Image credit: Shipwreck by Da Loria Norman

Today we will discuss a journey: a long, messy, perilous journey, via a less than ideal route. It’s an apt metaphor for the sometimes confusing and frustrating paths our own lives may take.

My life has also taken an unexpected route, as have the lives of many others—perhaps those who are single parents; those who are divorced, widowed, childless, or disabled; or those who have experienced any of life’s other unanticipated scenarios. I have found that the unexpected route is not a lesser route. The scriptures tell of some of the Lord’s most faithful servants making their way through uncommon paths.

— Becky Thomas, My Unexpected Route, Liahona, October 2007

• Why do we confuse “unexpected routes” with “lesser routes”? What is the problem with this kind of thinking?
• Which scripture heroes come to your mind as people who took “uncommon paths”?

Preaching in Greece

While serving a mission in Greece, the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans about his desire to go to Rome “by any means” and worship with fellow Christians there:

7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

ROMANS 1:7-12

But Paul was on a mission, and he wasn’t called to Rome (yet). From Greece, he continued on to Macadonia, Troas, and then to Jerusalem by way of Assos, Mytelene, Chios, Samos, Miletus, Ephesus, Cos, Rhodes, Patara, Tyre, Ptolemais, and Caesarea.

Note: That is a complicated travel log to keep track of! Here are two chronologies I found helpful to sort out where Paul was and when he was there in the course of his missionary travels:

• A Chronological Study of Paul’s Ministry, Dennis McCallum
• Timeline of the Apostle Paul, Blue Letter Bible

It’s a good thing that Paul was open to going to Rome “by any means” because the path that got him there wasn’t straight-forward. Today we will discuss the series of events that eventually landed Paul in Rome, including (spoiler alert) death threats, mob violence, prison time, a shipwreck, and a close call with a venomous snake.

Arrested in Jerusalem

Paul went to the temple in Jerusalem, where a mob of Jews attacked him, alleging that he allowed Gentiles to enter the temple. Roman guards stopped the riot by arresting Paul, who asked the captain for permission to address the crowd (Acts 21:27-36).

Paul recounted his conversion story to this hostile audience (Acts 22:1-21). We discussed Paul’s conversion story when we covered Acts 9:

Paul mentioned his calling to preach to the Gentiles, a triggering topic to the people who attacked him. The riot resumed (Acts 22:21-23). The Roman captain, Claudius Lysias, was confused by this extreme reaction and ordered the guards to interrogate Paul to figure out what was going on. Separating Paul from the angry Jewish mob probably saved his life, but submitting to interrogation was still a bummer because the ancient Roman method of interrogation happened to be scourging (Acts 22:24). But Paul knew the law; as a Roman citizen, he had a right to a trial. He pointed this out and evaded the scourging (Acts 22:25-29).

Lysias decided to let Jewish leaders handle this problem. He sent Paul to a group of Pharisees and Sadducees for questioning. Unfortunately, Jews did not have more humane interrogation practices than Romans. Paul said only one sentence in his own defense before Ananias, the high priest, ordered his subordinates to hit Paul in the face (Acts 22:30 – 23:2).

Note: Ananias, the high priest, was a different person than Ananias, the disciple, who healed Paul and aided Paul during his conversion to Christianity. Ananias was a common Jewish name. See Who was Ananias in the Bible?

Paul had a big reaction to Ananias’s order…

3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou ^awhited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

Acts 23:3

…which he tried to walk back when he realized who Ananias was.

4 And they that stood by said, ^aRevilest thou God’s high priest?

5 Then said Paul, I ^awist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ^bruler of thy people.

Acts 23:4-5

Paul changed his approach.

6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a ^aPharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the ^bhope and ^cresurrection of the dead I am called in question.

7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

8 For the ^aSadducees say that there is no ^bresurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

9 And there arose a great cry: and the ^ascribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an ^bangel hath spoken to him, let us not ^cfight against God.

Acts 23:6-9

A brawl broke out. Some Jewish leaders attacked Paul and Lysias intervened again by removing Paul and jailing him (Acts 23:10).

That night, while imprisoned, Paul was blessed with a spiritual confirmation that he was at last called to minister in Rome.

11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

Acts 23:11

The following day, Paul’s nephew warned Paul that a group of 40 Jews were plotting to kill him (Acts 23:12-16). Paul told his nephew to report the threat to Lysias, who had been a pretty reliable protector up to that point (Acts 23:17-22).

Once again, Lysias came through, this time sending Paul away from Jerusalem with an armed guard to Caesarea and the custody of its governor, Felix, far away from the Jewish mob (Acts 23:23-35).

• What do you think we can learn from Paul’s experiences in Jerusalem?
• Did Paul demonstrate any positive attributes or make any wise choices that you could emulate in your own life?
• Did Paul make any missteps that we might want to avoid?

Imprisoned in Caesarea

Ananias followed Paul to Caesarea, arriving five days later, accompanied by a lawyer who told Felix the grievances of the high priest and his allies against Paul:

5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

6 Who also hath gone about to profane the ^atemple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

Acts 24:5-6

Paul gave his own defense:

10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

12 And they neither found me in the temple ^adisputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the ^aprophets:

15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a ^aresurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a ^aconscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

17 Now after many years I came to bring ^aalms to my nation, and offerings.

18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me ^apurified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the ^aresurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

Acts 24:10-21

• What stands out to you about what Paul said?
• What do you think of his defense strategy?

After hearing both sides, Felix stalled by saying he needed to talk with Lysius before making a decision. Felix actually hoped to work out some sort of a bribe in exchange for Paul’s freedom. Apparently, nothing panned out, because two years later, Paul was still in Caesarea on house arrest when the governorship of Caesarea transferred to new leadership under Porcius Festus (Acts 24:22-27).

Within days of Festus’s appointment, Ananias lobbied Festus for custody of Paul (Acts 25:1-3)

9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

10 Then said Paul, I stand at Cæsar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto aCæsar.

12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Cæsar? unto Cæsar shalt thou go.

Acts 25:9-12

But Festus couldn’t just put Paul on a boat and send him off to Caesar with no explanation, and he was struggling to identify any crimes Paul had committed (Acts 25:24-27). He consulted with Herod Agrippa II, the current Rome-affiliated ruler of Israel, and grandson of the Herod who ruled Israel at the time of Jesus Christ’s birth. (See Who was Herod Agrippa II?) Agrippa agreed to join Festus in hearing Paul’s case (Acts 25:22).

Paul began his testimony by expressing his pleasure at the opportunity to speak with Agrippa.

2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

Acts 26:2-3

He then recounted his conversion story (Acts 26:4-14) and finished up by declaring his mission to preach to the Gentiles.

15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have ^aappeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a ^bwitness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I ^asend thee,

18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from ^adarkness to ^blight, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not ^adisobedient unto the heavenly ^bvision:

20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to ^akill me.

22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the ^aprophets and Moses did say should come:

23 That Christ should ^asuffer, and that he should be the first that should ^brise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Acts 26:15-23

• What stands out to you about what Paul said?

The Bible reports how Festus and Agrippa reacted.

24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

Acts 26:24-29

In the King James Version of the Bible, Agrippa says, he is “almost persuaded” to be a Christian.

• Do you ever feel “almost” (but not quite) persuaded to be Christian? What does that look like in your life?
• How can we find motivation to become “altogether” Christian? What steps could we take to deepen our commitment to Christ?

While some other Bible translations translate Agrippa’s words in a similar way to the King James Version, others translate out more like this:

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

Acts 26:28, International version

If this is what Agrippa said, he was mocking Paul for attempting to convert him during his short opportunity to testify.

• Was it worth the effort for Paul to share his testimony, even if his audience was unlikely to have a change of heart so quickly? Why or why not?

After questioning Paul, Festus, Agrippa and the other officials present discussed his case.

31 And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of ^adeath or of bonds.

32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto ^aCæsar.

Acts 26:31-32

• Why do you think Paul appealed to Casear? Was this a wise strategy or a mistake?

Shipwrecked in Malta

Festus put Paul on a ship to Rome, and at last, Paul was going exactly where he had wanted to go for years (Acts 27:1-2). Sure, he was still a prisoner, but let’s look at the half-full part of the glass, okay?

Eventually, sailing conditions became rough. Paul tried to convince the crew to pause the journey, but he could not persuade them (Acts 27:9-11).

18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship

Acts 27:18

What a gem of truth is tucked into this seemingly innocuous and often-overlooked verse. What is one of the most powerful ways to survive a storm at sea?

Lighten your load!

How many of us when suffering or struggling think to immediately lighten our loads? To throw overboard sin, anger, despair, pride. To cast off bad habits, erroneous thinking, failed dreams?

Why would we want to carry to the Promised Land anything from the past that would tie us to the past?

—Taylor Halverson, Our Lives Are Like Storm-Tossed Seas. What Should We Throw Overboard? July 29. 2019

• What are some heavy burdens we might consider casting aside to lighten our own loads?
• How has metaphorically lightening your load helped you in a crisis?

As the storm worsened, Paul couldn’t resist saying, “I told you so.”

21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

Acts 27:21

But he also had some words of comfort:

22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s ^alife among you, but of the ship.

23 For there stood by me this night the ^aangel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

Acts 27:22-25

But he finished up with a bit of bad news. They would be shipwrecked:

26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

Acts 27:26

• What can we learn about Paul from what he said in the midst of this crisis?
• Is there anything Paul did that we could emulate? Any missteps we could avoid?

Paul and his fellow travelers were shipwrecked at Malta (Melita), where Paul impressed the locals by surviving a snake bite (Acts 28:1-6). Paul was there for three months, and spent much of that time befriending and healing people in the local community (Acts 28:7-11).

Preaching in Rome

Finally, Paul’s jailers attained a new ship and sailed the rest of the way to Rome (Acts 28:11-15). Paul arrived in Rome as a prisoner, not as a missionary, and yet, he found a way to fulfill his mission in spite of the circumstances.

16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the ^ahope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judæa concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he ^aexpounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the ^bprophets, from morning till evening.

24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some ^abelieved not…

30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Acts 28: 16-24, 30-31

• What can we learn from Paul and his journey to Rome?
• How can we apply what we learned from Paul to our own life journeys?

Yohan Perera wrote about what Paul taught him about leadership during this journey.

• How did Paul demonstrate leadership over the course of this journey?
• How can we emulate Paul’s leadership style in our own lives?

1. Expected the Unexpected

A. Paul expected what others never expected. Not even in their wildest dreams, (Acts 27:9-12)

B. He was a visionary leader. He wasn’t driven by what he saw but by the wisdom of God, (Acts 27:13)

C. Ask God for wisdom that you will see a crisis in advance and prepare yourself.

In the midst of a terrible storm they get shipwrecked on the island of Malta (Acts 27:13 – 28:1)

2. Remembered God’s Purpose

A. Paul was aware of God’s plan and purpose. He believed in God for His Word, (Acts 9:15-16)

B. He shrewdly appealed to Caesar and arranged to sail to Rome so that he could preach to Romans! (Acts 27:23-25)

C. When in crisis, remember God’s purpose. It helps to maintain focus on the mission.

3. Took control of the Situation

A. Paul didn’t blame others but had faith in God and sustained hope, (Acts 27:21-25)

B. He assumed leadership, took control, and devised a plan to deal with the situation at hand, (Acts 27:26)

C. Leaders are called to sustain hope, control situations, devise plans, and take action.

4. Maintained a composed Attitude

A. In the middle of the havoc, Paul gathers a pile of brushwood. A sign of composed attitude, (Acts 28:3)

B. It is Paul’s composed attitude that gave him the ability to lead his team. It was a gift from God.

C. Leaders with composed attitudes always win the trust of their followers. Every leader must pray to God for that gift.

5. Remembered his Identity

A. The Maltese were swift to judge. They believed Paul is a criminal and later a god, (Acts 28:3-6)

B. Paul wasn’t concerned. He knew he is not a sinner or a god. Rather used the opportunity to minister.

C. When criticized, leaders must remember their identity in God because seeking to silence the critiques distracts them from the task.

6. Didn’t stop Leading

A. The bad weather forced Paul to stay in Malta for 3 months. He didn’t have control of the weather.

B. He continued to lead instead of sitting idle and cursing the weather, (Acts 28:8-11)

C. Godly leaders transform crises into new opportunities for leading. They don’t give excuses.

—Yohan Perera, Leadership Lessons from Paul’s Shipwreck, July 5, 2012