Bound for Rome

Paul’s journey to Rome…

was met with many difficulties…

He travelled as a prisoner…bound in chains.

He suffered perils at sea…and shipwreck.

He was stranded on an island…with Barbarians.

And bitten by a deadly viper...

And yet, he continued on…

Preaching. Healing. Overcoming.

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:  Acts 19:11

And so he sailed on…

ever fulfilling what God paced before him…

And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.  

Acts 28:11-14

Upon their arrival in Rome…

Paul was given some liberty…

And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.   Acts 28:16

And after three days…

he called the chief of the Jews together…

…and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

For this cause therefore have I called for you,

to see you, and to speak with you:

because that for the hope of Israel

I am bound with this chain.

Acts 28:17-20

And they said unto him…

We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.   Acts 28:21-22

And so he taught them…

from morning till evening…

expounding the Kingdom of God…

and persuading them of Christ.

And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

And some believed the things which were spoken,

and some believed not.

And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

Saying, Go unto this people, and say…

Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand;

and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

For the heart of this people is waxed gross,

and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed;

lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears,

and understand with their heart, and should be converted,

and I should heal them.

Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.   Acts 28:23-30

And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.   Acts 28:31

Steadfast. Valiant. Unwavering. Fixed.

Paul labored  among them…

with one goal in mind…

In his own words…

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

2 Corinthians 5:9-11

Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds;

but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things

for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation

which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.  

2 Timothy 2:9-10

What are you laboring for?

A Warm Welcome

“…lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.”

~ angel of the Lord

“Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.”

~Paul

Cold. Wet.  Stranded…

276 souls escaped to safety…

and were met with a warm welcome…

And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.  Acts 28:2

This situation unfolded…

just as it was shown to Paul…

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. … for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.   Acts 27:22,25,26

Moreover, the people of that place…

had no idea…

that they were about to encounter…

The Living God!

And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.  Acts 28:3,5

And when the barbarians saw…

the venomous beast hang on his hand…

they said among themselves…

No doubt this man is a murderer, whom,

though he hath escaped the sea,

yet vengeance suffereth not to live.  

Acts 28:4

Astounded, and expecting the worst…

they watched Paul…

Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.   Acts 28:6

Once again God manifested Himself through Paul.

The barbarians could not refute what they had just witnessed.

Paul should have been dead…

But God’s plan was still unfolding!

The chief offered him lodgings…

In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.  

Acts 28:7

And Paul was immediately put to work…

ministering a healing touch…

for the sake of Jesus Christ…

And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:   Acts 28:8-9

After three months…

Paul and his company, departed…

receiving many honors  and gifts from the people there.

Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.   Acts 28:10

Paul walked with God…

and all who encountered  Paul…

encountered  his God.

A God with POWER to save…

A God with POWER to deliver…

A God with POWER to heal…

Have you encountered HIM?

A Perilous Journey

“Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.”

~ Festus.

And when it was determined…

that we should sail into Italy…

they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius,

a centurion of Augustus' band.  Acts 27:1

And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.  Acts 27:2

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; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.  Acts 27:7-8

Now 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. 

Acts 27:9-10

Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.   Acts 27:11

Determined to press onward…

they set sail…

And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

Acts 27:13-17

And were met with…

a furious storm upon the seas…

just as Paul warned!

And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.  Acts 27:18-20

In the midst of this great storm…

one man stood up…

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.  Acts 27:21

Steady. Composed. Confident.

Paul  addressed the company…

with a message of hope…

and deliverance.

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying…

Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar:

and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.  Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.   Acts 27:22-26

Notwithstanding, the storm continued…

and the ship was tossed and driven by the sea…

until men feared for their lives…

Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,  Acts 27:29-30

Again, Paul warned…

Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

Acts 27:31-32

And he ministered  to the company…

encouragement, hope…

                                                                and strength for the journey…

And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.   

Acts 27:33-37

And when it was day…

…they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

 the ship was run aground…

and lost upon the rocks…

And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.  Acts 27:39-41

Albeit, not one soul was lost to the stormy seas…

And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship.

And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

Acts 27:42-44

One ship…. bearing precious cargo…

tossed about in a violent, stormy sea…

276 souls…

lingering at the brink of death…

hopeless, fearful and faint…

One man stood up…

Steadfast. Fearless. Bold.

and ministered LIFE to the assembly.

A promise of hope, in the midst of the storm.

A promise of strength in the time of need.

A promise of life in the face of death.

How was Paul able to stand confident and fearless in this great time of desperation and need?

In his own words…

…I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 

Philippians 3:8-10

To KNOW God.   To KNOW His voice.   To KNOW His fellowship.

Makes all the difference.

Do you Know His voice?

Almost Persuaded

Now when Festus was come into the province…

He  began an investigation…

concerning Paul.

He spoke with the Jews in Jerusalem…

Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.  Acts 25:2-3

He spoke with Paul…

While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.  Acts 25:8

And he spoke with King Agrippa…

And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:   Acts 25:14

Yet unresolved…

Paul’s case captivated the attention…

of royalty.

King Agrippa desired to hear Paul…

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.   Acts 26:1-3

Paul testified of his youth…

My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.   

Acts 26:4-5

And his religious zeal…

I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. Acts 26:9-11

He spoke of what he saw…

At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.  Acts 26:13

And what he heard…

And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And who he met…

on the road to Damascas…

And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. Acts 26:14-15

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

Paul spoke of his mission…

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.  Acts 26:15-18

his obedience…

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.  Acts 26:19-20

and his adversaries…

For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. Acts 26:21, 24

And as he thus spake for himself…

Festus said with a loud voice…

Paul, thou art beside thyself;

much learning doth make thee mad.

Earnest. Purposeful. Fixed.

Paul respectfully replied…

But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 

King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.  Acts 26:24-27

Cautiously, the King answered…

Then Agrippa said unto Paul,

Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.   Acts 26:28-29

And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.  Acts 26:30-32

Three rulers in agreement…

This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

Felix…trembled.

Festus…mocked.

Agrippa…was almost persuaded.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;

but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.   1 Corinthians 1:18

God’s plan for Paul continues to unfold…

Be of good cheer, Paul:

for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem,

so must thou bear witness also at Rome.  Acts 23:11

An Army, a Letter and a Testimony.

Paul arrived in Cesarea …

with a full military escort…

a letter…

Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them:

then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.  And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man,I sent straightway to thee, 

and gave commandment to his accusers

 also to say before thee what they had against him.

Farewell.    Acts 23:26-30

And a purpose…

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.  

Matthew 10:16-18

Paul was presented to Felix…

And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall. Acts 23:34-35

And after five days…

Ananias the high priest descended with the elders,

and with a certain orator named Tertullus,

who informed the governor against Paul… Acts 24:1

Straightway…

Paul’s accusers…

presented charges against him…

And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying… we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.  Acts 24:2, 5-9

Paul responds…

Bold. Confident. Cheerful.

Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.  

Acts 24:10, 12-16

Furthermore, Paul explains…

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council, Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.   Acts 24:17-21

And when Felix heard these things…

having more perfect knowledge of that way…

he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.   Acts 24:22-23

Paul’s testimony was convincing…

and powerful!

Felix was stirred…

and desired to hear Paul again…

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.    Acts 24:24

Seizing the opportunity…

Paul reasoned with Felix…

Righteousness. Temperance. Judgment.

And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.  Acts 24:25

Felix trembled!

And for the next two years…

desired to hear Paul again and again…

He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.   Acts 24:26-27

Facing an angry mob…Paul was delivered by a Roman army.

Facing bonds and imprisonment…Paul was submissive and patient.

Facing trumped up charges…Paul was bold and truthful.

Facing Felix…Paul reasoned with wisdom and power…

until Felix trembled in fear.

Mean while…

God was listening. God was watching. God was recording…

everything that happened.

And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.  

Matthew 10:18

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Revelation 20:12