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. 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. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, ‘Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.’ Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.”
Acts 27:21-26
Crete
Avoiding Shipwreck
The following thoughts are not original with me. I heard it from another preacher, teacher, and apply my own thoughts and words to it; with the exception of the verses of Scripture.
Avoiding tragedy is not always possible, but if we would keep our eyes open, and our ears attentive we could see the way God is working, and hear His words of warning.
If we, like the men on board, the captain of the ship as well as the crew, with Paul ignore the warning, we have put ourselves in great danger. The danger these had gotten into was life threatening to all on board the ship. Paul was on his way to stand trial in Rome, and he was going there by ship through the Med.
There are some great spiritual, as well as practical truths we can learn from these verses in chapter 27, and the journey by ship through the Med Sea.
“Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, 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. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. 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. And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.” Acts 27:9-14 (KJV)
From verse 9 we can learn that there is danger in being impatient. Impatience can definitely endanger life. As Christians it shows a lack of trust and unbelief in God’s providence, and His knowing what is best for His children.
See Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:31
Secondly we can learn that not all expert advice is godly or right (Acts 27:11). The “Expert” may know the natural, but not the supernatural power of God. The centurion was being a good soldier, and trusted the ship master and the owner, but did not believe the servant of God. Check out 1 Corinthians 1:20-21. Many an expert has been wrong. God is never wrong. See Luke 5:3-6.
Third, the places we may see of no comfort, may be a place of refuge (v. 12). Comfort may be a peril of its own. We Christians, especially in the U. S. of A. are addicted to our comforts. Comforts can draw us away from our faith which must be continually growing. Killing our peace of heart and mind. We must learn to be content with however God blesses us. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10.
Fourth, following majority opinion may not be the direction God would have us take (v. 12). Sometimes, if there is even one who is in disagreement; that one individual may be the one who is being led by the Spirit of God. To make life changing decisions, even life saving decisions, and for growth, there should be “All in one accord” within the body of Christ (Acts 2:1).
Fifth, favorable circumstances may be a sign of worse to come (v. 13). Such times are times to be aware, and alert to other possibilities. There are times to remain where we are; to stay put and not weigh anchor. We must learn that judging by circumstances; whether good or bad can be disastrous. Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-10.
Sixth, the surest way to avoid shipwreck (v. 10). Listen to God’s word, from God’s messenger. Pay attention to the signs. Delays in schedule. Some of these may be “Closed doors”. Remember that God knows what is best.
Though the ship master and owner did not listen to Paul, God’s servant, they made it to safety by the grace and providence of Almighty God. The ship wrecked, but all were saved alive, by following the direction the apostle Paul gave through the Spirit of God (vv. 31, 43, 44). Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Day 85 – Pastors, Brethren, and Priests
My reading today was Titus 1 through Hebrews 6. A wonderful reading. I read of Titus a faithful Christian pastor on the Isle of Crete (1:5), and his ministry to the people. Paul’s call to Titus for the appointing of “Elders” which is another word for “Pastors”. Titus is the third and final “Pastoral Epistle”
You can see that the words “Elder” and “Bishop” are similar; because of how Paul uses them in verses five and seven. Paul addresses several issues for Titus; and warns him of several thins such as “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth” (1:14).
“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.” Titus 2:1-6 (KJV)
Sound doctrine is of much importance for the pastor of a Christian congregation. Yet, in 2012 there are some who are more in favor of staying away from Biblical and Christian doctrine. For fear of offense or offending others and driving them away from the “faith”. People need Christ. If we present not the cross of Christ and the correct doctrine of the cross no one will be saved, but will temporarily feel better, maybe.
Christian conduct in this world is given by Paul in chapter three; and he stresses the grace and mercy of God,
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
Philemon, a small letter written by Paul while he is imprisoned for the faith of Christ; is written to this man for Onesimus who was a slave of Philemon. He had evidently left Philemon without consent, maybe even taking some thing or things that did not belong to himself. Onesimus became a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Onesimus has desire to make things right with Philemon, but fears for his life. Philemon is a brother in Christ, now Onesimus is a brother in Christ, and the apostle exhorts Philemon to receive him as a brother. I believe Philemon received Onesimus as a brother, and probably freed him. I can see him grabbing Onesimus when he reads this letter and hugging his neck; forgiveness flowing from the heart of his brother.
“For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.” Philemon 15-17 (KJV)
The letter addressed to the Hebrew Christians is one dealing with the Deity and Priesthood of Christ Jesus. The Hebrews were familiar with the issue of angels, Moses, and Melchizedek (Genesis 14:17-20; Psalm 110). The writer of Hebrews points out that Jesus is greater than angels, Moses and is a priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:20)
Because of the work of Jesus Christ on the cross we have the power and authority to approach the very throne of God. Hear the Word of God,
“Seeing then that we have a Great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 (KJV)
Jesus is the Christ, Son of the Living God; crucified, buried, and bodily raised from the grave; ascended into Heaven, seated at the Father’s right hand, and is coming again to set things right forever.
Blessed be the name of the LORD.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 