December 14

Acts 27-28 (biblegateway.com)

Unstoppable Mission, Unshakeable God

Having appealed to Caesar, Paul now begins his journey toward Rome. Though storms, danger, and delay await him, God’s promise remains sure that Paul will testify of Christ in the world’s capital. Acts 27–28 brings the book of Acts to a dramatic and hope-filled conclusion. The gospel has reached the heart of the empire, not through political force, but through the faithfulness of a servant willing to suffer for Christ.

Acts 27 — Paul Sails for Rome and Faces the Storm

Paul begins his journey to Rome under Roman custody, fulfilling the Lord’s promise that he will testify in the capital of the empire (v. 1). He is handed over to a centurion named Julius, along with other prisoners. Luke and Aristarchus accompany him, showing that the Lord does not leave His servants isolated in obedience. Even in chains, Paul is not alone. God provides companionship and care.

They board a ship from Adramyttium, intending to sail along the coast of Asia (v. 2). The winds prove contrary, and progress is slow. They transfer to a larger Alexandrian vessel bound for Italy (v. 6). The voyage becomes increasingly difficult as adverse winds hinder their movement. The delay reminds us that God’s purposes may lead His servants along paths marked by resistance and uncertainty, yet His direction remains sure.

Sailing proves dangerous as the season advances. The Fast, referring to the Day of Atonement, has already passed, indicating that winter storms are near (v. 9). Paul warns the crew that continuing the voyage will result in injury and loss, not only of cargo and ship, but possibly of life. His counsel is not guesswork. Having already faced hardship and shipwreck in previous service, he speaks from experience and godly discernment. However, the centurion listens to the pilot and the ship’s owner rather than to Paul (v. 11). Human expertise seems more convincing than spiritual insight, yet appearances often conceal what God reveals to His people.

They attempt to reach Phoenix, a safer harbor, but a gentle south wind deceives them into believing the journey will succeed (v. 12–13). Soon after setting out, a violent northeaster descends upon the ship, driving it into chaos. The crew cannot control the vessel and must let it drift (v. 14–15). They struggle to secure the lifeboat, reinforce the hull, and brace themselves against the storm (v. 16–17). Fear rises as the storm batters the ship. They jettison cargo and equipment, desperate to stay afloat (v. 18–19). Days pass without sun or stars, and all hope of survival fades (v. 20). Human strength fails, reminding us that storms expose our inability and reveal our need for God.

In this moment of despair, Paul stands and speaks. He acknowledges that they should have listened to him, yet he does not rebuke them in anger. Instead, he delivers God’s promise. An angel of the Lord has appeared to him, assuring him that he must stand before Caesar and that God has granted safety to all who sail with him (v. 22–24). The Lord’s sovereignty does not negate human responsibility. He uses Paul’s obedience to preserve others. Faith does not remove the storm but gives confidence in the midst of it. Paul declares, “I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told” (v. 25). His trust rests not in circumstances but in the God who speaks.

After fourteen nights of drifting, the sailors sense land approaching (v. 27). They take soundings and confirm the water is becoming shallower. Fearing that they will run aground, they drop anchors and pray for daylight (v. 29). Some sailors attempt to escape in the lifeboat, abandoning the others. Paul warns that unless they stay together, they cannot be saved (v. 31). The soldiers cut the ropes, and the lifeboat falls away. Their obedience preserves their lives. God’s promise includes means, not passivity. He calls His people to trust Him enough to act upon His word.

Paul urges everyone to eat, reminding them that God will protect them and that none will perish (v. 33–34). He takes bread, gives thanks in the presence of all, breaks it, and begins to eat (v. 35). His action mirrors the pattern of Christian fellowship and demonstrates peace amid danger. Courage flows from communion with God, not from changed surroundings. The ship carries 276 persons, and they all eat and are strengthened (v. 37–38).

At daybreak, they spot a bay with a beach and attempt to reach it, but the ship strikes a sandbar and begins to break apart (v. 39–41). The soldiers plan to kill the prisoners to prevent escape, but Julius intervenes, determined to spare Paul (v. 42–43). God uses human authority to fulfill His promise. Some swim to shore, and others cling to planks and debris. All escape safely as God has said (v. 44).

Acts 27 reveals that storms do not hinder God’s purposes. Paul sails under Roman authority, but divine authority directs his course. Human wisdom falters, yet God’s word stands firm. The chapter teaches that obedience protects, faith strengthens, and God preserves His servants. The storm does not prevent Paul from reaching Rome. It becomes the very means by which God displays His power and faithfulness. Those who trust His promises find that no circumstance, however fierce, can overturn what God has spoken.

Acts 28 — From Shipwreck to Rome: The Gospel Reaches Its Destination

After surviving the shipwreck, everyone reaches the island safely (v. 1). They learn that the island is called Malta. The natives show unusual kindness, welcoming the wet and weary survivors and kindling a fire because of the cold rain (v. 2). God uses unexpected people to care for His servants, demonstrating that His provision is not limited to familiar sources.

As Paul gathers sticks for the fire, a viper fastens onto his hand (v. 3). The islanders assume he must be a murderer who has escaped the sea only to be judged by justice (v. 4). Their worldview expects divine retribution. Paul, however, shakes the snake off into the fire and suffers no harm (v. 5). The people wait for him to swell up or die, but when nothing happens, they change their opinion and conclude that he is a god (v. 6). Their reaction exposes how quickly human understanding shifts when it lacks truth. Paul’s life becomes a testimony to God's protection of His servants and to the fact that circumstances do not determine identity.

Paul’s ministry continues as he is welcomed into the home of Publius, the leading man of the island (v. 7). Publius’s father lies sick with fever and dysentery. Paul visits him, prays, lays hands on him, and the man is healed (v. 8). When this becomes known, others who are sick come, and they too are healed (v. 9). God’s compassion flows through Paul, not to elevate him, but to reveal the living God who saves and restores. In response, the people honor Paul and supply everything needed for the remainder of the journey (v. 10). God equips His people for the next step long before they take it.

After three months, they board another Alexandrian ship and sail north (v. 11). They land at Syracuse, stay three days, and continue to Rhegium, then to Puteoli, where they find believers and remain with them a week (v. 12–14). God continually surrounds Paul with fellowship. Even in travel, the presence of fellow Christians brings confirmation that the gospel has already reached places Paul has yet to visit. The Lord prepares His servant’s heart by reminding him that he does not labor alone.

As Paul approaches Rome, believers come out to meet him at the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns (v. 15). Seeing them, Paul gives thanks and takes courage. The arrival in Rome is not triumphant from a worldly perspective. Paul enters the city as a prisoner. Yet God’s purpose is not diminished. What looks like captivity is the means by which the gospel enters the heart of the empire. Paul is allowed to live by himself with a soldier guarding him (v. 16). He summons the Jewish leaders to explain that he is not in chains because of rebellion against his people or their law (v. 17). They have received no accusations about him, but they express interest in hearing his message since the Christian movement is spoken against everywhere (v. 21–22). Even opposition becomes opportunity.

On the appointed day, many gather at Paul’s lodging (v. 23). From morning until evening, he explains and testifies about the kingdom of God, seeking to persuade them concerning Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Some believe, others do not. The gospel unites and divides. Paul quotes Isaiah, declaring that those who harden their hearts cannot understand God’s truth because they refuse to turn to Him and be healed (v. 26–27). The barrier is not intellectual but spiritual. The call to repentance stands before every hearer.

Paul announces that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen (v. 28). The mission God promised from the beginning continues. Rejection does not stop the gospel. It redirects it according to His plan. Paul remains in Rome for two full years, living at his own expense, receiving all who come to him (v. 30). He proclaims the kingdom of God and teaches about the Lord Jesus Christ with boldness and without hindrance (v. 31).

The book ends not with resolution but with movement. The Word of God advances. Chains do not silence it. Empires cannot contain it. Paul’s life testifies that obedience opens doors that circumstances seem to close. God’s purposes are unstoppable, and those who trust Him find that no prison can imprison His truth.

Acts closes not with Paul’s death but with the gospel’s victory. The Lord promised that Paul would testify in Rome, and the chapter shows that promise fulfilled. Storms, accusations, prisons, and shipwrecks cannot stop the kingdom of God. The final word is not limitation but proclamation. The church continues the mission with confidence that what God begins, He completes. The Spirit who carried Paul to Rome now empowers believers everywhere to make Christ known without fear.

Conclusion

Acts 27–28 reveal that God’s mission cannot be stopped by storms, snakes, rulers, prisons, or human opposition. What began in a small upper room in Jerusalem has now reached Rome, the center of the ancient world. The Holy Spirit empowers ordinary believers, sustains them through trials, and opens doors no one can shut.

For believers today, the ending of Acts is not an ending at all. Rather, it is an open invitation. The story continues through every follower of Christ who boldly shares the gospel where God places them. The same Spirit who carried Paul across seas and into courts now dwells in every believer. Our circumstances may differ, but our calling remains the same: proclaim Christ, trust His promises, and live for His glory. The mission goes forward, not by human might, but by the power of God.