We tend to think of ancient ships as being rather small. Steam engines had not yet been invented, hence the wind drove all these sailing vessels. Or else they were propelled by slaves rowing them slowly to some distant port!
But the ship that carried Paul (at least on the first segment of that now famous journey to Rome) housed hundreds of men!
Luke the historian now becomes mathematician and reports: “And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.” Acts 27:37, surprising!
This large number includes all crewmembers, no doubt. Even the ship’s owner was a passenger! Plus a sizeable contingency of Roman soldiers. Then we must add Paul (and Luke) at least, the great Apostle seldom being alone.
Yes, 276 people!
And the point of today’s Lesson?
Paul’s being “right with God,” hearing and obeying the angelic vision he had earlier received, essentially spares the lives of all others onboard! (No doubt many, if not all, would have died in the storm otherwise.)
Paul’s witnessing and sharing that miraculous message with others precipitated their deliverance from harm!
And Paul’s kindness to the soldiers (especially the Centurion it appears) contributed to a spirit of cooperation rather than animosity among the travelers.
I’m saying this. The way we live can easily bring life or death to those around us! (Either physically or spiritually!)
Even in what we say, or don’t say … “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18:21
And in how we live … “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life.” 2 Corinthians 2:15-16
Our actions, too … Aaron and his “golden calf” debacle led to the deaths of thousands of Israelites! “And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.” Exodus 32:35, and thousands died!
Paul did right … and 275 other people lived!
Jesus did right … dying on that old rugged Cross … and millions upon millions have been spared! (Can you count “whosoever?”)
May we also do right … bringing life to our loved ones and acquaintances!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Remember … they’re watching you.
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