Paul is on his way to Italy. At last. It was several chapters ago (and years ago) that Jesus told him he was going to Rome. From the sounds of it, they waited a little too long into the season. I’m not a nautical genius, but if there were treacherous waters ahead, I’m not sure I would venture out. In Paul’s day, it’s hard to know what sort of predictions existed. The Weather Channel was certainly not available.
Paul sensed impending doom and tried to reason with them. I bet he felt invisible. Maybe you’ve felt like this before. Have you had a really great idea, been eager to share it, and then nobody listens? Or even worse, you have gone to the trouble of preparing a great presentation and either get bumped or time runs out before you can present. Then there are the times that you do share, but due to distractions nobody even hears you! Continue reading “Acts 27:1-12 – When You’re Not Being Heard”
You would think the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem would forget about Paul. It’s been two years, and their anger burns on. Meanwhile, Paul has been an innocent man in prison. I thought of how this scenario is much like us holding on to grudges.
Two years! What a long time to be in prison. Although it sounds like Paul has it pretty nice for being in jail. At least he is safe from his accusers. And, like Paul always does, he is not wasting an opportunity to witness and share with Felix and his wife. I wouldn’t expect any less.
We don’t always get timestamps in our Bible accounts, but here we do. Today’s reading happens the day after Paul tried to talk reason to the angry Jews. Remember how the commander rescued him and put him in the fortress? The people’s anger wouldn’t just dissipate, but it seemed to have escalated. At least for this group who have made an oath not to eat or drink until they kill Paul. It seems crazy to me. They had quite a plan. But God had his angels in place to prevent it getting in the way of his plan. God’s plans will always trump the enemy’s plans.
