Title: To Italy by Boat/Acts 27
The apostle Paul, captured by Jesus Christ, left Jerusalem, stayed in Caesarea, and eventually sailed to Italy, that is, Rome. After meeting the Lord, the apostle Paul's movements were entirely according to the Lord's instructions.
1 “It was decided that we would go to Italy in our boat” (1-5)
Paul's journey to Rome was decided. The plan of work lies with man, but the final decision of work rests with God. Although the prisoner was on a boat to Rome with the other prisoners, his trip to Rome was decided. God's work is not necessarily done in a way that is respected and welcomed. In most cases, this is done in a way of being ignored and rejected. Paul went to Rome as a prisoner.
But nevertheless, God's helping hand of comfort is always with us. Aristarchus, one of the Thessalonian church members whom Paul eagerly wanted to see, boarded the boat together as Paul's co-workers and comforters. The centurion Julius was kind to Paul. Wherever they went, they could be treated by their friends, that is, the saints. God not only gives us difficult circumstances, but also stretches out a hand of comfort and help.
2 “The boat was slow, and after many days I managed to come to the opposite side of you” (6-21).
Paul's journey to Rome was not smooth. "Barely" (7,8,9) continued the voyage. The route was "dangerous" (9). A "frenzy" called Yuragulo arose (14). He struggled hard with "storms" (18). For many days the sun and stars were not seen and the "great storm" continued (20). In the end, all hopes of living disappeared (20). The path of the apostle Paul, who followed the Lord's instructions, was very difficult. It may be because they followed the wrong people(11), or it may be because the course of following the Lord itself is difficult. Jesus' disciples also got on the boat and went ahead according to Jesus' instructions, but there was a time when they suffered from a storm (Matt. That is why the Apostle Paul exhorted, "You must go through many tribulations to enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).
3 “Now rest in peace, an angel of God stood by me last night and said,” (22-44)
God shines a light of hope in the dark night. God stretches out the hand of salvation in the moment of crisis when the hope to live is cut off. God comes close to us in moments of fear and despair, comforting us, and showing us that He is with us. And you give me a new mission. “Do not be afraid, Paul, for you must stand before Caesar” (24). Just as he came to Elijah and Peter who were in failure and frustration and gave them a new mission, he came to Paul and gave him a new mission. And he put the lives of all who were on the boat into Paul's hands. The prisoner Paul now stood up proudly, leading everyone and testifying to God. “Therefore, be at ease, everyone, I believe in God, that it will be just as he said to me” (25). A man of God who walks through the world after being caught by Jesus, even if he becomes a prisoner or suffers extreme tribulation, he walks proudly and dominates the world. “Even if you cross the Taishan and go into a rough valley, if you walk into the light” (Chapter 502).