SATURDAY February 24, 2024
Plain Sailing
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 Augustan Regiment. 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 27:1-2
The Apostle Paul left Caesarea Maritima to sail to Sidon. He was placed into the custody of a Roman centurion named Julius. It is believed, the centurion was one of Caesar Nero’s right-hand men. He was sent on a mission to Jerusalem. At this time, when he was just about ready to return to Rome, Paul had faced trial and had appealed to Caesar. In God’s divine appointment, Julius was found to be in the right place at the right time for Festus to deliver Paul into his hands. Julius was to take Paul with him all the way to Rome to stand before Caesar. Clearly, God’s hand was upon Paul’s life.
In our own personal lives, we do not have to fear anything that God has allowed to happen to us. In the heart of any child of God, there should be no fear because God’s hand is upon us. We must learn to trust in Him–– to believe He is in complete control of our lives. Behind the scenes, God is aligning us with His will and placing us in the right places at the right times for His divine appointments.
Paul and some of his companions boarded a ship from Adramyttium––a well-constructed merchant ship. When Luke began to use the terms “we” or “us,” he referred to himself and Paul. He was Paul’s friend and physician. Aristarchus from Macedonia, went with Paul on his 3rd mission journey (Acts 19:9). It could be they were arrested with Paul, or they were simply keeping him company. They certainly loved the Apostle and perhaps came along to support and pray for him.
For now, the ship was made ready, and, as they journeyed together to Italy across the Mediterranean Sea, it was plain sailing for Paul and his friends.
There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—
~Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMP~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
