Today’s passage: Acts 27:1-44
Helpful thoughts:
- The use of “we” in verse 1 refers to the inclusion of Luke. Luke would have stayed close by in Caesarea but not imprisoned with Paul. Luke’s expertise as a medical doctor allowed and gave him great added reason to accompany Paul.
- Verse 10 is Paul’s perception (What he thinks will happen). Verse 22 is a message delivered by an angel from the Lord.
- Their survival was necessary for Paul to take the gospel to Caesar.
- Paul the prisoner became Paul the leader by God’s providence. By God’s providence, every single person aboard the ship survived.
Questions to consider:
- How was the response of these Romans similar to that of the men aboard the ship with the reluctant prophet Jonah? How do men often act toward God when they are in grave danger? What does this reveal about man’s hearts and our knowledge/awareness of God?
- How did God use Luke’s trade for His glory? How has God used your skills for the kingdom? How could God use your abilities and expertise now or in the future for the benefit of others even beyond the company you might work for?
- Ultimately, why did all these men survive? Why wasn’t God ready to have Paul go home to Heaven yet? What about Luke? What things did God have for them (and others) to do?