Study Questions: Acts #28
Shipwrecked on the way to Rome.
Acts 27:1-44
INTRODUCTION: We are in another long section of the narrative that describes the first half of his journey to Rome. And, we are going to see that things do not go to plan for anyone involved. Yet, in the sovereign providence and grace of God, this opportunity will not be wasted; God will make a way.
After several chapters of trials and speeches Luke brings his story to a lively conclusion by relating in considerable detail the sea voyage of Paul from Palestine to Italy.[1] As we followed Paul’s life and journey, it is hard to miss the connections to Jesus’ own life story. Jesus was sent to his death by his own people, and Paul was sent to Rome. Or rather, as becomes increasingly clear, Paul was sent off to sea. And at this point we have to remind ourselves about Jewish attitudes to the sea. The Jews were not a seafaring race. They left that to the Egyptians, to the south, and the Phoenicians, to the north, not to mention the Greeks, who were never happier than when messing about in island-hopping boats, and ferries, and seaborne businesses, and temples to Poseidon (or Neptune, as the Romans called him). But for the Jews, the sea was a monster.[2] Yes, we can feel it in this moment that tragedy is just around the corner. But, somehow, just as we’ve seen before, God is capable of making a way. A way in our circumstances, a way through the storm, and a way through our obedience.
GETTING STARTED – As you begin your group time, talk about a time that you watched God make a way or provide for you or your family when you didn’t know how he would or could. What did it teach you about God? What did it teach you about yourself?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage. It is important to strengthen our muscles in reading God’s Word. On Sunday, we walked through the passage in the sermon. Hopefully, that helped you to see the landmarks of the passage with fresh eyes. Now, with your group, go back through it and see what God is saying to you specifically.
First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?
[1] I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 5, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1980), 421.
[2] Tom Wright, Acts for Everyone, Part 2: Chapters 13-28 (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2008), 222.