Monthly Archives: May 2026

ACTS THE SEQUEL…THE STORM – 62

Bible Study, ,

ACTS THE SEQUEL…THE STORM – 62

“When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us….Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship….When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭27‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭9‬-‭11‬, ‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…And so began the long voyage to Rome. Everything depended on the wind since sailing was the method ancient sailors were compelled to use. There were no diesel engines that could propel the boat regardless of the weather. 

Unfortunately, this voyage was due to be undertaken during the change of seasons, when the winds were uncertain and stormy seas were the norm on the Mediterranean Sea during the winter. Paul warned d about impending danger…but what did he know? He was only a passenger. 

So, when the winds were favourable and the weather deceptively calm, the captain, on the advice of the centurion in charge of the prisoners, decided to set sail but…it was not long before the vessel ran into trouble. A violent storm blew up, the winds so strong that the boat was in danger of being blown apart. 

“Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭27‬:‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The sailors were helpless, simply allowing the wind to blow the boat along. They did their best to secure the ship but they were at the mercy of the storm. 

“We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭27‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Well! So much for the hope of reaching Rome! It seems that Paul’s destiny and those of all the souls on this ship was the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea…except, of course, that Paul had God’s promise. He was going to Rome…and that settled it. 

In all this pandemonium, Paul was missing. Where was he when everyone else was trying to save the ship? 

Paul was somewhere else…waiting…listening for the Lord’s instructions. He needed more than a miracle at this time. He needed a word from the Lord. As at other times of crisis, it was God’s promise that steadied him. Dotted along this tortuous journey were those moments when the Lord Himself appeared to him with words of encouragement and promise. 

We can take a leaf out of Paul’s book. How much more secure is God’s promise in times of trouble than our pleas for a miracle. Yes God does miracles but…His word carries us in times and seasons when there is no miracle or when the miracle we desire is delayed because God works to His own timetable. 

So, instead of anguish and despair, why not wait for a word from the Lord? God’s promise is the most reliable rock to stand on when your world is shaking. 

Paul’s quiet reassurance in the midst of the chaos set the course for hope and direction. Some, as usual, refused to take Paul seriously. They tried their own method of self-preservation…steal the lifeboat and try to save themselves. They were not prepared to trust the word of a mere passenger. 

“In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭27‬:‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul intervened smartly to nip their escape in the bud. That stopped their clandestine plan…Paul’s ringing authority cut them short. 

“Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭27‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

After a hurried meal to give them strength, they ditched the rest of the cargo and waited for the inevitable. Then…land! They saw land! A new danger arose…shipwreck on the rocks. Finally, the boat crashed on a sandbar and broke apart. Gone was their hope of weathering the storm. They were now at the mercy of the sea. 

“When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭27‬:‭39‬-‭44‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Thank God for Julius! Roman centurion though he was, he also had a kind heart. He was well disposed towards Paul, showing him favour and saving his life in this time of crisis. 

Against all odds, exactly as Paul had promised, everyone aboard the ship was accounted for…not a single one missing! Wet…cold…and thoroughly shaken by the ordeal, they struggled ashore to look for help. Just imagine…276 shipwrecked foreigners…intruders…arriving on a foreign island…wet, cold, hungry…and unpredictable! What would happen next?

To be continued

ACTS THE SEQUEL…FESTUS AND AGRIPPA – 61

Bible Study, ,

“A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner…But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.” Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭13‬-‭14‬, ‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

…and so the debate continued. What to do with Paul? From the Roman commander in Jerusalem to Felix in Caesarea…to Festus…finally to Herod Agippa, the highest court of appeal in Israel. 

“Who was Agrippa?

Herod Agrippa II was the last king of the Herodian dynasty, holding power over parts of Galilee and the north. He was known for his intimate knowledge of Jewish customs and his incestuous relationship with his sister, Bernice…

“Impact on Paul

This event highlights Paul’s conviction to preach to authorities, turning his trial into a testimony, and it marks a turning point where he is officially seen as innocent by local authorities but must continue to Rome because of his appeal.” (Source: Google AI)

Once again, we see the hand of God in Paul’s circumstances. Paul’s appeal to Caesar came before Agripps’s visit…a decision that was providentially caste in stone. Not even Agrippa, who considered Paul innocent of the charges, and would have released him had he not already appealed to Caesar, could change the decision.

God had decreed that Paul was to go to Rome. He had spoken His  promise to Paul…and Paul had believed and stood on that promise. Agrippa’s intervention came too late. 

Was it not part of God’s assignment for Paul to give testimony before kings? Years before, at the start of his new life in Christ, his commission included this instruction…

“But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So, Rome included the man with the highest office and the greatest power in the Roman Empire, the Caesar, Nero himself…and Paul was to be transported there and kept safe from attack under Roman guard. 

Festus had alreast decided that Paul was not guilty of these religious charges but Paul had appealed to Caesar. Now Festus needed to produce a credible reason for sending Paul to Rome. How convenient that he could pass the buck to Agrippa!

“The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in…

“I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭23‬, ‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense:…”

Once again, Paul, who never tired of telling his story, related to Agrippa and his entourage the miracle of his conversion, his calling, and his commitment to obedience to Jesus, concluding with this personal appeal…

“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭26‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“…Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” 

The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.” Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭26‬:‭1‬, ‭22‬-‭23‬, ‭28‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV‬

What do you feel when you read these words? “If only…?” Oh, if only Agrippa had been there before Paul had appealed to Caesar. Paul could have been set free. He could have been saved from all the suffering he had to endure on his way to Rome…the long sea voyage…the violent storm…the shipwreck…the months on the island of Malta… Surely God could have got him to Rome in a far safer and easier way? 

No, God was still working in His “all things” for Paul’s good. Stand back and consider all the details. God was indeed “within the shadow, keeping watch above His own”, to quote an ancient hymn, “Once to every man and nation”

4 “Though the cause of evil prosper,

yet the truth alone is strong;

though her portion be the scaffold,

and upon the throne be wrong;

yet that scaffold sways the future,

and, behind the dim unknown,

standeth God within the shadow

keeping watch above His own. 

Author: James Russell Lowell

(Source: hymnary.org)

God had decreed that Paul was to go to Rome this way…and to Rome he would go…once again armed with the experiences of sovereign grace surrounding, protecting, providing…throughout the tedious years between his arrest and his eventual arrival in Rome. 

To be continued

ACTS THE SEQUEL…ONWARD TOWARDS ROME – 60

Bible Study, ,

When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul. They requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way…”

More than two years after Paul’s arrest and transfer to Caesarea, these guys, the Jewish religious leaders, were still on about him, and his guilt! Talk about bulldogs! They wanted Paul gone! Now they had a new Roman governor to pester. 

Festus, successor to Felix, would not buy their story. He refused to return Paul to Jerusalem. Did he see through their plot? It seems that Festus was not easily bought, at least not for now. If the Jewish leaders wanted to charge Paul, let them go to Caesarea where Paul was being held. 

“Festus answered, “Paul is being held at Caesarea, and I myself am going there soon. Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Words…words…words…but none of them had any weight. These conniving Jews had no evidence and no witnesses. They could not make their accusations stick. 

“Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Festus turned out to be just as weak as Felix before him…pandering to the Jews for popularity. 

“Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul knew that, if the verdict were left to his Jewish accusers, he would probably die in Jerusalem, especially since Festus was now already proving to be in the pockets of the Jewish religious leaders. So, Paul’s intuition set his course in motion. 

“Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well.”

Once again, Paul used his right as a Roman citizen to take his case to the top. He knew that his appeal to Caesar would be caste in stone. It could not be reversed. At least he knew now that his situation would move forward… Festus was obliged to carry out Paul’s request. 

“If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” 

Paul’s response to Festus was a game-changer…swinging the situation in the direction he wanted to go…right to Rome, but also dangerous…into the lion’s den! 

“After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

At this critical point in the negotiations, Paul’s choice was pivotal.  If he left the situation in the hands of this weak man, what would be the outcome? The fanatical, prejudiced Jewish leaders would probably have the final say…death by stoning.  If he appealed to Caesar, he would most likely also be condemned to death…by a horrible end. Both outcomes were daunting but…he had the word of the Lord…Rome!

So, without hesitation, Paul chose Rome because God had spoken. What lay ahead for him in Rome was in the Lord’s hands…and Paul was willing to trust Him for the outcome. 

Little did Paul know that between him and Rome lay another world of trouble and delay. His entire life seems to have be been made up of interruptions, detours and delays…and yet, in them, God’s plans were all coming together to touch and reach people and to mold them into children of God and images of Jesus in a crooked and perverse world. 

To be continued

ACTS THE SEQUEL…WAIT SOME MORE – 59

Bible Study, ,

“Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭24‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Despite procrastinating, Felix did something unexpected for a government official. He fraternised with Paul. He listened to Paul’s messages time and again…both fascinated and afraid. He knew that Paul was speaking the truth. He knew that he had to do something about it. His response? Hurry up and wait! Again! 

Under the surface, however, Felix’s interest and delays had an ulterior motive. If he dragged Paul’s case out long enough, perhaps Paul would get tired…lose heart…become impatient…give in…cross his palm with silver… pay him a handsome bribe in exchange for his freedom. Felix was not above a little corruption to keep the wheels of government turning smoothly. 

Not Paul! He had all the time in the world. He was in no hurry. He was following God’s timetable. He was on his way to Rome as God had promised, and he would get there in God’s time. So he waited…for two years…quite comfortable in his accommodation, with his friends in attendance… in Herod’s palace… at government expense. 

This scenario was a standoff…Felix against Paul, Felix in it for the money…and Paul awaiting God’s timing and His way. Felix had the power to release Paul or to keep him incarcerated for as long as he pleased. Paul, on the other hand, had no case to answer…and Felix knew it!

And so the years passed…again. For what was Felix waiting? For an opportunity to pass the buck because he didn’t have courage or the conviction to free Paul although he knew he was innocent?

Felix’s break came at last. His tenure as governor came to an end and he was succeeded by Porcius Festus…and the process had to begin all over again. In the meanwhile, m Paul remained a prisoner…at Felix’s good pleasure. 

“When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Another hearing…another defence…

“After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court and ordered that Paul be brought before him. When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them. Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Finally…after the umpteenth time of telling his story, Paul got his break. Festus gave Paul a choice…

“Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?” 

Why Jerusalem? He had already defended himself before the Sanhedrin there to no avail. His story had almost got himself killed. Not again. His only alternative was to go to the top. 

Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭25‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ NIV

That did it! The die was caste. He was destined for Rome and nothing or no one could stop him now. Festus was obliged to honour his decision…

And so…the preparations were made. Paul was going to Rome…at government expense!

To be continued

ACTS THE SEQUEL…HURRY UP AND WAIT – 58

Bible Study, ,

“He wrote a letter as follows: Claudius Lysias, To His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings…So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭23‬:‭25‬-‭26‬, ‭31‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The commander of the barracks in Jerusalem thankfully handed Paul over to the authorities in Caesarea with a letter of explanation. Paul was a hot potato! He was a Roman citizen in trouble over a religious issue with the religious leaders in Jerusalem. He was accused of behaviour that enraged the Jewish authorities but…he had no idea what to do. This was a matter for judgement that he could not give as a military officer. Best the governor of the province handle it. 

So, Paul was catapulted into a situation where he was told to hurry up and wait! Roman and Jewish law demanded that he face his accusers and defend himself in their presence but…they were in Jerusalem and he was in Caesarea. So, once again, he had to kick his heels in uncertainty, in prison, until his accusers came to lay their charges against him. 

“Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

It seems that a Roman lawyer, a man with a Roman name, was engaged to present the charges…a well-oiled, trumped up case, padded with flattery and lacking in evidence. What kind of lawyer was that? He presented Paul’s case, not as a charge to be investigated but as a verdict already decided. Who was the “we”…where were the witnesses…what evidence did they bring…was the guilty verdict beyond reasonable doubt? None of this! Only “we have found this man…guilty as charged.”

“We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene sect and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him. By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.” The other Jews joined in the accusation, asserting that these things were true.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭5‬-‭6‬, ‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭

Non only did this crooked lawyer express his verdict…Paul was guilty of all the charges laid against him… but he also suggested that Felix, the governor, would also reach the same conclusion. 

“By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”

How could Felix determine Paul’s guilt or innocence without genuine evidence or credible witnesses? Even the Jews who came from Jerusalem had nothing to say except assent to the verdict. Accusations carry no weight without evidence. 

Fortunately for Paul, he was given the opportunity to speak for himself. 

“When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭10‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul’s defence was long, detailed, and credible… no flattery…no buttering up the governor…He  told his story simply from beginning to end. He even called on witnesses who could verify his story if they were there. Not even those present could accuse Paul of criminal conduct. 

“But there are some Jews from the province of Asia, who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me. Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’ ”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The witnesses, who should have been there to corroborate the charges, were absent. The crowd who heard his defence before the Sanhedrin were also missing. There were plenty of people who could have spoken for Paul. His only crime was to believe in the resurrection. What sort of crime was that…especially in the ears of a Roman, pagan judge?

“Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard but to give him some freedom and permit his friends to take care of his needs.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭24‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Felix was trapped. He knew that Paul was innocent but, at the same time, he wanted to placate the Jews. What was he to do? Pass the buck! Give someone else the responsibility of deciding Paul’s fate. “So, Paul, here’s the plan. Hurry up and wait!”

And wait he did! For two years…incarcerated for crimes he did not commit. This was enough to drive any sane person crazy… but not Paul…

To be continued