The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, 44 and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.
Man vs. the sea usually winds up in favor of the sea. In ancient times, that usually meant that there was a guilty person aboard that had jinxed the voyage. Jonah is an example and it is why he asked to be thrown overboard. Here is an interesting situation where all aboard are threatened, especially the prisoners, and it is because of a Christian, Paul, that not only are the prisoners spared but all 276 persons. Because Paul had a good reputation with the centurion, all the prisoners were preserved, possibly to be really saved later.
That is the importance of being well thought of. There is a saying that the gospel is offensive but we need not be. It is also an example of God using a trial in our lives to show his power. Jesus promised Paul he would speak the gospel in Rome. On top of that, an angel told him they would be safe. We can sail the rough seas of life and be victorious because of the kept promises of God. We can show that calm to others so they look upon us favorably and thus make the world a safer place for others.
Dear Lord, thank you for the storms of life that lead us to look to you for deliverance. Help us to show the calm before and after the storm. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church