In this chapter, the Apostle Paul, who had narrowly escaped many attempts on his life by fellow humans, now must endure a crisis from an "Act of God" - a violent storm at sea.
The level of detail in Acts 27 helps us to vividly picture these scenes in our mind. Luke gives us first a travelogue of the various places where Paul's ship puts in. Then he gives us a play-by-play of the action, following Paul's disregarded advice to winter at Crete. They are, he fears, in for some stormy weather (vs. 10).
Indeed, a severe storm, lasting 14 days, lashed at the ship and drove the men to despair. (Luke is apparently still traveling with Paul and experiencing this storm as well, as he continues to use the pronoun "we.")
Paul, while not above saying "I told you so" (vs. 21), encourages the men with a report of an angelic visitation where he was told that no loss of life would be sustained. The cargo and the ship itself, however, would be lost. Paul's words came true as the ship ran aground and all the passengers made their way to land, swimming or riding pieces of debris.
In our lives today, God doesn't promise sunny skies or smooth sailing - but He does promise to go with us through whatever trials await!
The sheer number of those spared - 276 - is impressive, and I think demonstrates/reflects God's desire to reach as many as possible. You'd think Paul's fellow passengers would be more open to hear the gospel (spiritual rescue) after such a personal physical rescue.
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