All Hope Was Given Up

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. 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 27:20-21

In the text above, Paul is under the care of a Roman centurion as he is on his way to stand trial in Rome. He had previously warned his traveling companions that they should not yet set sail due to the dangerous storms at sea this time of the year. He had told them in v. 10: “I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” However, the centurion relied on the word of the helmsman and the ship’s owner rather than the word from God by the mouth of the apostle. (v. 11) The result was a perilous and fearful journey, and at the point of our text, they had given up all hope of survival. At what seems like the most inappropriate time, Paul effectively says in v. 21, “I told you so!”

I don’t believe Paul’s statement in v. 21 to be mean-spirited but necessary in order for these men to understand the grave danger of ignoring God’s warning. After correcting them for their error, he speaks words of tremendous comfort, sharing with them that God’s angel told him that he would make it safely to Rome and that “God has granted you all those who sail with you”. And so he encouraged them to “take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.” (v. 24-25)

We have in a nutshell in this passage the manner in which we are to share the gospel with souls. They must first understand the grave danger they are in because of their disobedience to God’s word, i.e. because of their sin. Only against this backdrop of eternal condemnation do men come to appreciate the great mercy of God extended in the gospel! Did it work for Paul’s companions? Well, when some of the crew later attempted to abandon ship in the life boat and Paul told them God’s command was that everyone had to stay on board for all of them to survive (v. 31), they quickly cut the ropes to the boat and simply trusted in God’s promise (v. 32). In like manner, as we faithfully warn men that their sins have eternally condemned them but that God has extended mercy in Jesus Christ, we will see souls cut the ties to anything else they’re trusting in for their salvation and rely on Christ alone!

As Christians, we will find that rope-cutting has to happen more than once as we walk with the Lord. Even though we believe and trust God, there will be temptations to misplace our trust. We know as Christ said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” But just like the man Jesus was addressing in that statement, we at times must confess, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mar 9:23-24) So, do you have any ropes that need to be cut today? What are you leaning on besides the Lord? He alone is our Deliverer! Why would we ever look elsewhere? Hasn’t He assured us that He will always be there for us? “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom 8:32)

Jamie

Leave a Reply