Acts 49. Acts 27:1-28:10

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1. Briefly summarize what happened on the voyage to Rome (see 27:1–28:16). 
  •  Paul was placed in the care of a centurion and put on a ship
  • The ship sailed on the Mediterranean
  • It was caught up in a storm and was on the brink of capsizing.for 2 weeks
  • Paul took control of and dealt with the situation.
  • The vessel ran around in Malta with everyone safe
  • Paul gained honour because he survived a snake bite, then healed the father of the chief Roman official there. He stayed in Malta 3 months

 Doing God’s will doesn’t mean we have a smooth journey 

 
2. What did Paul say and do during the trip to Rome? 
27:9-10  He warned the centurioi not to proceed with the voyage: “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.”
27:21-26 He encouraged the men with God's promise. “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, 24 and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on some island.”
27:30-32  He kept the sailors on the shop. “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.”
27:33-36 He encouraged eveybody to eat, again referring to God's promise. "Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.”  He took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. Role modelling. 
28:1-6 He shook off a snake
28:7-10  he healed Publius' father and other sick people on the island
 
For Thought and Discussion: a. How could Paul, a prisoner, take it upon himself to advise the ship’s captain and the centurion, encourage and exhort the crew and passengers, and so on? b. How is Paul’s role in the storm and wreck an example for us? 
Natural leadership and a sense of responsibility 
Placement and guidance from God. He was certain.
A desire to glorify and testify to Christ in all circumstances 
 
Leadership involved clear leadership and good relationship.

 
For Thought and Discussion: What do you think the angel meant by saying that God had graciously given Paul the lives of his fellow passengers (see 27:24)? 
 "You must stand before Caesar" echoes 23:11 " you must testify also in Rome.”
God can work in the lives of unbelievers in response to our prayers, not necessarily to save them.
This was a 'bonus'  from God.
 
What does this show that Paul had been doing? 
 Praying for their physical safety
 
Optional Application: How can you imitate Paul’s attitude toward danger, stress, and hardship?
Calm assurance
Closeness to God
Testimony to unbelievers
Powerful prayer

Leadership was encouraging, certain, by example.



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