Check out all the previous Acts readings here.
Acts Reading Plan | Week 18 | Day 1
Prayer
As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present.
Psalm 86:17 says, “Give me a sign of your goodness.” If you are struggling with a trial today, this prayer of the Psalmist might be your prayer. If you are sure of God’s goodness today, thank Him for that!
Bible Reading: Acts 27:1-12
Read these verses three times slowly.
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.
The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia.There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.
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. Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.
Reflection & Questions
Paul is now beginning his journey to Rome to state his case to the rulers there. This would not be a straightforward journey. As Paul tells the men of his ship, “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous.” As so often happened to Paul, he was not listened to, and the sailors carried on. We’ll find out what happens tomorrow.
Before they had set out though, God was continuing to show his goodness to Paul. We’re told, “Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.” Who lets a prisoner go see his friends? Who cares about a prisoner’s needs? No one. The truth was that God was looking out for Paul.
When God calls us to go through deep trials, though at times He may seem far away, He is not. And if we wait on Him, we will see how He will show us goodness. Sometimes in a small mercy and sometimes in a large mercy. But He will show it and often it comes through the service of His people.
- Have you experienced God’s goodness in the midst of a difficult trial? Thank Him for that
- Who is a friend in need that you could serve this week? What could you do practically to encourage them?
Prayer
Pray in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
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Questions?
Ed Applegate
