God is True, All Others Liars

Romans 3:1-4    
1 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? 4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.”

So the keepers of the law did not follow it from the heart, yet they have the advantage of having faithfully brought God’s word down through the ages, preserving it for the time the Christ would come.  So that tutor points us to grace in a changed life now.  All God said is truth; all we say outside of that, of ourselves that is not in agreement with Him is a lie.  So we are judged by His word and He is justified by who He is as seen in every word told us.  So the Jews as the chosen people point us as each one chosen as His, called out as and into the church of which Christ is the head.

Circumcision of the Heart

Romans 2:25-29   
25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

The outward act of circumcision became proof of cutting off from sin to the sons of Abraham, yet Jesus spoke of the inner work of the heart over the outward.  Doing what God said from a willing heart and not from rote attempts to look compliant with the Law was the intent all along.  So outward acts combined with inner disobedience is serving in letter only; God in Christ by His Spirit creates a new heart of true Jews - His real children whom He has given that birth to.  Our efforts fall ever short, but God’s work brings praise from Him.  Man’s praise for outward rule keeping apart from this is vain.

Rest on God, Not Works

Romans 2:17-24   
17 Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, 18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. 21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, “Do not commit adultery,” do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? 24 For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.

The Jews rested on being God’s chosen ones, and used that as a boast in knowing His will and what was the best - they saw themselves as a light in the dark, teachers to guide those not able to see.  Yet they forgot to teach themselves, and ceased doing the very things they taught and claimed to believe.  Here they are reminded they could not and did not keep the laws they demanded of others.  They blasphemed God by the hypocrisy of denial.  We also fall into the same trap of straining out minor issues as gnats while swallowing the camel of pride.  Humility means teaching without harsh judgment, constantly viewing the grace given us to impart the truth to others.  Truth matters, but it must be spoken in love and humble grace. 

Law of the Heart

Romans 2:11-16    
11 For there is no partiality with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;  14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

God is just and fair, against any and all arguments of men to the contrary.  Whether we never have had God’s law or are brought up in it, if we are judged by it will be according to our performance of doing all (not only parts of it). The only way to justify ourselves is by doing all He commands, perfectly and consistently.  So God applies His standard of perfection to all who have and to all who do not have His law. It is based on God’s character and commands.  We don’t do it perfectly, so that is sin and we are all sinners. Even those without it are treated impartially, because the conscience attests to right and wrong; God has written the requirements of His law on each heart.  He has not given the ability or desire to do what is written on the heart until it is changed by Him, however.  So God will justly judge each in the end, and the heart changed by the gospel of grace in Christ alone will alone be weighed, and though still found wanting in itself, the outcome in Him will not be found wanting.

God’s Goodness to Repentance

Romans 2:4-10   
4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Those judging others and yet still doing the same actually despise God’s grace - His long patience as He draws us to turn from that sin and towards Him who calls.  Such hardened hearts build up wrath in return for His return.  Self-seeking and disobedient, haters of truth, loving evil over good - the end is the justice due, a torture of soul apart from God’s grace into eternity.  But those drawn to Him with a good heart wanting to do what is right find immortality and honor in glorifying their maker.  His righteousness covers the judgment and its punishment.  Forever.  That is the only peace with God in Christ. 

God Alone is Judge

Romans 2:1-3   
1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God.

When we condemn others without looking at where we stand in the same faults with God, the judgment that condemns lies squarely on ourselves.  God judges and condemns truly, so when we condemn others beyond mere discernment of right and wrong, we cannot escape God’s disfavor.  We all face judgment apart from the justifying grace of God in Christ; we are no better than others, and so must smite the mite of dust in our own vision to see clearly enough to help (not condemn) another we discern to be at odds with God. 

Debased and Deserving Death

Romans 1:28-32    
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Those who are wise in their own eyes do not think about or consider God for more than a passing moment.  Instead they fill their thoughts and actions with hate to God and others, self-consumed and breaking the two main commandments - not loving God or others.  They hear God’s righteousness judgment coming on their sin, yet still continue to live opposed to God and supporting others who do the same.  We see this throughout history, and especially in our western cultures today.  It is even “intolerant” to point out these truths of God as society and politics encourage the rebellion in these verses. 

Wise in Own Eyes, Foolish

Romans 1:22-27    
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.  24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.   26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

Those refusing to glorify God are only wise in their own eyes; making idols of things created by God (including themselves), they hold to ideas of creation by chance and worship their excuses called ideas in place of their obvious maker.  These self taught lies only lead to misuse of their own created bodies for their temporary enjoyment, refusing to rightly use all to honor God’s creation for good.  So God in return gives them over to receive what they ask for and rightfully deserve for rebellion and dishonor of their maker - their dirty desires given into, with resultant penalties both here and beyond death. 

God’s Wrath and Glory

Romans 1:18-21    
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 

God is justly angry over men’s sinful thoughts and deeds, for they all deny God in His character and creation.  We can see His fingerprints in the stars and in the atom, in the complexity of the planets and in what we call nature.  By these works of His hands we see the hands behind each work, yet deny accountability to Him and so deny God Himself.  God as creator and sustainer stands around us in a cosmic display of His divinity, yet we hide in the garden and are not thankful.  So none has an excuse to not glorify God.  Instead we lift up our empty knowledge and reason apart from Him while His wrath looms over us in sure judgment until we admit our state and turn to trust and honor our Maker. Otherwise, we only find darkness in our rebellious hearts apart from His light... 

Not Ashamed of the Gospel

Romans 1:13-17    
13 Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.   16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Paul tried many time before he could get to Rome, desiring to be fruitful with the good words of life there.  He reached Greeks and other peoples, and now was bringing this gospel to Rome at the empire’s center.  He was not ashamed of Christ or the saving message, knowing it was not his words that convinced or changed others, but God’s power by His Spirit through His word.  This message of Christ and His work had power no man could ever have, as it reached across nations and peoples to make them stand in Christ’s righteousness by trust in Him for it in their place.  His imputed righteousness justifies the ungodly-good news indeed! 

Faith’s Witness

Romans 1:8-12   
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

Why was Paul thankful? The Roman followers of Jesus Christ were examples of and for the gospel; many knew their story and so Paul reminded and encouraged them that he did also.  He also let them know of his constant prayer and desire to come to see them in person. His prayer was not just to be with them, but to build their faith up and encourage each other in Christ.  This pastoral heart was lit by God in Paul’s soul and so he poured himself out as a drink offering on them for their grown in knowing and making Him known.  A great example of a servant heart to follow. 

All Reborn Are Saints

Romans 1:5-7   
5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; 7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul knew his calling and the very grace of God meant obedience to the faith given to and exercised by him in Christ.  He also acknowledged those in Rome who also were called by God, called out to the obedience of true holiness by being separated to God out of the world.  So he pronounces that grace and God's peace from God as Father and Son upon these elect ones.  The resurrected Christ brought out and bought out His people with divine power as planned and foretold.  So is our certain hope as His saints, the elect of God in Christ Jesus. 

Romans - Separated Messenger

Romans 1:1-4    
1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

Paul considered himself a willing servant-slave to his Lord because he was called out by God.  He was set apart to God's good news, His words of life and reconciliation in Jesus Christ, just as promised in all of God's word from the beginning in Genesis to Abraham and to us.  He clarifies that Jesus is both man and God in these opening declarations of Romans, attested to by the Spirit of God's power working through the man, as well as the ability to raise Himself from death to give us the same hope.  His power and authority to save as only God can was embodied in a man like us to take our just punishment and penalty of death.  His grace and mercy in calling us out is guaranteed by His work, His Spirit working in us, and the certain and proven hope of resurrection to life forever with Him. So we who are likewise called out to God in Christ are joyful slaves to His righteousness and work. 

Continuing in Rome

Acts 28:29-31    

29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.  30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

After Paul told the Jews who hardened their hearts to be deaf and blind to the gospel, he let them argue among themselves while speaking the words of life to others in Rome.  He taught the kingdom of God in Christ from his house, welcoming all who were drawn to listen.  Nobody stopped the work, and so he pushed forward to reach the heart of the Roman Empire with the power of the truth of God's work on the cross, Christ crucified. 

Such Grace in Salvation!

Acts 28:25-28   

25 So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive; 27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” ’ 28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!”

God used Paul to try reach the chosen Jewish people first, but their hearts were hardened so they refused to hear with understanding and could not see the Messiah in their own scriptures.  Their ears were deaf to the gospel as they turned to their own laws over time.  So God turned to the nations promised through Abram to become as numerous as the stars or sand on a beach.  Salvation came to us in part due to the spiritually deaf, dumb, and blind, but more so because God chose us out along with  the remnant of Israel before time began.  He alone opens eyes and ears of the hearts of men by His choice.  Such grace in salvation! 

We Desire to Hear From You

Acts 28:21-24 
21 Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”  23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

The Roman Jews listened to hear what this new sect was about, for they did not hear anything except that many were against it.  So Paul took a whole day to meet and tell of the kingdom of God that was in and through Jesus Christ alone.  He showed  Old Testament scriptures all pointed to and told of the Christ.  Some were moved to understanding and others refused to believe the facts.  Even now many will hear the truth of God, yet choose to believe otherwise, refusing to trust God and admit their accountability to Him.  They choose not to believe and submit to His authority, and remain in their sin.

Present Your Case

Acts 28:17-20 
17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18 who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 20 For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”

In Rome, Paul met with the Jewish leaders to present his case for being there.  He again spoke of his innocence, yet also God's provision in the need for safety by plotting against him.  So Paul came with the hope of Israel (and the world) to the capital of the empire.  So began his conversation with the Jewish leaders in Rome.  Paul was divinely appointed to spread the gospel far and wide, to the end of the earth…so should we follow Him as He leads.

Sovereign Journey's End

Acts 28:14-16   
14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.  16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

Paul and company made a few stops on the way to Rome, and at Puteoli (by Naples, north of Pompeii) they found other believers to stay and fellowship with for a week.  Others also heard and met them on the last leg of the trip.  So God encouraged Paul with them and he bravely pushed on. Finally, the centurion handed over Paul to the captain of the guard at the prison.  Paul was even given his own room and a guard.  So God drew Paul to Rome through an appeal to Caesar that was not needed legally, and kept him safe to arrive in the heart of the empire in order to bring the gospel there.  Sovereignty.  Grace.

Providing What is Necessary

Acts 28:7-10   
7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

An important man lay sick on the island where Paul, the prisoners, and Roman soldiers were shipwrecked.  When the man contracted dysentery, Paul prayed for him and God made him well - and then was used to make others well also.  So Paul and his traveling band were held in honor until they were able to continue their journey toward Rome, and were given supplies for the trip.  So we are to help others, asking nothing as we give of ourselves to minister to the needs.  God gave up His honor and dignity to become a man and suffer for us, so how can we not serve as He showed us?  Paul got this.

Shake the Snake Off

Acts 28:3-6 
3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

After being shipwrecked on Malta and receiving hospitality of warmth and food, Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake.  The natives kept waiting for him to die from the bite, yet he had shaken the snake into the flames and nothing happened.  They erroneously said he was a god, not realizing the power was from God above to keep him safe, not in or of his own power.  Whatever we do, it is Christ working through us.  When God keeps us from harm, He alone gets the glory; we have no right to mislead others by taking it for our own. 

Unbroken Promise

Acts 27:39-44 
39 When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. … 42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.

About to be shipwrecked, they headed to an unknown landing with a beach in a bay - but the ship was caught and began to be broken up.  The soldiers normally would kill prisoners rather than let them escape, but Paul's influence and speech earlier stopped that.  So they swam to shore or floated in on debris; they all lived.  So God kept them together and alive as promised.  His promises are certain and salvation to all He calls to the heavenly shore is to be relied on.  He is faithful who promises.

Trust in the Storm

Acts 27:34-38 
34 Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. 36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. 37 And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. 38 So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.

Paul old everyone to eat before throwing the last food overboard, promising none would die if they did as God instructed.  So he gave thanks in breaking bread (communion), encouraging the other 275 to to the same.  So we can also encourage others by our partaking in and trusting in our Lord and God, Jesus Christ when the storms and floods of life arise.

Ride Out the Storm

Acts 27:30-33   
30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.  33 And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing.

Some tried to steal away in the lifeboat to escape the raging sea and howling winds, but God used Paul to tell them their only hope was to ride out the storm together, eating for nourishment and strength.  So we find rescue in God's plan, holding to Him and finding our sustenance in the bread of life, Jesus Christ.  If we try to escape the storm of judgment or trials on our own efforts, we are capsized and drown in sorrows.  He alone is deliverance.

Voice in the Storm

Acts 27:22-26 
22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 26 However, we must run aground on a certain island.”

God showed Paul that the storm would destroy the ship only, as long as they listened.  The assurance was that God had plans for Paul which were absolute and laid out already for him to go before Caesar with the words of life.  God also granted the lives of all traveling with him, no matter how fierce the storm.  So he encouraged all to trust God through him until they ran aground and were safe.  God has absolute sovereign design and control over our circumstances.  He is faithful to His plans for us to the end of His glory in it all.  So we have faith - we trust the God of all in all things.

Tiny Ship Was Tossed

Acts 27:18-21 
18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 On the third day we threw the ship's tackle overboard with our own hands. 20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.  21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss.

The tiny ship was tossed and all seemed lost in the raging storm, with desperate moves to throw even the needed tackle overboard to lighten the ship and avoid sinking.  The storm grew darker so even the sun at day and stars at night could not be seen.  They gave up all hope.  Then after much fasting , Paul addressed the ship’s beleaguered crew to remind them of the warning from God to not set sail. He did this not to criticize, but to point to the God who knows and cares.  The one offering hope and light in the helplessness of sin’s darkness and life’s storms.  Even in these circumstances Paul pointed to God’s mercy and grace in Christ, for he lived for the gospel’s sake in the hearts of men.

God's Headwind

Acts 27:13-17 
13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. 15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. 17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven.

Setting sail on a course against God's warning, the wind began to blow hard against them and they could not fight it anymore.  So they ran with the tempest until some shelter was found; there they pulled the water laden launch boat up and tied cables under the ship to keep it from breaking up.  Then they set sail again to avoid the well known dangerous shallows and sandbanks.  They were sailing against the headwind of God's warning, yet He was still watching over and protecting Paul so he could finish the race and do the work he was called to.  God's sovereignty ensures man's decisions do not detract from what He sets in place and in motion.

Path to Destruction

Acts 27:9-11 
9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.

The weather turned worse as the seasons changed, yet the warning God gave Paul to the centurion in charge of the ship was not heeded.  He easily dismissed this Jew, this Christian, headed for trial, not knowing God's hand and Spirit on him with the wisdom to know disaster lay ahead on the present course.  So the Roman listened to the ship owner and driver rather than him.  Even now when God's people speak, many will continue on the path to destruction, sailing in a blind faith of human wisdom without foundation or merit.  But those led by God are on an even keel on a journey mapped out by God along the way. 

Journey of Trust

Acts 27:1-8 
1 And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. 2 So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. 3 And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. … 7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone. 8 Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.

Sailing to Rome took many stops along the way, and Paul had a Thessalonican brother, Aristarchus, along.  He was even allowed to go ashore at Sidon to see friends and be ministered to by them.  The continuing journey became more difficult and they had to sail along Crete for shelter from the harsh winds and accompanying storms.  The journey was God bringing Paul to testify to the truth in Rome, but it was not easy; these difficulties were allowed and designed to show others Paul's faith in action, trusting a real savior Lord in all circumstances.  A great example for us all.

Almost Persuaded

Acts 26:28-32 
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” 29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”  30 When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31 and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.” 32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Reason almost convinced the king to become a Christian, but unless God called him to that time, he would go no further.  Paul pleaded for him to have the reconciled relationship of joy that he had in Christ, but at this time they only saw Paul's innocence.  Yet the law was set in motion for meeting the court of Caesar in Rome to bear witness there.  We can only wonder if God granted repentance to eternal life to Agrippa, Festus, and Drusilla… we do know that God's word does not return empty.

Beside Yourself!

Acts 26:24-27 
24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”   25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26 For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”

The governor thought Paul was crazy as he spoke of life after death through the death and resurrection of the Messiah as all had witnessed or heard of from Jerusalem.  Paul reminded the governor that this was truth and reason.  Then he let the king know that he knew and believed the prophets that foretold of the Christ as well.  Paul reminded Agrippa that this was not missed by him to point him to believe these words of life that are the good news of Jesus Christ.  So we need not fear to tell the truth to our leaders, and so point them to the gospel with truth and reason as God's word contains.