Acts 27:1-44

A Series of Maritime Stages and Examples of Prophecy (Acts 27:10; Acts 27:21) On The Way To Rome (27.l-26).

This series of ‘maritime stages' on a voyage parallels that in Acts 21:1. That one led up to Jerusalem. This one takes Paul away from Jerusalem towards Rome. In both passages God's active presence in what is happening is emphasised by the acts of prophecy which occur.

Again the detail is given of the detailed stages of the journey. This was partly because the writer was with them on it, but the paralleling suggests that in each case there is also the purpose of introducing into the narrative the idea of a slow and inexorable progression towards the fulfilment of God's purpose. They (and his readers) have much time in which to consider their future before arrival at Rome.

In the parallel this journeying was interrupted by the gathering of the Ephesian elders at Miletus in order to consider the trials and troubles ahead for the church. Here it is interrupted by a storm and by shipwreck which almost sweep all away. Spiritual parallels are clearly intended to be drawn.

There is thus in this chapter a picture of the church. It commences with making fairly smooth headway, it then runs into storms, and it ends with those involved enduring to the end and being saved by the grace of God. This would also be the future of the church in Ephesus (Acts 20:17; compare Revelation 2:1) and of all churches. It is with much tribulation that we will enter the Kingly Rule of God (Acts 14:22).

There is also a message concerning Paul. The way ahead may at first seem smooth, but ahead lay storms. However, God is with him. Even when things seem hopeless God will deliver him and bring him safely through.

But finally, and most importantly in the context of the book, is that in this storm was to be seen the attempt of Satan to prevent Paul reaching Rome. He had at last caught on to the fact that God had outmanoeuvred him, and he tries to destroy Paul (compare Job 1:19). But he was too late. And his failure is symbolised in the snake which attaches itself to Paul and is cast into the fire without harming him (Acts 28:3). Luke's readers would recognise the connection.

The Maritime Stages (Acts 27:1).