Confidence Man

Acts 27:1-20

Luke writes this sailing log with the color of detail, and flair of the extraordinary. The journey is not what it appears: simply the transport of an accused and helpless prisoner from one trial to the next. Rather, it is God's man on God's mission, and God is completely orchestrating the events of this man's life, and the greater kingdom he serves.

My very favorite part of this narrrative, however, is the PREPOSTEROUS SPECTACLE conveyed in the interaction of verses 9 & 10! Though (vv 11,12) the ship's captain, owner and crew end up not heeding Paul's advice (later they wish they had!), yet here we see this currently unemployed tentmaker and itinerant evangelist, accused of major national & religious 'disturbance of the peace', captive and shackled...; and HE is stepping forward with undaunted confidence to advise the maritime experts in sea-faring decisions!

I just love the spectacle of this, picturing Paul chained to some overmatched guard, and pressing unsinkably for a meeting with the ship's officers, captain, & owner!

"The weather was becoming dangerous for sea travel because it was so late in the fall, and Paul spoke to the ship's officers about it. 'Men,' he said, 'I believe there is trouble ahead..."

Wouldn't you have loved to be a mouse in the corner on that ship's deck?! Who was Paul to speak so boldly in such company? in such dilemma? What gave him the right or even inclination? As far as we know, he had positively NO credentials for guiding a ship, or interpreting the weather and wind on the sea! But even as a captive and chained prisoner, Paul knew who he was in Christ. He knew he had heard God's words, and he knew the mission God had called him to, and he knew at least some of the path of it. And this gave him great confidence to speak up, and involve himself in matters surprising to us.

This is not just some brash know-it-all guy who speaks arrogantly and errantly of things he doesn't know. This is a man on a mission, guided by God, and he is sure of it. He fears no man nor situation. He does not cower at the thought of rejection or criticism. He speaks what he knows. He speaks what God's Word has revealed to him, no matter the setting or audience. Such confidence and freedom of soul overshadows any bondage of circumstance. When God has spoken, and you know it, speak with confidence!

PPaul