TO ROME The Evangelist St. Luke parades the journey of the prisoner St. Paul, not only to reveal the extent of dangers he faced, but rather to reveal the personality of Paul, the prisoner and the leader. The prisoners were taken severely guarded by soldiers led by a centurion. Yet the apostle did not feel that he was a humiliated prisoner, but as an ambassador of Christ, to testify to Him before all those who were on board the ship. That journey, despite all the horrible dangers associated with it, has been a good opportunity to preach the gospel. All those on board felt the blessing of having the apostle Paul in their midst, and came in touch with God’s work in their life through him. He gave them some touches of Joy and thanksgiving to God. Although the centurion, the soldiers, the prisoners, the passengers, and the crew, were almost all idol worshippers; yet the apostle Paul, with his love for mankind, prayed in their name to God, delivering everything to Him. This is the true pure love. 1- From Caesarea toMyra 1 – 5 2- From Myra to Fair Havens 6 – 8 3- From Fair Havens toMalta 9 – 44 1- FROM CAESAREA TO MYRA We have no idea, how long the apostle Paul debated with king Agrippa, who wanted to give him an unconditional release, except that Paul has appealed to Caesar; and in such case, he as a Roman had to be sent to Rome for trial. St. Luke wrote this journey in some detail, revealing its importance in realizing his goal: the rejection of the gospel by the Jews, and the opening of the door of faith before the Gentiles in the capital of the empire. “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 Augustus Regiment” (Acts 27: 1). The last time for St. Luke to say “We” was in (Acts 21: 18), when he was in St. Paul's company, as he arrived in Jerusalem. It is to be assumed that the Evangelist St. Luke has been in Caesarea during the period St. Paul was in prison. Now St. Luke accompanies him in his journey to Rome, together with Aristarchus of Thessalonica, who came to Jerusalem with St. Paul from Thessalonica (Acts 19: 29, 20: 4). This journey started from Caesarea, from a port south of Tarsus. “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” (Acts 27: 2). The ship sailed along the southern coast of Asia Minor, passing by the sea ports and the coastal cities. Paul’s friends, Luke and Aristarchus, were not ashamed of his chains, but counted it an honor for them to accompany him willingly in this journey, to share with him the dangers of the sea, and to risk their life for the sake of their love for him, and of the ministry of preaching. “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” (Acts 27: 3). 913 The first port they reached was Sidon at Phoenicia, about 67 miles north of Caesarea, that could be reached easily in 24 hour sailing by sea. It is the last city on the coast of Phoenicia. As many opponents as God allowed His apostle Paul to have, He provided him with those in whose sight he found favor, like governor Felix (Acts 24: 23), and the centurion Julius, who most probably was aware of his case, and listened to his defense before Agrippa, and was convinced of his innocence. The apostle had friends in many of the cities he passed through in his journeys, especially on his way to and from Jerusalem, who provided him and those who were with him, with provisions for their long, hard, and risky journey. Although Paul was the centurion’s prisoner, yet he dealt with him as a righteous friend, and a man who cared for the salvation of souls. That officer presents to us a living portrait of someone who does not misuse his authority, but walks with the spirit of piety. “When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary” (Acts 27: 4). During the fall season, north-west winds blow on the Mediterranean Sea, especially on its eastern side. They had to divert under the shelter of Cyprus to a certain extent, to avoid the contrary wind, then went around the island from the east in a large curve off Cilicia and Pamphilia along the coast, so that they then, headed west, to make use of the same wind, to push the ship forward instead of backward. If the wind had been more favorable, they would have sailed directly, leaving Cyprus behind on their right; but because it was not that favorable, they diverted under its impact to a different direction, to have Cyprus on their left. The crew was committed not to venture directly into the sea, but, under the impact of the western wind, they sailed under Cilicia and Pamphilia, until they reached Myra, a city of Lycia, a large port that receives large ships, especially those that carry grains from Alexandria to Rome. There, they changed the ship and got on board of an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy. To take it easy with the wind, for the safety of the ship, they sailed with the wind southward toward an island 20 miles south-west of Crete, to take shelter. "Under the shelter of Cyprus": they sailed near its coast in under to avoid the danger of the wind. Lycia was a province south-west of Asia Minor, bordered by Phrygia and Pamphilia on its north, the Mediterranean Sea on its south, Pamphilia on its east, and Carala on its west. "See how God does not innovate or change the order of nature, but suffers them to sail into the unfavorable winds. But even so the miracle is wrought. That they may sail safely, He did not let them go out in the (open) sea, but they always sailed near the land. See how the life of the saints is thus interwoven throughout: escaped from the court of justice, they fall in with shipwreck and storm" 1. (St. John Chrysostom) “And we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphilia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia” (Acts 27: 5). Myra had its blessed reputation among the Greeks, because St. Nicolas the Intercessor of Greece, especially the seamen, and the people of Myra, was a citizen of 1Homilies on Acts. Hom. 53. 914 Myra. The Russians stole his body and carried it to St. Petersburg during the revolution of Greece, and sent to the people of Myra a valuable icon in its place. The port of Myra is called Andriace, one of the most important ports, in Asia Minor, where the grain-laden ships from Alexandria to Rome, with their route parallel to the coast from Phoenicia to Asia Minor, used to come. The big ships then, set forth from there to Italy, where the current heads to the west, beside the prevailing wind, were. 2- FROM MYRA TO THE FAIR HAVENS “There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, and he put us on board” (Acts 27: 6). This big ship probably had to divert its route toward the coast of Asia Minor, on its way to Rome, because of the storms and the contrary winds. “And 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” (Acts 27: 7). Cnidus was 130 miles far from Myra, a port on the coast of Asia Minor, west of Myra. Their route was parallel to the coast, yet their slow speed was because of the contrary north-west winds, that made them reach the port with great difficulty. They had to head southward to get the help of the same wind. Although the water current was heading west, yet the north-west wind was contrary to it. So they sailed south toward Crete, around the cape of Salmone, the farthermost point on the east of Crete, then sailed south of Crete, parallel to the coast, until they reached the Fair Havens (Acts 27.8). Here, they faced the same difficulty they suffered before during their journey from Myra to Cnidus. The ship sailed slowly for several days because of the west wind, until they reached Cnidus, the port of Caria, and had to sail south of Crete, as it previously did south of Cyprus, and hence found great difficulty to reach Salmon, the eastern coast of Crete, and to reach the Fair Havens. “Passing it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lycia” (Acts 27: 8). They had to sail all around the eastern coast of the island, as it was not possible to sail directly from the island to the main land. The Fair Havens: South-east of the island of Crete, so called by the Geographer Steven, and ‘The beautiful gulf’ by the crews of the Dutch and French lines. It had no city of its own, but there was a famous city by the name of Lycia close to it. 3- FROM THE FAIR HAVENS TO MALTA “Now when much time had been spent and sailing was now dangerous because the fast was already over, Paul advised them” (Acts 27: 9). “The fast was already over” is an expression referring to the fact that it was not the time to sail, whatever the reason is, as it was the beginning of the month of October, and, according to experienced travelers, sailing then was a great risk. It is clear that, when they started their journey, they hoped to reach their destination before the onset of the dangerous time of sailing, but that was not realized. Some scholars, like St. John Chrysostom, believe that the fast here is a Jewish fast, the great ‘Day of Atonement’ (Lev 23: 27), on the tenth day of the seventh month 915 (about the end of September), following the autumn equinox, when sailing becomes dangerous. “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” (Acts 27: 10). Paul was not a regular prisoner, but like a retired captain with sailing experience, especially as far as ship wrecks are concerned (2 Cor 11: 25-26). But the ruler of the air, the devil, shut the ears of all to listen to his council, to add new troubles to Paul. St. Paul had much experience in sea travel, who mentioned among his sufferings, that times he faced ship-wreck (2 Cor 11: 25). Besides, nobody can deny that the apostle, was told by the Holy Spirit what would happen to the ship. There is no doubt that the cargo (the grains sent to Rome) had its special value, not material-wise, but because Rome needed it. “Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship more than by the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 27: 11). The centurion assumed that the helmsman and the owner of the ship, with their long experience, beside their interest in the safety of the ship and its cargo, would have more experience than Paul, so he was persuaded by them. Although the centurion was compassionate toward Paul, and admired him, yet he did not heed to his council. “And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the south-west and north-west, and winter there” (Acts 27: 12). As the Fair Havens was not suitable to winter in, they preferred to sail toward Phoenix, west of Crete, although it is a summer and not a winter resort, and not a proper harbor, but more like a beach, open to cold winds. “When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete” (Acts 27: 13). The wind previously coming from the west was contrary and dangerous, but changing to a soft and gentle breeze gave them hope that sailing was not that dangerous, especially along the coasts of Crete, until they reach Phoenix to the west, as they hoped. All of a sudden, the contrary north-west wind stopped, and a soft gentle south breeze came. This happens because of the fluctuations in the air pressure. Yet these breezes are usually of temporary nature, and would soon be replaced by the north-west winds again. “But not long after a tempestuous head wind arose, called ‘Euroclydon’” (Acts 27: 14). All of a sudden, the gentle south wind transferred into a stormy wind opposite to the direction of their journey. It is called ‘Euroclydon’. Some believe that it refers to something like a hurricane that makes the ship as though under the mercy of a whirlwind; that is called nowadays ‘laventers’. It is derived from Levant, meaning "orient". St. Paul became in a situation similar to that of the prophet Jonah. But whereas Jonah was fleeing from the face of the Lord, Paul was bound to testify to the Lord. Whereas Jonah refused to preach to the Gentiles, Paul, on the other hand, did his best to testify to the Lord Christ before the Gentiles. “So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive” (Acts 27: 15). 916 The ship, caught by that violent storm, became like a toy, and the crew, eventually stopped trying to regain control, and surrendered their life to the unmerciful wind. But the apostle Paul, on the other hand, in the name of all those on board, delivered the matter in the hands of God, believing that all of them were carried on the eternal arms. “And running under the shelter of an island called ‘Clauda’, we secured the skiff with difficulty. When they had taken it on board, they used cables to under gird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the ‘Syrtis sands’ they struck sail and so were driven” (Acts 27: 16-17). They could not control the large ship; they could hardly control the boat. This does not mean that they reached the coast. Clauda: a small island, 20 miles south-west of Crete. Oblivious to use cables it means, using ropes and chains to save the ship. Feared that the ship's instilled in the soft sand soft (Syrtis sands’), they struck sail that because of the stormy wind was difficult to control the direction “And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship” (Acts 27: 18). The next day, they started to cast the cargo, especially the grain, overboard, realizing that wealth would not save them, but represents a heavy load on the ship of life, that could end up in bringing it down in the waters of this world, according to the words of the wise Solomon: “Riches kept for their owner to his hurt” (Eccl 5: 13). It is amazing how the people of this world easily cast overboard everything they possess in order to save their temporal life; whereas they find it very difficult to offer a little portion of it to their poor and needy brothers, for the sake of their eternal life. Whoever looks forward to eternity with its glories would not preoccupy himself with worldly affairs; but, according to the apostle Paul, “You accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven” (Heb 10: 34). Any reasonable man would destroy the ship with everything on it to save his life, while many prefer to destroy the ship of their faith, and their good conscience, for the sake of temporal objects. Like what the crew of that ship did, we, in the midst of the storms of this world, are committed to lighten down our heavy cargo, to become light like a bird soaring in air, not to be described like Pharaoh and his soldiers, who “sank like lead in the mighty waters” (Exod 15: 10). “On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands. 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” (Acts 27: 19-20). What made the situation worse was that darkness dwelt over them, making them for many days unable to differentiate between night and day, and unable to recognize their exact location and directions to decide on the right route toward safety. This is the way of the soul which loses its sight of the Lord Christ, the Sun of Righteousness. It would not enjoy His light, and would not become “the daughter of the day”. And also when it loses the sight of the true children of God as glittering stars, when it does not find before it living role models of faith to follow their lead. Here, the situation becomes very dangerous, when man does not realize, by the light of the Holy 917 Spirit, the reality of his soul, or his location, and loses the sight of his Savior, the beauty of his church and the splendor of its saints. That dangerous situation destroyed the mentality of the crew. The outer darkness reflected on them an inner destructive darkness, that of despair; and “All hope that we would be saved was finally given up” (Acts 27: 20). Into their souls crawled the most dangerous enemy that destroys the life of man in this world, and let him lose his eternity, through despair, that when it enters, it would be accompanied by all the rest of sins; and the demons would find in his heart a throne to sit on. “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” (Acts 27: 21). Amid those horrible circumstances, they brought the sails down, to limit the impact of the violent wind and started to lighten the ship of its 1000 tons cargo, to keep the ship from being torn apart by the blows of the mighty waves. On the third day, they threw the Ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. They ran frantically everywhere and knocked each other down, screaming loudly, while the ship started filling with water. The cold wind, the heavy rain, and the pitch darkness added to their misery. And amid that horrible atmosphere, the apostle Paul stood, fasting and praying to his God, to realize His divine promise to grant him all those who sailed with him, in order to consummate his mission by standing before Caesar to testify to his Lord and Savior. Some believe that all on board shared in this fast, not as a rite of worship, but, as a result of tribulation and bitterness, and the exhausting continuous strife to save themselves and the ship; they did not preoccupy themselves with food or drink. The apostle rebuked them, because they disregarded his council, although then they started to listen to him, saying that he has got a divine promise concerning their safety. "For Paul is sailing even now with us, only not bound as he was then: he admonishes us even now Let us obey Paul: though we be in the midst of a tempest, we shall surely be freed from the dangers: though we remain without food fourteen days, though hope of safety may have left us, though we be in darkness and mist, by doing his bidding, we shall be freed from the dangers. Let us think that the whole world is a ship, and in this the evildoers and those who have numberless vices, some rulers, others guards, others just men, as Paul was, others prisoners, those bound by their sins: if then we do as Paul bids us, we perish not in our bonds, but are released from them: God will give us also to him" 1. (St. John Chrysostom) “And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship” (Acts 27: 22). This good news is not from him, but is a divine gift. Amid the bitterness of tribulation, Paul was like one of them, fasting and working, casting the cargo overboard, and doing his best to save the ship. But now, having enjoyed that divine promise, he stood in the midst of them, not as one of the prisoners, but as a good council who brings joyful news. He took away from them the spirit of despair, and brought them that of hope, and a comfort from heaven. 1Homilies on Acts. Hom. 53. 918 “I urge you to take heart”; As God is the source of joy to those in heaven and on earth; so He grants the believers, not only to rejoice, but also to make many joyful. For stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong, and whom I serve” (Acts 27: 23). When the apostle Paul was in danger of death, and when he got a divine promise to be saved together with those who were with him, there was nothing to preoccupy him, but his preaching ministry, that was the goal of his life. He had no fear of death, or was preoccupied with his temporal safety, but with dedicating all his being to God his Savior. He did not say, “… to whom we belong, and whom we worship or serve”, but, “To whom I belong, and whom I serve”; as he was going to Rome, not for a business trip, but to appear as an ambassador and a witness to the Lord Christ. He gave them the good news about God, Whom the apostle worships, to which he has dedicated his life, and is referred, who sent him His angel to speak in His name. “Saying, ‘Do not be afraid Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you” (Acts 27: 24). The apostle Paul reveals God’s plan for him, For the sake of testifying to the gospel before Caesar, God would save him, and grant him all those who were with him as a special gift. Here Paul reveals how much he longs to preach, even in the imperial palace, and reveals God’s work through His ministers. Having dedicated his heart to the gospel of Christ, his presence in the ship was a great blessing; and for the sake of realizing his mission, God granted him the life of all who were sailing with him. The apostle Paul certainly did not fear death, but, most probably, he was sharing with those who were sailing with him, their fear and suffering. He lived his whole life counting himself bound with the bound, weak with the weak, and kindling for the sake of every soul that tramples. Whoever walks with the righteousness of Christ will never fear or be disturbed. Fear is a feature of wicked unbelievers; whereas the believer, if he gets disturbed, this would be in partaking of the pains of the weak. For Paul's sake, God saved 276 persons on board that ship; For the sake of Lot, God did not destroy the city of Zoar (Gen 19: 21); and if there were ten righteous men, God would have spared Sodom of burning (Gen 18: 32). If Paul had been among the wicked through his own choice, he would have perished together with them; But because he was among them for the sake of ministry, and not out of slothfulness or wrong lusts, God saved them for his sake, and he became a blessing for them; God granted them to him as a divine gift personally for him. "If (here was) a ship in danger and suffering wreck, and prisoners were saved for Paul's sake, consider what a thing it is to have a holy man in a house. For many are the tempests which assail us also, tempests far more grievous than these (natural ones), but He can also give us to be delivered, if only we obey holy men as those (in the ship) did, if we do what they enjoin. For they are not simply saved, but themselves also contributed to other men's believing. Though the holy man be in bonds, he does greater works than those who are free. And look how this was the case here. The free centurion stood in need of his bound prisoner: the skilful pilot was in want of him who was no pilot-nay rather, of him who was the true pilot. 919 For he steered as pilot not a vessel of this (earthly) kind, but the Church of the whole world, having learnt of Him Who is Lord also of the sea; (steered it,) not by the art of man, but by the wisdom of the Spirit. In this vessel are many shipwrecks, many waves, spirits of wickedness, “Trouble on every side; outside were conflicts, and inside were fears” (2 Cor 7: 5). So that he was the true pilot” 1. "But this that he says, “God has granted you all those who sail with you”, is not spoken boastfully, but in the wish to win those who were sailing in the ship: for (he spoke thus), not that they might feel themselves bound to him, but that they might believe what he was saying. "God has granted you;" as much (as to say), they are worthy indeed of death, since they did not listen to you: however this is done out of favor to you" 2. (St. John Chrysostom) “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me” (Acts 27: 25). The apostle, as what he was going through is the work of God Himself, was utterly sure that he would stand before Caesar, not to defend himself, and regain his freedom, but to testify to his Savior. “However we must aground on a certain island. But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near an island” (Acts 27: 26-27). Some believe that the term ‘the Adriatic Sea’ does not refer to the Adriatic Sea in particular, but to the eastern part of the Mediterranean, toward Italy, Greece, and North Africa, including also the Adriatic Sea. “And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings and found it to be fifteen fathoms. Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come” (Acts 27: 28-29). The fathom is six feet. Some measure it from the middle finger of the left hand to the middle finger of the right one. Dropping four anchors was to secure the ship against such a violent storm. “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; Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, ‘Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved” (Acts 27: 30-31). The ship was most probably an official one; and the centurion had the right in managing the ship. Although the apostle Paul has got a divine promise that God has granted him all the souls on board the ship; yet that does not mean for him to get slothful, but he had to think and get moving, to do every thing possible to be saved. The divine promises are certainly realized for those who positively respond to the divine work, and do their best according to the pleasure of God. The free salvation does not mean for man to get slothful and not serious; that is why the apostle Paul speaks to us about “faith working with love”. "The sailors however, were about to escape, having no faith in what was said: but the centurion does believe Paul, for he says, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you 1Homilies on Acts. Hom. 53. 2Homilies on Acts. Hom. 53. 920 cannot be saved”. So saying, not on this account, but that he might restrain them, and the prophecy might not fall to the ground. See how as in a church they are instructed by the calmness of Paul's behavior, how' he saved them out of the very midst of the dangers. And it is of providential ordering that Paul is disbelieved, that after proof of the facts, he might be believed: which accordingly was the case" 1. (St. John Chrysostom) “Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off” (Acts 27: 32). Thus, they committed the sailors to stay in the ship, and to work to bring it to shore. “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” (Acts 27: 33). Paul was not any more the prisoner who moans under chains, but became in the sight of all, the real captain of the ship, their wise counselor, their compassionate father, the shepherd of their souls, the intercessor for them before God, and the one who cares for their provisions. That does not imply that they ate nothing during the fourteen days; but having been under that great tension, waiting for probable death, they were not preoccupied with eating or drinking proper meals, but were having quick snacks just to keep themselves alive. “Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for you survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you. 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” (Acts 27.34-35). This is an expression not of any damage, but their lives remain preserved in the safe. The apostle Paul was not embarrassed, while among the pagan prisoners, soldiers, and centurion, to give thanks to God before eating, for His work with him and with them all. "Observe, his giving thanks after all that had happened strengthened them. For this showed an assured mind that they would be saved" 2. (St. John Chrysostom) “Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves” (Acts 27: 36). The behavior of St. Paul, and his strong faith in God’s work, radiated joy on all: the crews, soldiers, prisoners, and passengers. “And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship” (Acts 27: 37). Having eaten, they got strong enough to cast the wheat cargo overboard. As there was no more hope of saving it, beside being soaked with sea water, and no more fit for consumption, this would make the ship lighter, and capable of sailing through shallow waters, with no danger of getting stranded in the sandy bottom, and hence of reaching the shore. 1Homilies on Acts. Hom. 53. 2Homilies on Acts. Hom. 53. 921 Responding to Vigilantius who denied the feasibility of the prayers of those who had fallen asleep, for the sake of those still striving on earth, depending on the verse: "A living dog is better than a dead lion". "If Apostles and martyrs while still in the body can pray for others, when they ought still to be anxious for themselves, how much more must they do so when once they have won their crowns, overcome, and triumphed? A single man, Moses, oft wins pardon from God for six hundred thousand armed men (Exod 30: 32); and Stephen, the follower of his Lord and the first Christian martyr, entreats pardon for his persecutors; and when once they have entered on their life with Christ, shall they have less power than before? The Apostle Paul says that two hundred and seventy-six souls were given to him in the ship (Acts 27: 37); and when, after his dissolution, he has begun to be with Christ, must he shut his mouth, and be unable to say a word for those who throughout the whole world have believed in his Gospel? Shall Vigilantius the live dog be better than Paul the dead lion? The truth is that the saints are not called dead, but are said to be asleep" 1. (St. Jerome) “So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea. Now 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” (Acts 27: 38-39). Were filled as they threw the rest of the wheat into the sea, they are no longer fit to eat or to trade; it has drowned from the water. Unable to recognize their exact location, once they saw a bay with a beach with no rocks to break the ship, they decided to run the ship onto it. “And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile losing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the main-sail to the wind and made for shore" (Acts 27.40). They let go the four anchors which they let down in the sea (27: 29). The Greek expression bore the indicating the probability of cutting them off the ship, through cutting their chains, leaving them fixed in the depth of the sea. They also loosened the rudder ropes, in order to be able to direct the ship towards the shore. "Rudder" came in the Greek text in the plural form, which shows that the ship had more than one rudder. "But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground, and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves” (Acts 27.40-41). Some believe that the ship hit the sand and the sea a tongue of water between the two sides like between the two sides, and the waves crash Behind the ship "But some one may say: why did he not save the ship? That they might perceive how great a danger they had escaped: and that the whole matter depended, not on the help of man, but on God's hand saving them independently of a ship. So that righteous men, though. They may be in a tempest, or on the sea, or in the deep, suffer nothing dreadful, but even save others together with themselves" 2. (St. John Chrysostom) 1 Against Vigilantius, 6. 2Homilies on Acts. Hom. 53. 922 “Now the soldiers plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape” (Acts 27: 42). According to the Roman way, the prisoners in such situations are killed lest they should escape, in which case the guards would be accused of negligence or collaboration. According to the guards, killing the prisoners would save them from grave responsibility. Whereas God’s mercy came on everyone, and all including the guards, were saved from sure death; yet that was how they felt toward the prisoners, who in their sight, were worth nothing. “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” (Acts 27: 43). The centurion, so compassionate to Paul, having got in touch with his wisdom and holy behavior, intended to save him whatever the cost may be. And for the sake of Paul, the righteous, he saved the lives of all the prisoners. “And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it was that all escaped safely to land” (Acts 27: 44). Thus, the divine promise to Paul was realized, through God’s exalted mercy. 923 AN INSPIRATION FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS 27 WE LET HER DRIVE ! Paul was brought among the prisoners on board the ship; Yet he was the secret helmsman. He occupied the last place, while he was the first in God’s sight. God granted him favor in the sight of the centurion, Who allowed him to join his friends in Sidon. By the Spirit of God, the apostle revealed to them the probable dangers, But they counted him as a prisoner who has no experience with the sea. When the wind got furious, and the storm got tempestuous, The apostle prayed to God with contrition. In the name of those who were with him: Luke, Aristarchus, as well as all the pagans on board: The centurion, the soldiers, the prisoners, the passengers, and the crew, He delivered the lives of all into the hands of the Almighty. He was not angry because they did not listen to his council, But he prayed with humility to God for their sake. He is truly a father who sees in everyone very beloved children. He felt pain, as everyone lost all hope in getting saved. But he found in Christ, the true Helmsman of the ship, a source of joyful hope. God sent His angel to him, To give him the good news that he granted him all those who sailed with him; No one of them would perish. He granted him all of them, because of his love to all. He saved them all, to let Paul stand before Caesar, To testify to the gospel in the imperial palace. In the midst of the bitter tribulation, he brought the spirit of hope and joy; He took bread and gave thanks to God before all, Then urged them to eat with the joy of heart. Like his Lord, he is the source of joy to all.
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