Acts 27:27-32
27 But when the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to suspect that they were approaching some land.
28 And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found it to be fifteen fathoms.
29 Fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and prayed for daybreak.
30 But as the sailors were trying to escape from the ship and had let down the ship’s boat into the sea, on the pretense that they were going to lay out anchors from the bow,
31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain on the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.”
32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it fall away.
Sailors Attempt to Escape (2)
Paul’s warning
The sailors plotted to save themselves by escaping in the small boat. Pretending to lower anchors from the bow, they were actually lowering the small boat into the sea. With sharp discernment, Paul saw through their scheme and raised his voice. Behind this, there was a fierce spiritual battle (a conflict between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness). “Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain on the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.” Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it fall away.” (1) Paul warned the centurion and the soldiers. (a) The sailors were experts in navigating the ship. Without them, the ship would be like a body without hands and feet. (b) God had promised that everyone would be saved, but the sailors’ skills were essential to preserving the lives of the passengers. (c) If the sailors abandoned the ship, it would be left in an extremely dangerous state. (2) This time, the centurion listened to Paul’s advice. Previously, he had ignored Paul’s warning and had faced great hardship as a result. (3) The soldiers cut the ropes of the small boat to prevent the sailors from escaping. This action was carried out under the centurion’s orders. The small boat, now detached, drifted away into the sea. This boat, which could have been useful for landing later, was now lost. As a result, the crew will have to swim to shore.
God’s promise and Satan’s attack
As previously mentioned, “Behind this, there was a fierce spiritual battle.” Let us examine its meaning: (1) The sailors’ attempt to escape in the small boat was actually part of Satan’s scheme to destroy Paul and the crew. (2) Paul’s ability to see through the sailors’ plan was evidence of God’s help. (3) The centurion, following Paul’s advice, ordered the soldiers to cut the small boat loose. God’s power is stronger than Satan’s power. The fulfillment of God’s promises happens through a harmony of human effort and divine intervention. In difficult situations, let’s consider what we can do. Let’s pray for the harmony of human effort and divine intervention.
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, in the midst of difficulties, I will remember Your promises. Please give me wisdom to make the right decisions. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.