Paul’s visit to Rome in chains: (Acts 27):
Paul’s visit to Rome is covered in his 4-Fourth Missionary journey starting from Caesarea. His travel map is shown in Red colour.
After spending roughly two years in Caesarea’s prison Paul requests the Roman Governor Festus in 60 A.D. send him to Rome to have the case against him heard by Caesar. Festus obliges Paul and soon a Roman soldier named Julius of Sidon is charged with taking him to the empire’s capital. And Julius treated Paul kindly, allowing him to go to his friends to refresh himself. (Acts 27).
The first part of Paul’s journey to Rome is somewhat uneventful. After boarding another ship in Myra bound for Italy, however, the trip begins to take a turn for the worse. The ship leaves Myra in Lycia with 276 total people aboard her (Acts 27:37). Since strong winds forbid the vessel from sailing in a westerly direction, directly toward Italy, it sails South toward the shelter of the island of Crete. “So we sailed down the sheltered side of the island of Crete, passing by Cape Salmone. We kept close to the coast and with great difficulty came to a place called Safe Harbors (called ‘Fair Havens’ in other translations), not far from the town of Lasea. (Acts 27:7-8)
The ship docks for a short period in Fair Havens until it is after the holy day known as the Day of Atonement (‘the annual fast day’), which fell in 60 A.D. on September 24th.
The optimal period for navigating the Mediterranean Sea was, in the first century, from April to October. Because of the winds, stormy weather and inability to see either the sun or moon for long periods, most ships that plied the sea docked for the winter. Paul, sensing that those operating the ship wanted to continue the voyage during a notoriously dangerous time of the year, warns them not to leave port (Acts 27:9-10). His warnings go unheeded and the ship leaves port, hoping to reach the far western side of Crete and the harbour of Phoenix. Paul’s ship never makes it to Phoenix. Strong winds and a stormy sea out of the North and North-East blow the vessel away from Crete. Unable to control the ship, they have allowed to go wherever the wind takes her. “Since it was impossible to keep the ship headed into the wind, we gave up trying and let it be carried along by the wind. (Acts 27:15)
It is only after wandering the sea aimlessly for two weeks that the ship finally runs aground near the island of Malta. The vessel is very soon abandoned. All those on the ship make it safely to the island, in fulfilment of what God told Paul (Acts 27:22-25).
- A few questions to answer before we move to next chapter:
- In what way can we bear the weaknesses of brethren in our church?
- Paul portrays Christ as the perfect model for every Christian. How are we imitating Christ? (15:7)
- As believers, are we enjoying God’s special provision of His blessings? (15:8-13).
- Is Evangelism is only for priests or pastors? If not how are we involved in the evangelism? (15:16).
- Are we obligated to pray and financially support our pastors and Evangelists, cross-cultural missionaries ? (15:17-33)