39 Now when day came, they [t]could not recognize the land; but they did notice a bay with a beach, and they resolved to run the ship onto it if they could. 40 And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while at the same time they were loosening the ropes of the rudders; and they hoisted the foresail to the wind and were heading for the beach. 41 But they struck a [u]reef where two seas met and ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck firmly and remained immovable, while the stern started to break up due to the force of the waves. 

42 The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim away and escape; 43 but the centurion, wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from accomplishing their intention, and commanded that those who could swim were to [v]jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest were to follow, some on planks, and others on various things from the ship. And so it happened that they all were brought safely to land.

Acts 27:39-44 (NASB) 中文

Journey to Rome

Paul’s long, God-ordained, trial of 2+ years is over. What started in Jerusalem with the Jewish leaders accusing Paul of religious crimes moved to Caesarea where he stood before various Roman governors and finally King Agrippa. He is now on the way to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. The crew didn’t listen to his advice about staying in Fair Havens for the winter. After Paul encouraged them to trust God by example, they’re now fulfilling the prophecy. 

Crash landing – as promised

In Acts 27:10, Luke records that Paul recommended they not proceed. He said they’d suffer loss. Then in Acts 27:23-24, Paul speaks of an angel’s prophecy of rescue so Paul could stand trial in Rome. In today’s passage, we read what happened – in great detail by Dr. Luke. Despite the crew’s best efforts to beach the boat, it hit a reef, got stuck and began to break apart. So, just as Paul foretold, they all made it to land. Not a soul was lost – only the ship.

Death averted – again

The soldiers planned to kill all the prisoners lest any escape. As mentioned before, “According to the Roman law, if a prisoner escaped, the jailer who had him in charge was compelled to suffer the penalty which was to have been inflicted on the prisoner.” (bibletruthpublishers.com) Paul was included. But, the Roman centurion stopped the plot in order to fulfill his duty to bring Paul to Rome. To a greater extent, this was his God-appointed duty. God’s plans will not be thwarted – even the suffering of saints!

RЯeflection

• There’s a powerful message here for followers of Christ. 2 Cor 1:5 says that, “For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” And God has appointed us to certain suffering…for many purposes. And these will come to pass – as they are and will be for Paul.