The Gospel in Paul’s Journey to Rome.

Stories in the Bible are not just superficial entertainment, they often carry great significance.  In fact every story included in the Biblical record has a purpose. In each story of prophet, priest or king, under every rock and in every corner of scripture we find the gospel and the story of Jesus in some way illustrated.

The stories of Daniel serve as keys to unlocking the prophecies. Jesus miracles illustrated his sermons e.g. He heals a blind man then declares that he is the light of the world. He feeds the multitudes and then declares Himself to be the bread of life. He raises a dead man and follows it with a sermon on how He is the resurrection and the life.

So then, why was Luke so comprehensive and specific about Paul’s boat trip to Rome in AD 63? Apart from the fact that the story is peppered with the pronoun ‘we’ which indicates Luke was an eye witness to the account, there is a much larger picture. And it is this: Paul had spent almost thirty years proclaiming the message of Justification by Faith alone, without the works of the law, throughout the Empire. The book of Acts though wrongly called “The Acts of the Apostles” in our English versions (because it is really the Acts of the Holy Spirit,) primarily deals with the conversion and subsequent life of Paul. How fitting then that it concludes with a story that illustrates the message of justification by faith. He was on his way to Rome. He had written to them in AD 58 in preparation for his visit, and it is that epistle that so clearly outlines the most significant truth in the New Testament. This chapter in Acts 27 is an acted out illustration of the great truth of Justification by faith alone without works of the law.

Consider the story. They set sail for Italy with Julius and his Augustan cohort. The journey was difficult and ill-advised. Then comes the storm where they manifestly try to save themselves and it is only when they follow what God says that all aboard are saved. Notice the salvation by self-works in verse 13 – 17 where they do everything possible to “secure the boat” and bring it to safety. Read those verses and you will see works, works, works and more effort. Then they throw the cargo overboard (v:19) and “cast out with their own hands” the tackle. Finally “all hope of being saved was lost and abandoned.” Works without result brings despair.

If you can save yourself then go and do it! If you are righteous, the text says “he that is righteous, let him be righteous still.” I say that in sarcasm as you perceive, because you cannot save yourself, nor are you righteous; but if you think so, go your way and try it- vainly try it, for surely when you have fanned your best works into a flame and walked by the light of the sparks of the fire that you have kindled, you shall lie down in sorrow and be astonished that you were ever so mad as to dream of self-salvation or justification by your own works!

At this point in the story Paul has a message of salvation! (v:21-26). They cast out the four anchors and prayed! We have four anchors for the storms of life: Prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and worship. Notice how Paul (and his message) is now the dominating personality in the storm. Notice Paul’s courageous example with the bread of life in v35. From this they were all encouraged and took bread themselves. Like Paul we dispense the bread of life to a dying world. We have the message of hope.

Amazingly they have another go at self-salvation, contrary to Paul’s word, (V:40) with disastrous results. (V:41 and 42). As in the story, attempts at self-salvation will only run you onto the rocks.   However, all were saved by grace in the end by following the words of Paul (V:43-44) and all reached the shore.

After the storm and when they were all saved, there comes a picture illustration of the new earth, where there is no sickness and disease on the island, for all were healed of their malady’s. (28:7-10).

The gospel in a voyage – bon voyage to you too!