“All hope of being saved was at last abandoned.” Acts 27:20 

Footsteps #391. So, why was Luke so comprehensive and specific about Paul’s boat trip to Rome in AD 61? 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: After emerging from his 3-year study in Arabia, 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 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 and it is that epistle sent in advance, that so clearly outlines the most significant truth in the New Testament. 

Consider the story (Acts 27.) 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-work in vs13 – 17 where they do everything possible to “secure the boat” and bring it to safety. Then they throw the cargo overboard (v19) and “cast out with their own hands” the tackle. Finally, “all hope of being saved was lost and abandoned.” 

We cannot save ourselves! But if you are righteous, the text says “he that is righteous, let him be righteous still.” Of course, you know 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 hope (v:21-26)! They cast out the four anchors and prayed! We too have four anchors for the storm: Prayer, the word of God, 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 that, they were all encouraged and took bread themselves. Like Paul, we dispense the bread of life to a dying world. 

Amazingly they have another go at self-salvation, contrary to Paul’s word, (v40) with disastrous results. (v41-42).  However, all were saved by grace in the end by following the words of Paul (v43-44) and all reached the shore. What seems to be tongue in Cheek, Luke names the next boat they got on; The Castor & Pollux, which were the twin sons of Zeus – gods of sea travel. They had already been saved by the one true God. 

After the storm comes salvation, then comes a picture illustration of the new earth, where sickness and diseases are healed.