DESTINATION ROME VIA MALTA: A CHALLENGING SEA JOURNEY P/3

 

                                                                                      Read Part One HERE

  A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                     PART XXVII - III

"I, Paul, shared my concerns with the Roman Centurion that we should not continue our travel from Fair Havens, where we were staying, to Italy.... I could see that he listened very carefully to my every word....At the same time I sensed that he did not really appreciate the seriousness of my warning to him....After all, I am not a sailor by profession but a preacher... And, no doubt, according to him, professional preachers may know much about preaching... But they do not know much about sailing...Only professional sailors know much about sailing....Of course, the Roman Centurion did not realise that my warning to him was not of my own making... But was a warning from Almighty God Himself who does know everything about sailing... Since He is the Creator of the seas we will be travelling on... After having listened to me, the Roman Centurion spoke with the pilot and the owner of the ship... Their advice was to go ahead and sail... For, according to them, the harbour in Fair Havens was not suitable to stay over for the winter... They thought that we should try and reach Phoenix, a harbour in Crete....We have been told we will leave tomorrow.... I believe we will be facing great challenges in the days to come.".... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of the Roman Centurion's decision to continue their travel.....

                                          A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                               PART XXVII - III 

No doubt, the Roman Centurion will have politely listened to Paul's words, which he shared when they were still in the port of Myra.  However, the Centurion feels at the same time that he needs to asks the advice of the pilot, who is guiding the ship, as well as the owner of the ship before making his decision whether or not to accept Paul's advice, since Paul is not a sailor bur a preacher by profession, as you can read in Acts 27:11

But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and the owner of the ship.

The Centurion, being a man of the world, decides that it makes more sense to listen to the advice of the pilot and the owner of the ship, since they are experienced sailors and will know much more than Paul what they should do as you can read in Acts 27:12

Since the harbour was unsuitable to winter in the majority decided we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbour in Crete, facing both northwest and southwest. 

The decision has been made: we will continue our trip.

Read Part Four HERE

    

DESTINATION ROME VIA MALTA: A CHALLENGING SEA JOURNEY P/2

   

                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                  PART XXVII - II

"I, Paul, and a group of other prisoners, had finally arrived at Myra at Lycia.... This was our second port of call after having spend a day at Sidon.....We spent a number of days at Myrna....It was good to have some time on dry ground after having spend quite a few days at sea....However, we were not yet at our place of destination... So we knew we should really be sailing soon again...But we could not continue our travel on our ship...Because our ship was not sailing to Italy... So the Roman Centurion in charge of us had to find another ship for us...He managed to find an Alexandrian ship that would take us... We left Myra as soon as he had made arrangements for us to travel on that ship....We then travelled for many days... Finally we arrived in a place called Fair Havens...By that time it had become dangerous to sail.... I sensed the Holy Spirit warning me that we should not continue our trip at that time.... Instead, we should stay over for the winter months... I shared my concerns with the Roman Centurion...For the Holy Spirit had shown me that we would suffer great loss to the ship and cargo and endanger our lives as well, if we continued travelling.... I shared all these details with the Roman Centurion.".... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of Paul's warning to the Roman Centurion..

                         ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                        PART XXVII - II

From Myra, Paul and the other prisoners travelled on an Alexandrian ship as you can read in Acts 27:6

There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and puts us on board.

After many days they arrived in a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.

Unfortunately, by this time is is no longer save to sail as you can read in Acts 27:9

Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast (the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur). So Paul warned them.

Paul would have received a very clear warning from the Holy Spirit that they should not continue their travel, which he shared with the centurion and the others as you can read in Acts 27:10

Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our lives also.

Of course Paul is very aware that he is not a sailor so the centurion may not take his warning too seriously.

Read Part Three HERE

DESTINATION ROME VIA MALTA: A CHALLENGING SEA JOURNEY P/1

 

                                        

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                      PART XXVII - I

"I, Paul, knew that soon after King Agrippa's and Bernice's visit to Governor Festus I would be send to Rome.... For I had asked to come before Caesar... So I waited and, indeed, a few days later I was put on a ship.... Together with a group of other prisoners... I do not know their crimes... But it does not matter what they have done... What matters is that they have the opportunity to hear the gospel.... Travelling with them will give me the opportunity to share with them the Good News that Jesus Christ died for their sins... Just as He died for my sins... We have been travelling along the coast of Asia...Our first port of call was a place called Sidon.... I have some wonderful friends in that city... A Roman Centurion Julius is in charge of us....And he allowed me to meet my friends... That was very thoughtful of him.... My friends and I had a very special time of fellowship together.... It was just such a joy to see them ...I do not know when I will see them again....But they are always in my thoughts and in my prayers.... And I know that I am always in their thoughts and in their prayers.... They are such precious friends and so caring.... For they knew I would be in need of practical help... And without me asking them they provided for all my practical needs... So I will not go hungry....We left Sidon after one day.... And we have now landed at Myra in Lucia... It was quite challenging to get here... But I am grateful to the Lord that we were finally able to reach land once again... However, our ship does not sail any further... So the Roman Centurion will have to find another ship to take us to Italy... I am confident that he will.... Because the Lord has told me I am to go to Rome to testify for Him."....

                       ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                            PART XXVII - I

Since Paul had asked to come before the Emperor in Rome, he is eventually put on a ship bound for Rome as you can read in Acts 27:1

When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoner were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment.

He and a group of other prisoners are put in the care of a Roman Centurion named Julius. The ship they are sailing on travels from port to port along the coast of Assia as you can read in Acts 27:2

We boarded a ship from Adramytium 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.

Their first port of call was a place named Sidon. Paul has friends there so Julius allows for him to visit them as you can read in Acts 27:3

The next day they landed at Sidon, and Julius, in his kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.

They leave the day after and eventually land at Myra in Lycia after quite a challenging journey as you can read in Acts 27:4.5

From there we put out to see 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

We were all very relieved to have safely arrived at Myra. However, we knew too that we had a long journey ahead of us still.

Read Part Two HERE

MORE PLACES TO GO TO: ROME AND CAESAREA P34

 

                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                    PART XXVI - XII

"I, Paul, knew that here in this audition room at the palace in Caesarea I was, in fact, the only free person.... It may not have looked that way... Others, like Governor Festus, King Agrippa and Bernice looked much more free.... For they could walk out of this room anytime they likes.... Unlike me... I was in chains.... But they were bound in their sins... And I was forgiven... How I wished they would accept my message of forgiveness through the death of Christ... They have now actually left the room.... For there is nothing more to discuss... I would think they will realise that I do not deserve the death penalty... Obviously they cannot set me free.... For I have appealed to Caesar.... They do not realise that they are God's instruments....For He has already told me that I am to testify in Rome....It looks like my departure is close at hand.".... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn taht King Agrippa, Bernice and Governor Festus agree with each other that Paul is innocent....

                  ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                     PART XXVI - XII

Paul knew that, even though he was the prisoner, he was in, in fact, the only free person in that audition room at the palace in Caesarea since he had been set free by the Lord Jesu from his burden of sin while everyone else was still in bondage to their sins whether or not they were aware of it. 

Paul had had his opportunity to testify and there was nothing more to be said so King Agrippa, his wife Bernice as well as Governor Festus stood up to leave the room as you can read in Acts 26:30-31

The King rose, and with him the Governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. They left the room and while talking with one another, they said, "This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment."

Having heard Paul's side of the story King Agrippa agreed with Governor Festus that Paul had not done anything wrong. In fact, he could have been set free. However, God had already told Paul that he was to testify about Him in Rome so he must go there as you can read in Acts 26:32

Agrippa said to Festus,: This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar."

King Agrippa had no idea that he was used by God to confirm that Paul would go to Rome for God can use anyone of us for His purposes whether or not we are aware of it.

 

 

MORE PLACES TO GO TO: ROME AND CAESAREA P/33

 

                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                    PART  XXVI - XI

"I, Paul, knew that I was here in the audition room at the palace in Caesarea with King Agrippa for one reason.. He allowd me to be here with him so that I could share the Good News of the Lord Jesus with the King... I realised that the time had come to begin to lay the groundwork for any message... So I asked King Agrippa if he believes the prophets... But King Agrippa was not yet quite ready to hear that he is in need of forgiveness of his sins... I can only pray to God that, apart from being in chains, one day he will become like I am ... And become a follower of the Lord Jesus... I pray that for everyone else in this room."... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of Paul's prayer for King Agrippa and all the others in the audition room....

                   ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                         PART XXVI - XI

Paul when in the audition room at the palace in Caesarea, knowing that King Agripp has some understanding of Jewish Traditions, then challenged him with a question related to the Jewish Scriptures as you can read in Acts 26:27

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

Paul knew that his God-given role was that of an evangelist. That is why no matter where he was and no matter to whom he was talking, he would take every opportunity to invite anyone to become a follower of the Lord Jesus. In this case, he was in front of a king, King Agrippa. And he understood that the reason he was in front of King Agrippa was so that he could invite him to become a believer.

However, King Agrippa was not quite ready to give the reigns of his life over to the Lord Jesus as you can read in Acts 26:28

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that is such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"

No doubt, Paul knen that everyone's attention was on him so he used that moment to include everyone when responding to King Agrippa as you can read in Acts 26:29

Paul replied, "Short time or long - I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am except for these chains."

Paul's desire was for everyone in this room to become followers of the Lord Jesus, including his accusers.

Read Part Thirty-Four HERE

MORE PLACES TO GO TO: ROME AND CAESAREA P/32

  

                                        

                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                       PART XXVI - X

"Governor Festus stood up... He was with me, Paul, and King Agrippa in the audition room at the palace in Caesarea.... It seems he did not quite know what to do with what I had shared with King Agrippa.... He seemed to think I was out of my mind... I knew that was not the case... On the contrary... I was in full control of my mind.... Because I was greatly helped by the Spirit of God... So I explained to Governor Festus that what I had been saying was true and reasonable... Even if he could not see it... I made sure I spoke to Governor Festus in an appropriate manner... After all, he is the Governor....And I am only a prisoner....I then began to speak to Governor Festus about King Agrippa ....For I expected the King to know all that had happened.... Because it had not been done in secret."... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of Governor Festus's unexpected outburst and Paul's dignified response...

                       ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                          PART XXVI - X

At that moment Governor Festus, who was in the audition room at the palace in Caesarea. spoke up as you can read in Acs 26 : 24

"You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."

However, Paul knew that he was not insane. One the contrary, he was possibly one of the sanest people in  that room that day as you can read in Acts 26:25

"I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable."

Paul, while defending himself, made sure he addressed Governor Festus in a proper manner as befitting his position as Governor. He then continued speaking to Governor Festus but speaking about King Agrippa as you can read in Acts 26:26-27

"The King is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this escaped his notice because it was not done in a corner."

Paul wanted to make sure that he addressed King Agrippa as well. 

Read Part Thirt-Three HERE

MORE PLACES TO GO TO: ROME AND CAESAREA P/31

 

                                                                                   Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                      PART XXVI -IX

"As I, Paul, stood before King Agrippa in the audition room at the palace in Caesarea, I knew one thing.... I knew that it was extremely important to give him all the facts.... Because without these facts he would not understand what might have motivated my own people to try to kill me...They had not been successfuI.... But I knew that I needed to let him know that they had at least tried to kill me....And King Agrippa needed to know as well that my people had not been able to kill me... The reason they had not been able to kill me is because God has protected me....He has, in fact, been protecting me up to this very day... That is why I am here today...Without God's protection I would no longer be alive....But God still has a task for me.... And He will keep me alive for as long as He wants me to.... My life is in His hands.... And I must still preach the message what the prophets and Moses foretold would happen... Their message is related to the Lord Jesus... That He would suffer and die... And that He would proclaim light to His people and to the Gentiles."... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn that Paul shared with King Agrippa that his people have no excuse to kill him....

                         ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                             PART XXVI - IX

Paul knew that it was very important that he share all the details of what had happened to him with King Agrippa when in the audition room at the palace in Casarea so that the King could understand what motivated him and why the Jews now tried to kill him as you can read in Acts 26:21

"That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me."

But the Lord has protected him all that time for he has done nothing wrong as you can read in Acts 26:22

"But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike, I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen."

Paul then explained that what the prophets and Moses foretold would happen is related to the Lord Jesus, the One he has been preaching about as you can read in Acts 26:23

"That the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to His own people and to the Gentiles"

Paul knew that King Agrippa needed to learn what Jesus had done so he made clear he was told. 

Read Part Thirty-Two HERE

MORE PLACES TO GO TO: ROME AND CAESAREA P/30

   

                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                 PART XXVI - VIII

"I, Paul, looked around the audition room at the palace in Ceasarea.... I had just shared with King Agrippa who Jesus had sent me to.... King Agrippa remained silent....So I took that as a sign that I should continue.... And I did... I then told him that I had not been disobedient to the vision from heaven.... How could I?... Jesus, in His mercy, had appeared to me... And He had given me a task... I am now His servant... I told King Agrippa that I had first shared this new message of forgiveness from sins with my Jewish brothers in Damascus... And that the Lord had then led me to go to Jerusalem... There too I had brought that same message to my people...Thereafter, I had gone to Judea.... I told King Agrippa as well that in obedience to my vision, I had spend time with Gentiles so they too could learn about forgiveness in Jesus.... I don't know if King Agrippa fully realises the miracle that has taken place in my life....He most probaby does not know....But I know the miracle that has taken place in my life.... And I thank God every day for His mercy towards me by changing me from being the main persecutor of His Church to being a servant of His Church.".... Please read the typed out attachment of Paul's continued sharing with King Agrippa....

                     ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                       PART XXVI - VIII

And Paul then shared with King Agrippa when in the audition room at the palace in Caesarea that he was obedient to the words spoken to him that day as you can read in Acts 26:19

"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven."

He made it very clear that this was not just a man-made vision. No, this was a vision from heaven. That is why he needed to obey it. And he did so right away starting in Damascus before going to Jerusalem, to Judea and then on to the Gentiles as you can read in Acts 26:20

"First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds."

Paul knew that obedience to the vision meant that he needed to preach the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ with others who had not yet heard this message wherever they might be and whoever they might be.

Read Part Thirty-One HERE

 

 

MORE PLACES TO GO TO: ROME AND CAESAREA P/29

 

                                                                                    Read Part One HERE

A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                 PART VVVI - VII

"I, Paul continued to have King Agrippa's attention when in the audition room at the palace in Caesarea.... I had already shared with him that the Voice Who had spoken to me while on the road to Damascus belonged to Jesus.... I knew too that I next needed to let him know these were not Jesus's last words to me.... I should inform him that Jesus had given me a task.... Quite a challenging task in fact.... So I shared with King Agrippa that Jesus had told me I was to go to my people, the Jews.... And I was to go to the Gentiles as well.... Jesus had, furthermore, told me that I was to preach to all of them about forgiveness of sins.... I knew it was important that King Agrippa knew exactly what Jesus had told me to do.... So I gave him a very detailed account of Jesus's words to me.".... Please read the typed out attachment when you will learn of the task Jesus had given to Paul....

                     ATTACHMENT A WALK THROUGH THE BOOK OF ACTS

                                                  PART XXVI - VII

The same Jesus Who had told him to stop persecuting Him then gave Paul his commission as you can read in Acts 26:16-18

"Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and a witness of what you have seen of Me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me."

Paul was not to go home and do nothing. No, the Lord had a task for him and quite a challenging task.

Read Part Thirty HERE