Luke the beloved physician wrote how he, Paul and others were sailing to Rome, and “Julius”, “a centurion of Augustus' band”, “courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. And when we had launched from there, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone. And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; near whereunto was the city of Lasea. Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, ...”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse ten of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul said, “Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives” where we read:
And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage,
not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
The verse begins, “And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, ...” Luke began with the words, “and said unto them” which means “and uttered, declared and proclaimed to the masters of the ship”, “Sirs” or “men who were in charge of the prisoners and ship”, “I perceive that this voyage” which means “I, Paul, discern, descry and ascertain that the navigation and course belonging to this sailing” “will be with hurt” or “will exist alongside impudence, pride, haughtiness and injury inflicted by the violence of a tempest” “and much damage” which means “and a great and abundant amount of loss and detriment”. Luke shared how “Paul” warned the masters of the ship and watchers of the prisoners that their sailing venture would be accompanied by a great amount of damage and violence because of the contrary winds.
The verse continues, “... not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.” Luke added the words, “not only of the lading and ship” which means “not alone with the load, burden and cargo of the sailing vessel or boat”, “but also of our lives” or “however and moreover even so and indeed with the ability for the passengers to stay alive”. Luke shared how “Paul” told the masters of the ship and guards of the prisoners if they sailed, the cargo and their lives would be threatened to expire.
When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” was perceptive, and we shall see prophetic, in his words to the ones in control of the sailing vessel. “Paul” believed if they set sail, the cargo of the ship would be lost and their own lives would be threatened as well. God's plan of salvation for mankind which was to be spread by “Paul” in “Rome” was to be assaulted, and yet, God was watching. What “Paul” told the masters of the ship was correct, and the love of God was to be manifested even with their insolence. God wants to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus, and when they believe and trust in Him, they will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with Him. Those who are wise hear “Paul's” warning, but even more so, hear the warning of God Almighty to be saved from their sins for all eternity.
Next time Luke shares how, “the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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