Luke writes the 27th chapter of Acts in the style of an ancient Greek odyssey. Paul must be transported to Rome. This passage resembles a trial, a trial of nature in which a criminal escapes human prosecutors but is caught and punished by the gods.
The ship encountered a fierce storm—a Eurakylōn, a northeaster dreaded by Greek sailors because of its supernatural portent. While Christians and Jews probably would not notice any supernatural importance to this storm, pagan Gentiles will definitely take notice. Paul was exonerated of any crime or wrong-doing-in several human courts. Now the Lord desires that Paul also be exonerated in the court of nature—the court of the gods, opening the way for Paul to preach the gospel of grace to those who might otherwise turn and deaf and disinterested ear.
Early in his ministry, Paul revisited new churches, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Indeed, it was “many tribulations” that characterized Paul’s life and ministry. These were not the idle words of an ivory-tower preacher. That Paul survived his test by sea with the help of his God would impress these Gentile observers. It would have great significance in preparing them to hear the gospel of Christ.
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