners abide in the ship — Without them ye know not how to manage her
ye cannot be saved - He does
not say we. That they would not have regarded. The soldiers were not careful
for the lives of the prisoners: nor was Paul careful for his own. We may learn
hence
to use the most proper means for security and success
even while we
depend on Divine Providence
and wait for the accomplishment of God's own
promise. He never designed any promise should encourage rational creatures to
act in an irrational manner; or to remain inactive
when he has given them
natural capacities of doing something
at least
for their own benefit. To
expect the accomplishment of any promise
without exerting these
is at best
vain and dangerous presumption
if all pretence of relying upon it be not
profane hypocrisy.
Verse 33
[33] And
while the day was coming on
Paul besought them all to take meat
saying
This
day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting
having
taken nothing.
Ye continue fasting
having taken nothing — No regular meal
through a deep sense of their extreme danger. Let us
not wonder then
if men who have a deep sense of their extreme danger of
everlasting death
for a time forget even to eat their bread
or to attend to
their worldly affairs. Much less let us censure that as madness
which may be
the beginning of true wisdom.
Verse 34
[34]
Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there
shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
This is for your preservation — That ye may be the better able to swim to shore.
Verse 36
[36] Then
were they all of good cheer
and they also took some meat.
Then they were all encouraged — By his example
as well as words.
Verse 38
[38] And
when they had eaten enough
they lightened the ship
and cast out the wheat
into the sea.
Casting out the wheat — So firmly did they now depend on what St. Paul had said.
Verse 39
[39] And
when it was day
they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek
with a shore
into the which they were minded
if it were possible
to thrust
in the ship.
They did not know the land — Which they saw near them: having a level shore.
Verse 40
[40] And
when they had taken up the anchors
they committed themselves unto the sea
and
loosed the rudder bands
and hoised up the mainsail to the wind
and made
toward shore.
Loosing the rudder bands — Their ships had frequently two rudders
one on each side. were fastened
while they let the ship drive; but were now loosened
when they had need of
them to steer her into the creek.
Verse 41
[41] And
falling into a place where two seas met
they ran the ship aground; and the
forepart stuck fast
and remained unmoveable
but the hinder part was broken
with the violence of the waves.
A place where two seas met — Probably by reason of a sand bank running parallel with the shore.
Verse 42
[42] And
the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners
lest any of them should swim
out
and escape.
The counsel —
Cruel
unjust
ungrateful.
Verse 44
[44] And
the rest
some on boards
and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came
to pass
that they escaped all safe to land.
They all escaped safe to land — And some of them doubtless received the apostle as a teacher sent from
God. These would find their deliverance from the fury of the sea
but an
earnest of an infinitely greater deliverance
and are long ere this lodged with
him in a more peaceful harbour than Malta
or than the earth could afford.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on
Acts》
Chapter 27. Meet with Storm in the Sea
The Lives of
All Aboard
God has Given to You
I. On the Way
to Testify in Rome
II. Ministry in
Chains
III. Shipwreck
Run Aground and Rescued
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》