Paul's Last Major Journey

Being a sailor myself, I take special interest in the last major journey of Paul as recorded in Acts 27 and 28.  This is a fascinating account of the trip to Rome that Paul took under Roman control.  We'll look a bit at the events of this trip.  If you haven't read it lately, be sure to read the account in these two chapters. 

Paul was being unfairly tried; so, being a legitimate Roman citizen, he chose to appeal to Caesar, letting him be the final judge.  This meant making a major trip from Caesarea through the Mediterranean Sea to Rome.  They were trying to somewhat follow the coastline, going North from Caesarea to Sidon, then North of the island of Cyprus: "...we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were contrary......When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone."  It is interesting to note that the Bible is full of real places and real people....the Bible is real.

Paul predicted that "..this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives."  Paul was letting his overseers know that they shouldn't sail out into dangerous conditions.  He was overruled and we read that the trip does result in shipwreck; and it would have ended in death for all except that God intervened.  they found themselves on the island of Malta amongst friendly natives.  They were especially friendly to Paul when they realized that God was with him. 

Paul eventually makes it to Rome where we know that he stayed for at least two years.  We see God's hand with Paul over and again, through this story and really throughout his ministry.  And so it is with us when we are faithful to Him.

Have a great week....a God filled week!