Bible Studies in the Life of Paul / Historical and Constructive

Author:Henry T. Sell [Sell, Henry T. (Henry Thorne)]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-02-21T16:00:00+00:00

THE VOYAGE TO ROME

Scripture, Acts 21:1-28:31

Paul now begins his long delayed trip to Rome not, however, as he expected a free man, but as a prisoner. He comes finally to Rome and there testifies of his faith in Christ. His native force of character and Christian graces bring him to the front upon this voyage and in the time of shipwreck he takes over the command.

Three ships convey him to Rome, one of which is cast away on the island of Melita; if we follow the fortunes of these three ships this section of Acts may be divided into three parts:

Cæsarea to Myra (a city of Lycia) or the fortunes of Paul upon the first ship (Acts 27:1-5). Aristarchus and Luke were the companions who embarked with the Great Apostle upon a ship of Adramyttium. Paul was in charge of Julius, "a centurion of Augustus's band." The first stop was at Sidon where Paul was given "liberty to go unto his friends and refresh himself." The ship then sailed for the city of Myra in Lycia passing to the east and north of the island of Cyprus.

Myra to the Island of Melita, or the fortunes of Paul upon the second ship (27:6-28:10). Arrived at the city of Myra the whole company changed ships, re-embarking in a large ship which was probably engaged in the grain carrying trade between Alexandria in Egypt and Rome. This portion of the voyage was full of difficulties from the beginning. From Myra to Cnidus (a peninsula which projected from the Carian coast having Cos on the north and Rhodes on the south) the progress against baffling winds was slow. The first stop was made at Fair Havens, a place upon the southern coast of Crete (the modern Candia). It was here that Paul foretold the serious danger to the ship if the voyage should be continued. But the centurion taking the advice of the master and owner of the ship, and because the harbour "was not commodious to winter in," determined to make an attempt to reach Phenice (a harbour west of Crete and upon the same side of the island). The adventures that befell the ship's company, and, the misfortune that came to the ship, in the terrible fourteen days that followed after the departure from Fair Havens are best understood through the graphic language of Luke, an eye witness (Acts 27:14-44 should be read carefully in this connection). It is in this time of trial that Paul steps forth and shows his mastery over men. Comforted himself by "the angel of God" he comforts others in declaring that no harm shall come to the lives of those in the ship. In the midst of this great storm he alone is calm and able to insist that his companions keep up their courage and strength, and not to give away to despair. The island of Melita (the modern Malta), where the shipwreck took place, lies directly south of Sicily. The place where the Great Apostle was cast ashore is now known as St.

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