Bible Study: September 17, 2020

Acts 27

Paul is Shipwrecked on the way to Rome

September, 2020

Our Weekly Bible Study begins with us reading the assigned scripture ahead of time and preparing our hearts for study and discussion. When we meet (virtually or in person) we first read the scripture as a group, and then take turns sharing and discussing what impacted us the most, and our general interpretation of what we read.

Making Notes as we go through Bible Study is always encouraged, as it helps to increase our understanding of what we have read, and also allows us to become more comfortable and familiar with the Bible.

To make participation easier and more memorable for our younger children, we will include a link to Storybook Bible images of the readings whenever these are available.

This week’s virtual Bible Study focused on Acts 27. After praying and reading through the chapters, we discussed the verses at length, and shared our personal views on what we had read.

Lessons in this chapter that we should apply to our own lives:

This chapter has many spiritual lessons that we can learn from. Here are a few of these:

We all have storms in our lives, but how we come out of the storm is critical. It is important that we emerge from the storm better, not bitter. We must also know who and where our anchor is. We must realize as well that even when we are in God’s will, there will be storms. We may even have shipwrecks, but these trials should strengthen our faith. The greater the calling, the greater the storm.
One righteous person can make a difference even in the most dire of situations, just as Paul’s righteousness and faith led the sailors to safety.
Sometimes storms come our way to change our perspective. Storms refine us, purify us, and solidify our faith. During a storm, we must remember to “be anxious for nothing”. (Ref. Phil. 4: 6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”).

Verse 1: The centurions were usually very credible and responsible.

Verse 3: The centurion took a liking to Paul, and permitted him to visit his friends even though he was in custody. If we are to receive the favour of others in this life, we must walk in wisdom and humility.

Verse 7: The winds are against Paul and the ship’s crew and passengers. At some point in our lives, we too will encounter winds that are contrary to our direction. It is important that we carry these scriptural lessons with us so that we are equipped to weather these storms when they occur.

Verses 9: Paul, although a mere prisoner, begins to impart wisdom and exhibit leadership.

Verse 10: When we are instructed by the Lord to wait, we must adhere. (Ref. Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”).

Verse 14: The peaceful atmosphere was deceptive, it did not last, a dangerous wind rose up immediately thereafter. We must be careful not to be deceived by “fair skies”.

Verse 18: The ship’s passengers began to throw all the unnecessary items overboard to lighten the weight on the ship. In our own lives, we must be careful not to hold on to the very thing or things that will sink us.

Verse 20: We are told that “all hope was finally given up”. Without hope, people lose the will to fight. Once hope dies, life itself often ends not long thereafter. As long as there is hope, people will fight to save themselves, especially in the face of impending death.

Verse 21: Paul informs the men on board that they should have listened to his warnings (early in the voyage) about the unsafe weather conditions. He immediately begins to offer them the hope brought to him by the Holy Spirit.

Verse 23-26: Paul reveals the source of his confidence to the men on board: he declares that he belongs to the Lord. He also makes a strong, unwavering declaration: “I believe God”. This is an important declaration for every believer to make in times of trial; it reaffirms our faith, and makes it clear that our help comes from the Lord. Paul knew that God had ordained a plan, and he also knew that he had to carefully follow that plan if they were to survive.

Verse 35: Paul publicly gives thanks for the food he is about to eat, despite the dangerous situation he was in.

Verse 36: One man’s attitude changed everyone’s outlook. Paul’s faith and positivism changed the entire situation, and 276 persons on the ship had a change of attitude all because of his leadership.

As you read through this week’s Bible passage, ask yourself:

What are MY thoughts on what I am reading?

How can I apply this to MY life?

Blessings!