Not-So-Quiet-Time: Acts 27
At-Home Bible Guide for the Week of 4/5
Day 1: Verses 1-8
The beginning of Paul’s journey to Rome was slow and difficult. The “winds were against” them (27:4). They sailed “slowly” (27:7) with “difficulty” (27:8). In life, there are elements, like the weather, that are beyond our control. And these things can make life difficult for us. However, these difficulties and slow-downs can help us remember how great our God is. Nothing is outside of his control. Nothing is difficult for Him. Ask God to help you to rely on his strength when challenges arise.
Day 2: Verses 9-12
The journey transitioned from slow and difficult to “dangerous” (27:9). Paul advised the centurion not to press on, but to stay put. This would be safer. However, the centurion did not listen to Paul, and took the advice of the pilot. And here we see a glimpse of Paul’s humility. We read nothing of Paul arguing or being upset. When he didn’t get his way, he reflected the patient, humble character of Christ. Pray that God would help you to show Christ’s character when you don’t get your way.
Day 3: Verses 13-26
The situation worsened: “neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned” (27:20). But God sent his messenger to instruct Paul, and this time the leaders listened when Paul spoke to them. He now had a track-record of being correct. The men knew that they should have listened before, and they would certainly listen now. In other words, God used Paul’s painful rejection to prepare the men to listen at this point. Even when He works in ways we don’t expect, He is in control.
Day 4: Verses 27-38
When the stakes were highest and the sailors were trying to escape on their own, the centurion and soldiers listened to Paul again. His credibility had been established and it held firm even in a life-and-death situation. And as the stressful situation unfolded, Paul used his credibility not for power or control, but to encourage and point to Jesus (27:35-36). Pray that God would give us a trustworthy track-record so that we too can point to Him in all situations.
Day 5: Verses 39-44
The soldiers had a plan to kill the prisoners (27:42), and that was bad news for Paul. But God had worked in such a way, that the centurion—Julius—wanted to save Paul. Previously, he had been kind to Paul (27:3) and here he actively worked to save his life. God not only controls weather and opportunities, He also connects us to exactly the right relationships. He guides the “who” of our lives along with the “what,” “where,” and “why.” Thank God for the relationships in your life, and ask Him to use you to point those people toward Christ.
Catechism Connection: 26
Acts 27 is a testimony of God ruling the world. And WSC 26 explains how Jesus carries out his kingly office, saying, “Christ carries out the office of a king in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.”
Monthly Memory: Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Day 1: Verses 1-8
The beginning of Paul’s journey to Rome was slow and difficult. The “winds were against” them (27:4). They sailed “slowly” (27:7) with “difficulty” (27:8). In life, there are elements, like the weather, that are beyond our control. And these things can make life difficult for us. However, these difficulties and slow-downs can help us remember how great our God is. Nothing is outside of his control. Nothing is difficult for Him. Ask God to help you to rely on his strength when challenges arise.
Day 2: Verses 9-12
The journey transitioned from slow and difficult to “dangerous” (27:9). Paul advised the centurion not to press on, but to stay put. This would be safer. However, the centurion did not listen to Paul, and took the advice of the pilot. And here we see a glimpse of Paul’s humility. We read nothing of Paul arguing or being upset. When he didn’t get his way, he reflected the patient, humble character of Christ. Pray that God would help you to show Christ’s character when you don’t get your way.
Day 3: Verses 13-26
The situation worsened: “neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned” (27:20). But God sent his messenger to instruct Paul, and this time the leaders listened when Paul spoke to them. He now had a track-record of being correct. The men knew that they should have listened before, and they would certainly listen now. In other words, God used Paul’s painful rejection to prepare the men to listen at this point. Even when He works in ways we don’t expect, He is in control.
Day 4: Verses 27-38
When the stakes were highest and the sailors were trying to escape on their own, the centurion and soldiers listened to Paul again. His credibility had been established and it held firm even in a life-and-death situation. And as the stressful situation unfolded, Paul used his credibility not for power or control, but to encourage and point to Jesus (27:35-36). Pray that God would give us a trustworthy track-record so that we too can point to Him in all situations.
Day 5: Verses 39-44
The soldiers had a plan to kill the prisoners (27:42), and that was bad news for Paul. But God had worked in such a way, that the centurion—Julius—wanted to save Paul. Previously, he had been kind to Paul (27:3) and here he actively worked to save his life. God not only controls weather and opportunities, He also connects us to exactly the right relationships. He guides the “who” of our lives along with the “what,” “where,” and “why.” Thank God for the relationships in your life, and ask Him to use you to point those people toward Christ.
Catechism Connection: 26
Acts 27 is a testimony of God ruling the world. And WSC 26 explains how Jesus carries out his kingly office, saying, “Christ carries out the office of a king in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.”
Monthly Memory: Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
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