Paul traveled much for the sake of the gospel: to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1) and to Rome (Acts 27:1). On the voyage to Rome, the ship stopped at Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea. It was not a good place to winter, but the crew wanted to move on and did not listen to Paul, who urged them not to sail (Acts 27:8-12). Soon after, a violent storm struck the ship off Crete (Acts 27:14).
Paul suffered much in his ministry journeys (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Who runs this journey? The called, chosen, and faithful (Revelation 17:14).
We are called into a journey of faith. The ship is a picture of that faith.
HOW DO WE REMAIN IN THIS JOURNEY?
Grow from Strength to Strength
We must go from strength to strength (Psalm 84:5, 7). God is calling us to a glorious city: Zion, the New Jerusalem.Walk in the Way of Holiness
The way to heaven is a holy way, and the unclean do not travel on it (Isaiah 35:8-9). The gates are opened for the righteous to enter (Isaiah 26:2). The unrighteous die grievous deaths (Jeremiah 16:4).Trust God Alone
Do not put your trust in any person, whoever they are (Psalm 146:3). Trust God alone on this journey (Psalm 118:8-9).Beware of Liars and the Unrighteous
The ship came to Crete. Paul quotes a saying that Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons (Titus 1:12).
Liars: God will cut off every flattering tongue (Psalm 12:3). Many love lies more than righteousness (Psalm 52:3). The wicked ask, "What will God do?" (Psalm 12:4).
Wild beasts: Wild natures will attack us (Leviticus 26:22-24). Trusting God protects us from them.
Slow bellies: These are lazy people (Proverbs 6:9-11).
Protect Your Spiritual Blessings
Avoid such company. In the storm, the crew threw their cargo overboard (Acts 27:18-19). Do not lose the possessions and blessings of your life of faith.Protect Your Faith
The ship was wrecked. Fight the good fight of faith, and do not let your faith be shipwrecked (1 Timothy 1:18-20). Say with Job, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).
When the south wind blew softly and they thought all was calm, a mighty wind struck the ship (Acts 27:13-14). Let nothing destroy our faith.
Let us desire the wisdom of God (Proverbs 4:1-5).
Maranatha. Praise God, and Amen.
