Before Reading.
- Centering prayer— Pray for illumination, “Lord, open my heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit,” and remain in silence.
Reading.
- Read slowly, keeping any words or phrase that come to your mind, and mark on them.
- Close eyes and meditate on what you read.
- Take a note if you have question, inspiration.
Read Acts 27
Commentary.
Paul’s appeal to Caesar, Roman Emperor, was granted. He was sent to Rome under guard of Julius, centurion of Roman soldiers. They set sail to Rome. Luke recorded the route of voyage and events
Friendship — Julius treated Paul friendly and gave him favor with freedom of meeting with friends.
Observance of Fast — Paul kept the Fast, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) on the ship during their sailing to Rome.
Storm —- Hurricane, called, northeast, hit hard and shipwrecked Alexandrian ship that Paul was on board.
Prophecy — With his vision of God, Paul comforted the people who were in fear because of the storm.
All people were saved — Luke recorded all people on board, two hundred seventy-six, were saved their life.
Luke recorded that God worked through Paul in all circumstances and situation. Paul witnessed the saving work of God in the midst of storm, God’s sovereignty and God’s salvation. God also sometimes used the unbelievers as agents of God’s salvation such as Julius in this story for the sake of believers. Friendship with non- believers can cultivate relationship that God can use for God’s redemptive work. It is the case in this chapter that Julius, in his friendship with Paul, saved the life of Paul, and Paul can continue to work for the salvation of God.
After Reading —- Reflection and prayer.
- Reflect on this question, “What does God speak to me today in this chapter?
- Pray that God’s word today be the way, the life, and the truth to you.
- Live it out through the day.
