Part Three
Acts 27:27–32
The storm pounded violently. Soon the ship’s tools, equipment, and cargo were tossed overboard. While the tempest raged, no one saw the sun or stars. All hope was lost.
Paul spoke to everyone: “Last night, an angel from my God stood by me. He said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must speak to the emperor in Rome. God has granted safety to those who are sailing with you.’ So keep up your courage. I have faith in God. It will be just as I’ve been told.”
Fourteen days and nights the ship drifted across the Adriatic Sea. Then, at about midnight, the sailors guessed that they were near land. Testing the water’s depth, they saw it was getting shallow. “We’ll run onto the rocks!” they cried. Four anchors were dropped from the stern of the ship. They prayed for daylight.
In the darkness, the sailors tried to leave the doomed ship. Paul told Julius the centurion, “These men must stay in the ship. If not, no one will be saved.” The soldiers made sure the sailors stayed.
Questions: What did the angel tell Paul about the men on the ship? Why did Paul say the men should keep up their courage?