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THE BOOK OF ACTS

CHAPTER 27

PAUL TRAVELS TO ROME

THE CHALLENGE OF CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

As Paul travels to Rome and is about to be shipwrecked, Paul has a word from God: none would
perish who stayed on board. His confidence and trust are in God, even as the storm rages on
and circumstances are declining.

When the storms of life rage around you, and it looks like you are headed for shipwreck, where
is your focus? Is your attention on the waves of circumstances that appear to be tearing your
life apart, or are they looking to the people around you, being influenced by their reactions
instead of being an influencer for the kingdom of God? We have God’s Word that ensures joy,
peace, provision, divine health, and all the benefits of being a child of the King. His Word
confirms the authority we have been given in Christ Jesus and through Him, our ability to
overcome any storm that may come against us in life.

INTRODUCTION

Chapter 27 is a description of the first part of Paul’s trip to Rome, sailing from Caesarea to
Malta.

Paul sails toward Rome by ship. The Romans were the worst sailors of the ancient world. They
tried to take the land to sea and made ships as large as a football field, and the ships sank
easily. Many of their ships sunk before they even sailed.

The Phoenicians, on the other hand, were the best sailors and were famous for their trade ships
and routes in the ancient world. When the Romans went sailing or took over a ship, Roman law
applied to the passengers while on board just as if they were on land. Roman ships had one
mast in the middle of the ship. Phoenicians ships had many masts. This put all the stress on
the middle of the hull and it was not uncommon for their ships to break apart at the center.
“Frapping” became common by running ropes around the hull to help hold the ships together
(“undergirding” [verse 17])”.

Chapter 27 shows the impact of one man who knows and stands on the Word against the
attacks of Satan. The entire crew will be saved through the faith of Paul.

THE FIRST STORM (1-13)

Festus and the court decide to put Paul on a ship to Rome with other prisoners. The day after
setting sail they land in Sidon, and Paul is permitted to visit the believers there. Then they sail
around the tip of Cyprus and come to Lycia. Paul and the other prisoners are then transferred