A Bible Study Guide for Acts 27 is a good place to start if you want to learn about the story of Paul’s first missionary journey. You’ll be able to read about Paul’s travels, as well as learn about what happened during the time of the shipwreck.
Acts 27:1-12 – Paul Sails for Rome
It is late autumn and the Mediterranean is a treacherous place to be sailing. The winds are blowing strong, and a storm is on its way. Paul is under the guard of Julius the centurion.
Julius is one of the chief captains of Agrippa’s court. He is a good man. His soldiers trusted Paul and his counsel. However, he knew Paul’s case.
Julius arranged for his men to keep watch over Paul. Several times during the voyage, the ship would go adrift. This caused Paul to become worried.
Paul prayed for his own safety and that of the others. He also warned the centurion and the soldiers about false sailors.
When the storm finally struck, the mariners thought they were near land. They lowered their aft anchors to avoid rocks. In the meantime, the rest of the prisoners started jumping onto different parts of the ship. These jumpers were most likely condemned criminals that were being sent to Rome.
Luckily, all of the prisoners reached land safely. However, if the crew had abandoned the ship, the passengers would have perished. Thankfully, Paul and the other faithful servants of God were safe in the hands of their Lord.
Throughout the voyage, Paul and Luke provide helpful advice. Although it is not based on the gift of prophecy, it is a valuable reminder to the believers.
Acts 27:13-26 – The Storm
The storm on the seas is a terrifying thing to witness. It is also an opportunity for spiritual growth and development. In the case of Paul, it offered a chance to see God’s hand at work.
Paul was in a ship on a journey to Rome. He knew he was in for a rough ride. But the best part was that he was not alone. There were at least 275 men aboard the ship. They had been working and fasting for fourteen days.
When the storm started, crew members began tossing their spare gear overboard. Some feared they would be cast onto the Syrtis Sands. Others hoped to stay afloat long enough to reach a haven. Those who could swim were urged to jump first.
However, most of the crew had already lost hope when the sea started churning. The waves crashing hard over them were not just frightening, they were dangerous. And most of the sailors were seasick.
The ship was undergirded with cables to help strengthen it. The captain was probably in chains in the hold.
During the storm, an angel visited the ship and gave them a message. Fortunately, the message was a good one. Not only did the angel save Paul, but it also saved all of his company.
Acts 27:27-44 – The Shipwreck
The Shipwreck of Acts 27:27-44 – This chapter provides a dramatic account of a shipwreck. It describes the storm, the passage through the sea, the voyage to Rome, and the sailors’ response.
In addition, it gives an overview of the Apostle Paul’s voyage. Among the crew were Aristarchus the Macedonian and Luke. He helped with the throwing of tackles.
During the first two weeks of the trip, centurion treated Paul well. But after the second week, he changed his attitude. When he saw the apostle was in trouble, he was willing to save him. His change of heart gave the soldiers the chance to avoid killing the prisoners.
On their journey, Paul had been receiving prophetic warnings from various leaders. God had told him to go to Jerusalem. Jesus also told him to testify in Rome.
On their way, the ship was hit by a typhoon. During the storm, the crew of the ship feared they were going to be stranded on rough shores. They sounded for land when the wind shifted, but there was no sign of it.
As the storm worsened, the ship began to take on water. A lifeboat was lowered. Soldiers then cut the ropes, and the boat fell overboard. However, the rest of the crew managed to get out safely.
