Episode Summary: Day 348 (Acts 27-28) - Year 6

Release Date: December 14, 2024
Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Podcast: The Bible Recap

Introduction

In this episode of The Bible Recap, host Tara-Leigh Cobble delves into Acts chapters 27 and 28, chronicling Paul's perilous journey to Rome and the miraculous events that unfold during his voyage and subsequent imprisonment. Set in approximately 59 A.D., thirty years after Jesus' resurrection, the episode provides a vivid recounting of Paul's unwavering faith amidst adversity.

Paul's Journey to Rome

The episode begins with Paul having just defended himself before King Agrippa and Governor Felix. Following his defense, Paul is set to embark on a sea voyage to Rome to appeal to Caesar, as he had requested. Tara-Leigh sets the stage by describing the large ship—equipped with sails and anchors—and the nearly 300 people aboard, including Paul’s friend Luke, the narrator of Acts.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [00:02]: "Paul defended himself in front of King Agrippa and Governor Felix yesterday. And today we launch into the aftermath of that trial where he's being transported to Rome to appeal to Caesar like he requested."

Encounter with the Storm

As autumn settles, the voyage encounters rough winds, delaying their journey. Paul senses impending danger and warns the crew and passengers about the potential shipwreck.

Paul [Timestamp Not Provided]: "I have a bad feeling about this, you guys. If we continue on, I don't think this is going to go well. We'll probably end up losing some of our supplies and some of our shipmates."

Despite Paul's caution, his warnings are dismissed, leading to dire consequences. The ship is battered by a severe storm, forcing the crew to jettison cargo and eventually parts of the ship to stay afloat. The situation becomes desperate, with the skies remaining dark and the passengers growing hopeless.

Paul's Assurance and Divine Intervention

On day two of the storm, the crew begins discarding cargo, and by day three, even essential tools and parts of the ship are thrown overboard. Amidst this turmoil, Paul stands up to offer a message of hope.

Paul [Timestamp Not Provided]: "I wish you would have taken my words to heart. But hopefully now that you've seen me give good advice, you'll listen to me. Especially because this new message is actually from an angel. He told me that no one is going to die. We'll lose the boat, but we'll all live. So be encouraged. God is going to get us all to Rome. But a shipwreck is part of the journey."

Surprisingly, Paul's counsel is heeded this time. Instead of attempting to reach shore with a dinghy, the crew stays aboard, and Paul takes command. This strategic decision leads to the shipwreck on the island of Malta.

Shipwreck on Malta

After enduring two weeks of relentless storms, the ship approaches land and eventually crashes on Malta's shores. Archaeological findings from the late 1960s support the biblical account, suggesting that anchors discovered off Malta's coast could be remnants of Paul's ship.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [Timestamp Not Provided]: "In the late 1960s, some divers found four anchors off the coast of Malta that date back to 1st century Rome. The site where the anchors were discovered fits with the criteria listed in the text. So it's possible that these may be the anchors from Paul's ship."

Upon arrival, the soldiers intend to kill the prisoners, but Paul's centurion, Julius, intervenes, sparing their lives—a fulfillment of Paul's earlier assurance that no one would perish.

Paul's Ministry in Malta

The inhabitants of Malta display unexpected kindness, tending to Paul and the other shipwreck survivors. Paul employs his survival skills to start a fire, inadvertently provoking suspicion among the locals due to a snake bite.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [Timestamp Not Provided]: "Paul dusts off his boy scout skills and starts a fire. But he forgets that the first rule of campfires is watch out for vipers. A snake latches onto his hand, and the locals, who are steeped in Greek mythology, take it as a sign that he's evil."

Despite initial distrust, Paul's survival and subsequent healing miracles win over the Maltese people. He heals the father of the chief official, leading to a wave of healings across the island. Over three months, Paul continues his ministry, fostering goodwill and spreading the message of Christianity.

Arrival and Imprisonment in Rome

Once winter passes, Paul and the crew set sail for Rome. Upon arrival, Paul's status as a high-profile prisoner affords him certain privileges. He is granted a private cell, allowing him to meet with local Jewish leaders.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [Timestamp Not Provided]: "Paul calls a meeting of the local Jewish leaders in Rome and explains his situation to them."

During a seminar held in his prison cell, Paul evangelizes from morning until night. Attendance is high, and the responses are mixed—some believe, while others remain skeptical. Paul emphasizes that the reception of the gospel depends on the Spirit's work in people's hearts.

Paul [Timestamp Not Provided]: "People can hear the same truth and respond differently. That's because it doesn't depend on how well we make our argument or present the facts. The Spirit has to open hearts to hear the truth."

Faith and Divine Providence

Tara-Leigh reflects on the episode’s themes, highlighting God's provision and the transformative impact of faith. She underscores the significance of Julius, the centurion, whose compassion saved Paul and potentially led him to faith.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [Timestamp Not Provided]: "I saw God's provision through appointing this man to be Paul's centurion. Of all the soldiers, God made sure to give Paul the softie, the one who would eventually come to listen to him and even spare his life."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with an encouragement to listeners to reflect on their own experiences of God's intervention. Tara-Leigh expresses hope that Julius and others influenced by Paul came to embrace the saving faith of Christ, celebrating God's mercy that crosses enemy lines.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [Timestamp Not Provided]: "I love it when God reaches across enemy lines to show mercy and save those who oppose him. That's where he found all of us. And I'm so glad he did because he's where the joy is."

Looking ahead, Tara-Leigh previews the next readings from Colossians and Philemon, offering additional resources for listeners. She also hints at upcoming episodes aimed at preparing listeners for the new year’s Bible reading plans.

Notable Quotes

• Tara-Leigh Cobble [00:02]: "Paul defended himself in front of King Agrippa and Governor Felix yesterday. And today we launch into the aftermath of that trial where he's being transported to Rome to appeal to Caesar like he requested."

• Paul [Timestamp Not Provided]: "I have a bad feeling about this, you guys. If we continue on, I don't think this is going to go well. We'll probably end up losing some of our supplies and some of our shipmates."

• Paul [Timestamp Not Provided]: "I wish you would have taken my words to heart. But hopefully now that you've seen me give good advice, you'll listen to me. Especially because this new message is actually from an angel. He told me that no one is going to die. We'll lose the boat, but we'll all live. So be encouraged. God is going to get us all to Rome. But a shipwreck is part of the journey."

• Paul [Timestamp Not Provided]: "People can hear the same truth and respond differently. That's because it doesn't depend on how well we make our argument or present the facts. The Spirit has to open hearts to hear the truth."

Reflection

Tara-Leigh Cobble invites listeners to share their own "God shots"—moments when they witnessed God's provision or intervention. She shares her appreciation for Julius, the centurion, as an example of God’s grace working through unexpected individuals.

Tara-Leigh Cobble [Timestamp Not Provided]: "Mine was Julius. I saw God's provision through appointing this man to be Paul's centurion."

Looking Forward

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the upcoming readings of Colossians and Philemon, supplemented by video overviews provided in the show notes. Additionally, Tara-Leigh announces forthcoming episodes aimed at helping Bible study groups prepare for the new year, emphasizing the importance of community and shared learning.

This episode of The Bible Recap offers a comprehensive exploration of Acts 27-28, highlighting themes of faith, divine guidance, and the transformative power of God's mercy. Through vivid storytelling and insightful commentary, Tara-Leigh Cobble brings Paul's journey and ministry to life, providing listeners with both historical context and spiritual reflection.