BULLETIN ARTICLE – 2 December 2018
Acts 27 records Apostle Paul’s journey to Rome to defend himself in front of Caesar. In the two years just before this period, Paul had appeared before three different Roman leaders: Governors Felix and Festus and King Agrippa. They were all not able to ascertain all the unsubstantiated accusations made by the Jewish religious leaders from Jerusalem. Paul ended up being continually confined in the Caesarean prison as the Roman officials feared the Jewish religious leaders’ reactions if he was released. Hence, in his wisdom, Paul being a Roman citizen, made the decision to appeal his case to Caesar in Rome. This not only ended his confinement in Caesarea, it also distanced himself from the Jewish religious leaders who were bent on having him killed should he be brought from Caesarea to Jerusalem for trial.
Here we can once again learn from Paul’s perseverance and steadfastness in his faith. Countless persecutions and seemingly meaningless waiting in Caesarea’s prison did not stumble his faith or frustrate him. His faith was based on the sure assurance of what God had promised and fulfilled in his life. What is our faith based on? How may we better perceive God’s word so that we can also be steadfast – “stand firm. Let nothing move you” (1 Corinthians 15:58) – and give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord?
The story of Paul sailing to Rome describes how he was sent to Rome as a prisoner with Dr Luke and Aristarchus joining him on the long and uncomfortable voyage. His two companions were most likely going under the position of a physician and physician’s servant, since it was typically unlikely that prisoners had such privilege. God demonstrated his grace in providing fellow brothers to journey with Paul during this trying time. Would we also go all the way out to support our brothers and sisters in the tough periods of their faith walk? Will we give up our material comforts, our time and conveniences to journey and encourage each other? We should if we are steadfast in our faith in Jesus.
The passage goes on to describe in detail the long journey and multiple transfers the ship had to make. This was especially challenging as they were travelling after the Day of Atonement during the October period where sea voyages in that area were considered dangerous. Indeed, not long after their journey started, sailing became very risky and Paul warned the crew of potential loss and damage to their lives and cargo should they continue their journey. Unfortunately, the crew did not take heed to Paul’s warning and followed the ship pilot’s advice of continuing the journey instead as staying at the nearest harbour as the harbour was not very comfortable residence in winter. It was understandable that Paul’s words as a prisoner did not hold as much weight as the ship’s pilot and owner. However, a lesson we learn retrospectively is perhaps one of wisdom and humility. Do we only listen to those we prefer to hear or what we like to hear? Or do we humbly assess fairly independently of status? Let us always be encouraged in the word of God and be compelled to have a faith so sure and steadfast in God.
