Category: apostasy

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

“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 KJV).

Despite little doctrinal content in this chapter, the narrative contained therein illustrates the Church the Body of Christ operating in the Dispensation of Grace.

Paul, “the apostle of the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13), left Judaea bound for Rome. Israel’s God has departed her to be amongst the Gentiles (world). Alas, this dangerous trip will result in much loss. Leaving Judaism, the Body of Christ is headed toward Romanism (apostasy). Paul’s advice concerning the hazardous trip (verse 10) is ignored: “[11] Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. [12] And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. [13] And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

“[14] But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. [15] And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. [16] And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: [17] Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

“[18] And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; [19] And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.” The sea represents the nations. Contrary or opposing winds disrupted their smooth sailing, as Satan’s false teachings shake the Body of Christ. Ephesians 4:14: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;….” If only they had listened to Paul….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Can you explain 2 Corinthians 5:16?”

Monday, November 12, 2018

“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 KJV).

Despite little doctrinal content in this chapter, the narrative contained therein illustrates the Church the Body of Christ operating in the Dispensation of Grace.

The Apostle Paul, in legal trouble with the Jews and Romans, has appealed to Emperor Augustus Caesar. He, as a prisoner, and his companions travel by ship from Caesarea to Rome—roughly 1,200 miles (1,900 kilometers). As with Acts chapter 20 (Paul raising deceased Eutychus), we will survey chapter 27 to isolate and extrapolate its superlative dispensational miracle.

“[1] And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band. [2] And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. [3] And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself. [4] And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 

“[5] And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. [6] And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. [7] And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; [8] And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea. [9] Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, [10] And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.”

Let us see exactly what “hurt and much damage” this maritime journey entails….