The beloved physician Luke wrote how he, Paul and others were sailing to Rome, and “when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, 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”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse eleven of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship” where we read:
Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship,
more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
The verse begins, “Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, ...” Luke began with the words, “nevertheless the centurion” which means “however, moreover and nonetheless the officer in the Roman army over one hundred men” “believed the master” or “was persuaded, induced and convinced by the steersman, helmsman and sailing captain” “and the owner of the ship” which means “and the ship owner, master and captain of the sailing vessel or boat”. Luke shared how “Julius”, the “centurion” trusted and was convinced by the captain and owner of the sailing vessel or boat.
The verse goes on to say, “... more than those things which were spoken by Paul.” Luke continues with the words, “more than those things” which means “to a greater degree than the words and warnings” “which were spoken by Paul” or “that were uttered, declared and proclaimed through Paul whose name means small or little”. Luke shared how the “centurion” trusted the knowledge of owner of the ship to a greater degree than “Paul's”.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we discover the lack of reception to the words of warning expressed by “Paul” to the “centurion, Julius” who was in charge of the prisoners on the ship. The boat captain and owner of the ship knew about these things, and no doubt, he had experience with sailing during this time of year. In other words, he had “practical” knowledge about sailing, but “Paul” had “spiritual” insight to the dangers they would encounter. We shall see who was correct, but for now let us be mindful that God was overseeing all these words and actions, and He was purposed to get “Paul” to “Rome”. God's gospel of salvation was to be offered to every person, and whoever believed and trusted in His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord” would be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with Him. Those who carefully study these words of “Paul” and the actions of the “master of the ship” will see the hand of God involved in the details and know that He would fulfill His will regardless of the response to “Paul's” warning.
Next time Luke shares what was done, “because the haven was not commodious to winter in”, 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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