April’s memory verse:

"Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen." — Acts 28:28

Acts Chapter 27:

We left off our study in Chapter 26 a couple weeks ago with Paul attending his hearing before King Agrippa and Festus. And now we are setting sail to Rome!

Paul issues a warning early on in the chapter and for a very good reason! This is not the time to set sail! The waters are treacherous and the storms are sudden. We see these professional sailors try all the tricks in the book, and eventually, they lose hope. They are desperate. They have come to the end of trying to save themselves and are in despair. It is at this moment that Paul can speak and they have ears to truly hear. He tells them that the Angel of the God he belongs to, whom he worships, has declared, "Take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you." Do the passengers have faith to believe that what God says will come to be? Despite the rough seas, the soldiers and sailors and Paul's company are encouraged to remain in the boat. They break their fast, have a meal together, and prepare for the journey ahead. It is a tumultuous trip across the Adriatic Sea, that ends with a collision in a reef. And yet, we are still far from Rome! However, we only have ONE chapter left! How will we make it?

Here are a few application questions from this chapter to ponder this week:

How did God reassure Paul that they would survive the storm and shipwreck? How does Paul reassure the crew?
Has God given you a promise or assurance in the midst of a stormy season in your life? If so, has it been fulfilled yet?
Sometimes we have to cut the ropes and release what we think will save us or give us security so we can depend fully on God to be our provider and Savior. Mediate on verse 32 and journal or share with someone else what you have had to cut loose in your life in order to focus more fully on God.

If you need a quick synopsis of the events in the previous chapter, keep scrolling.

Summary of Chapter 26:

Paul stands before King Agrippa and makes his defense for all the accusations against him.
Paul tells of his conversion, and within his story, shares the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Festus interrupts Paul and claims he is out of his mind and speaking gibberish.
Paul turns to King Agrippa and asks, "Do you believe?"
King Agrippa is not persuaded, but he does say that this man could be set free if he had not already appealed to Caesar.
Paul is headed to Rome...

This Year’s Memory Verse

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. “

Acts 1:8