Acts 27:39-44 – Paul safely on shore

When daylight broke through, they saw a land which they could not recognize. All they could tell was that it seemed like a bay with a beach that presented them with the best chance to run the ship aground. So they made up their minds to do it. To accomplish their intention, they cut loose the four anchors that they had earlier dropped from the stern. At the same time they also untied the ropes that held the rudders and hoisted the foresail which was used primarily to steer the ship under normal conditions. This was used to thrust the ship forward at low speed that was manageable. It was a good plan and the ship went forward and struck a bank or a sandbar and went aground. The prow of the ship was stuck in the sandbar but the back of the ship was exposed to the pounding waves and began to break up by the waves.

Not wanting any of the prisoners to escape, the soldiers intended to kill every one of them to prevent them from swimming ashore. To them this was necessary for if any of the prisoners had escaped the solder in charge would have to take his place. However, the centurion wanted to keep Paul alive, and so prevented them from carrying out their intention. Evidently, he had grown to respect Paul, knowing also that he had not been convicted of any crime. So he commanded that those who could swim to jump overboard and swim to the land. Those who could not swim would float on planks and other parts of the already broken up ship to get to shore. So every one of them reached shore safely.

Imagine what one calm person could do in a seemingly chaotic situation! Paul’s life demonstrated it eloquently. Being in touch with the Lord releases the Sovereign Lord to take control in both the congenial or not so congenial circumstances of lives. In good times or bad, we know that God will see us through when we put our trust in Him. Needless to say, like Paul, we should rest in the Lord, hold on to Him unwaveringly. He always brings about the best possible outcome. God never disappoints! For Paul and also for us who love Him and are called for His purpose!