The Road leading to Rome—from Jerusalem to Caesarea
(1) In what manner had these 40 plus men decided to kill Paul? As Paul would be in the protective custody of Romans soldiers, if the men succeeded, what would be the consequences, not only to them, but to all the Jews in the city?
(2) Fasting and oath taking are the practice of pious Jews, and these 40 plus men used them to express their pious commitment to kill Paul and were endorsed by the religious leaders. Can killing in the name of God be justified ever? Why or why not?
(3) How did the commander react to the news of the plot and how many soldiers in total did he assign to protect Paul against the 40 plus assassins? If you were Paul, how did the words of the Lord in 23:11 minister to him at a time like this?
(4) The Acts of the Apostles would be widely read in the Roman world in the years to come. How did Luke’s record about the commander’s comment on the charges against Paul help the case of Christianity in a hostile environment in those eras?
(5) Paul was now in relative safety having first been taken to Antipatris (about 35 miles from Jerusalem). He was now in the palace built by King Herod quite some years ago in Caesarea (65 miles from Jerusalem). All these things happened within just a week upon his arrival in Jerusalem. Now in the custody of the Romans, Paul would have time to reflect upon his journey to Jerusalem and the many prophecies that were spoken of his journey. How would he prepare himself to face the charges of the Jews and how would he make use of the opportunity not only to win over his people, but also the many Roman soldiers and leaders who would be listening to his defense?
(6) What is the main message to you today?
本週我們繼續研讀使徒行傳。請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
通到羅馬之路—始於該撒利亞（一）
(1) 這四十多人想用什麼方法殺保羅？如果成功，會帶來全城的猶太人什麼政治的後果？
(2) 禁食與起誓是猶太人虔誠的舉動，那些人正是藉此表達他們的虔誠。但是以神的名殺人是否合聖經的原則？為什麼？
(3) 千夫長如何處理這陰謀？他一共動用了多少士兵？主在23:11所言，真叫保羅看到祂的信實。對嗎？
(4) 使徒行傳在往後的幾個世紀在羅馬國境內廣被傳讀。千夫長在文書上對保羅所寫的這番結論怎樣幫助基督教在那受逼迫的世代說話？
(5) 保羅現在遠離耶路撒冷(安提帕底距離耶城35哩，希律在該撒利亞的皇宮更離耶城65哩) 在較安全之地，相信有安靜的機會思想短短一周內所發生的事情，和先前有關他的預言。你以為他會怎樣預備自己面對前面的挑戰，包括怎樣繼續回應猶太人的指控？怎樣把握機會向羅馬的士兵與官員傳福音？
(6) 今日給你主要的提醒是什麼呢？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
As much as the Apostle Paul was a man of great faith, he still needed from time to time assurance from the Lord, especially when he was facing great hardship.
Even before the forty+ men plotted to assassinate him, the Lord knew of the plot, and He knew how dangerous the situation would be. He also knew how unsettling it would be for Paul. These men were determined to kill Paul and it was a plot endorsed by the chief priests and elders. They went so far as to take a solemn oath not to eat or drink until Paul was killed.
We read from Luke’s account that God intervened and gave courage (tremendous courage under the circumstance) to Paul’s nephew to relay the plan of the plot to Paul and then, later on, the commander. One can imagine what would happen if this nephew were found out as the one had leaked the plot to the Romans.
But before any of the plot took place, the Lord saw
the need to give assurance to Paul,
“Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11).
By these words Paul knew for sure that the plot would not succeed. The Lord really did not have to tell Paul in advance, because He would intervene anyways. He knew and He cared about Paul’s feeling. He really would not want His children to fear unnecessarily for even an extra second. That’s how good our God is.
使徒保羅雖是大有信心，但他久不久仍需從神而來的保證，尤其是當他面對極大的艱難時。
早在那四十多人密謀要殺他之前，神已知道這個陰謀，也知道形勢會是多麼的危急。神同時知道事情會使保羅心緒不寧。這些人決意要殺保羅的陰謀已獲祭司長和長老們的認可。他們甚至肅然起誓，若不先殺保羅，就不吃不喝。
路加告訴我們神介入這事件中，並賜勇氣給保羅的外甥（在如此情況下，這是何等大的勇氣！）將這陰謀告訴保羅，隨後又告訴千夫長。你可以想像到事後那班人若查出是誰泄密給羅馬官的，他們會怎樣對付他。
在這一切發生之前，主知道需要向保羅保證：「放心罷！你怎樣在耶路撒冷為我作見證，也必怎樣去羅馬為我作見證。」（徒23:11）就因這些話，保羅滿心知道這陰謀不會成事的。神其實不需預先給保羅保證，因為祂總會插手的。神知道和關心保羅的感受。神真的不想祂的兒女有甚至多一秒鐘的不必要的擔憂懼怕。你看，我們的神多麼好！
The Road leading to Rome—at Caesarea
(1) Now a formal charge was being laid against Paul, with Tertullus, the lawyer, who represented the accusers. On the other hand, who represented Paul as his advocate?
(2) During Felix’s reign over the region, there were many insurrections and he brutally stamped them out. Eventually, he was removed by Caesar himself. Both Tertullus and Paul greeted him with respect in their respective introductions. Compare both introductions and see what you think.
(3) What were the charges brought against Paul formally? What did Tertullus try to achieve?
(4) How did Paul, in his defense, challenge these charges? Was he effective?
(5) Luke said that the governor was well acquainted with the Way. What does it tell you about the spread of the gospel in those days and why?
(6) Since Felix knew exactly what the problem was, why did he not deal with it and pronounce its verdict?
(7) Was Paul’s unfair detention for two years all wasted? Why or why not?
(8) What is the main message to you today?
請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
通到羅馬之路—始於該撒利亞（二）
(1) 猶太人現在正式控告保羅，由辯士(即律師)帖士羅提出控訴。至於保羅，誰作他的辯士(即辯護律師) 呢？
(2) 腓力斯在位期間遇到不少猶太人的叛變，他通通以強硬手段鎮壓了，但最後亦被皇帝革職。不過，在此審訊中，帖士羅和保羅都是很尊敬地作控與辯的陳詞。試把二人的“啟案陳詞”作比較，看看其中不同之處。
(3) 帖士羅對保羅的正式控罪是什麼？他為何用此作控罪呢？
(4) 保羅如何針對控罪作反駁？有效嗎？
(5) 路加指出腓力斯其實「是詳細曉得這道」的（24:22）。既是如此，我們可以知道福音當時廣傳到甚麼地步呢？
(6) 腓力斯既知問題的所在，為何不作一個清楚的判決呢？
(7) 保羅就是這樣被遞押兩年。這兩年是否枉費的呢？
(8) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
As we read Paul’s journey to Rome, it appears that his fate was in the hands of powerful, wicked and ruthless rulers like Felix. Felix was known to be a man of lust and brutality. As much as the lawyer Tertullus praised his rule over Judea in that “(they) have enjoyed a long period of peace” under him (Acts 24:2), the historian Josephus said otherwise: “the affairs of the country (meaning the region of Judea) grew worse and worse.” (COBTAEL, Vol. III, 523)
While Felix had the privilege of hearing the gospel even before Paul was arrested, and he had sent for Paul frequently and talked to him, he still would not decide on Paul’s fate, and used him as a political ply instead. As a result, Paul was detained in his custody for at least two years. (Acts 24:27)
One cannot help but wonder, “Where was God in all these? Why would God subject His own servant to the hands of such a wicked ruler?”.
The truth of the matter is that God is in charge all the way. As Felix thought he was in charge, he soon lost his job and was lucky that he did not face harsher punishment from Caesar.
This reminds me of the interview of Chai Ling by Christianity Today. This former top leader in the Tiananmen Square democracy movement who came to Christ eventually in 2010 said, “Once I was praying and asking, ‘What happened in Tiananmen? Why did you (God) allow this to happen?’”.
She finally came to realize who really is in charge of history:
“At Tiananmen in 1989 when I was speaking, there was a bigger power speaking through me. It was so close, that force. We went there with hope that we could reform communism. But God allowed Pharaoh’s heart to be hardened to show the true face of communism. That idol has been smashed.
Pastor Kim Keller (Chai’s pastor in Boston) told me that he went to see the pastors in China. They said a third of the Tiananmen generation (had turned) to Jesus, a third had gone into business, and the other third is still searching. God is using the Tiananmen massacre to bring salvation to China. God has His own timetable. He will bring China to Jesus.” (CT, October, 2011)
Yes, God is always in charge, not the rulers of this world.
讀到保羅前往羅馬的旅程，表面看來他的生命是控制在一些有權勢、邪惡和無情的統治者如腓力斯的手中。腓力斯的為人以縱慾和殘忍見稱。辯士帖土羅稱讚他管理有方，以致猶大地「因你得以大享太平」（徒24:2），歷史學者約瑟夫卻有不同的看法：「這一國（就是猶大地）的公共及政治事務日走下坡。」（COBTAEL, Vol. III, 523）
腓力斯在保羅被捕之前已有機會聽聞福音。其後他還屢次叫保羅到他面前與他談論信基督耶穌的道。但他仍然猶疑不決，不知道怎樣處理保羅，最後採用他一貫的政治手段，將保羅監禁起碼兩年。
或許有人會不禁發問：「在這一切情況中，神在那裡？神怎會讓祂的僕人落在如此邪惡的統治者手中？」
事實的真相是：神一直都在掌管著一切。腓力斯還以為自己有權有勢時就被撤去職位，他沒有受到凱撒大帝更嚴峻的處分已是萬幸了。
這使我想起柴玲接受「今日基督教」雜誌（Christianity Today）訪問的文章。這位曾在天安門民主運動中的最高領袖終於在2010年歸信基督。她說：「我曾在禱告時問：在天安門發生了什麼事？為何祢（神）容許這樣的事發生？」
她最後領悟到其實真正掌管歷史的是誰。
「1989年我在天安門發言時，感到有一股更大的力量透過我說話。那股力量緊貼著我。我們是帶著希望走到天安門，以為可以改革共產主義。然而神讓法老王的心剛硬，露出共產主義的真面目。共產主義作為偶像被砸碎了。
Kim Keller牧師（柴玲在波士頓教會的牧者）告訴我們，他曾到中國探望多個牧者。他們提到有⅓天安門那代的人信了耶穌；⅓從事生意；其他⅓仍在尋求中。神是用天安門的大屠殺把救恩帶給中國。神有祂自己的時間表。神會帶中國認識耶穌的。」（CT, October, 2011）
對！掌管這世界的並非是各國的統治者。神是一直在掌管著！
The Road to Rome—stalled in Caesarea (Felix to Festus)
(1) A change of governor was a political move in that Felix was found with fault by Caesar in another matter (24:27). He was lucky to be spared from harsher punishments and was only removed of his power as a governor. From Paul’s perspective, what did such a move bring?
(2) Festus knew very well what risk he was taking by changing the trial venue from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Why would he refuse the Jews (25:4) and then offer this chance of change to Paul? (25:9)
(3) How did Paul respond to Festus’ offer to change the venue? (25:10) Why?
(4) With his appeal, Paul’s desire to go to Rome was sealed and in chains. This was probably not as Paul would have expected, (see Rom. 1:10 and Acts 26:29). Would it matter that the way was opened though not as he wished? Why or why not?
(5) King Agrippa was a young ruler appointed by Caesar (and was knowledgeable about Jewish matters and religion just like his father, grandfather and great-grandfather…). Now he was visiting the new governor of Caesarea with his sister, Bernice. According to Luke’s report, why did Festus resort to having Agrippa hear Paul? What does this tell you about Paul’s predicament?
(6) According to Festus, what was the core issue against Paul? (Refer to v. 19)
(7) How important is this issue today?
(8) What is the main message to you today?
請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
通到羅馬之路—停在該撒利亞（由腓力斯到非斯都）
(1) 腓力斯之離職，是出於政治的因素。據歷史的記載，他沒有被皇帝嚴辦，已是萬幸！從保羅的角度來看，巡撫的人選更換對他有何影響？
(2) 非斯都並非不曉得猶太人的謀略，為何他不允猶太人的請示，卻把選擇到耶路撒冷受審之權，由保羅自己決定呢？
(3) 保羅如何回應非斯都的提議？原因何在？
(4) 因著他的上訴，保羅到羅馬的心願可說是得償了。但據羅馬書1:10 及使徒行傳26:29所記，他不以為自己會以待罪之身前往的。這對他來說是否重要？
(5) 亞基帕是希律家的後人，年青的他與姊妹百尼基來賀新巡撫。他像以前的眾希律王一樣，深懂猶太人的文化和聖經的道理。按路加所記，非斯都要亞基帕聽保羅的分訴，原因何在？
(6) 按非斯都所領會，猶太人與保羅之爭的重點是什麼？（見25:19）
(7) 這爭論點在今天是否重要？
(8) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
In her interview with Christianity Today, Chai Ling also shared a very moving story in trying to make sense of why God allowed the Tiananmen massacre to happen:
“…a colleague from Hong Kong who was at Tiananmen sent me by e-mail a journal entry she had written ten years earlier.
"She was a Christian at Tiananmen. She watched the brutal killings take place. She held in her arms a boy who was dying. She came out traumatized, and she was angry with God. Every year she asked God, ‘Where were you? Why didn’t you save the people there?’
"Until the tenth anniversary. Then she had to give a testimony for her church. She said she quieted herself and asked gently, ‘God where were you?’ She went back to the image of the boy dying in her arms. Immediately there was another figure walking toward her from far away. That figure walked with such peace and dignity — she instantly recognized Him. He merged into the dying boy. This dying boy was saying, ‘Persevere until the very end. My blood comes from this place.’ That figure was Jesus. The Holy Spirit overpowered her. She just cried and cried. Jesus was there.
"(When I read the journal entry) I cried for three hours too. My question was answered.” (CT, October, 2011)
在「今日基督教」雜誌的訪問文章中，柴玲還分享一個非常感人的事蹟，幫助我們領會神為何容許天安門大屠殺發生：
「…一位來自香港的同事將她在十年前寫的日記電郵給我。當年她在天安門。
在天安門事件時她已是個基督徒，目睹著那殘暴殺戮在進行。她雙手抱著一個垂死的男童。她的心身靈受到創傷，她向神發怒。每一年她都問神：當時祢在那裡？為何祢不救那些人？
直到天安門大屠殺十週年。那時她要在自己的教會中作見證。她說她安靜下來輕聲問：神啊，當時祢在那裡？那一刻她的腦海浮現著自己雙手抱著那快將死去的男童的景象。那一刻，她感覺到有另一個人從遠處向她走來。那人是那樣和平和尊貴，令她立刻就認出祂。祂走進那垂死男童的身體裡。那垂死的男童開口說話：「要堅忍到底。我的血來自這個地方」。那人是耶穌。聖靈充滿她使她不能自控。她只會哭，不停地哭。耶穌曾在天安門。
（讀到那日記），我也哭了三小時。我的問題已得到解答。」（CT, October, 2011）
The Road to Rome—A Side Show with King (Herod) Agrippa
Here Paul delivered the most detailed defense recorded by Luke. It was not directed at a Jewish audience, but to the Roman dignitaries. While it was a defense, Paul also made it into a powerful gospel message, deserving our analysis and reflection.
(1) Vv.
2-3
Paul urges Agrippa to listen carefully (for with his background on Jewish matters, he would understand)
Vv. 4-8
Paul lays out the core issue of the gospel:
“Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?” (26:8)
What is your answer to this question?
What would be the answer of the world today?
(2) Vv.
9-11
Paul understood the hatred of the Jews (for he was once one of them)
Vv. 12-18
From his encounter with Jesus, Paul declares
- Jesus is still alive and He rules
- “Persecute Christians, you persecute me!”
- With boldness, Jesus will rescue him
- Gentiles also need to repent and be forgiven
Paul was doing much more than retelling this undisputed heavenly encounter, he was also using this message to confront his hearers. What would Festus and Agrippa be confronted with upon hearing his story so far?
(3) Vv.
19-23
Paul's post-conversion obedience, which emphasizes the accurate fulfillment of the Scriptures
Vv. 24-32
Festus and Agrippa’s response to the gospel message
- Festus acknowledged Paul’s high learning, but considered him insane
- Agrippa side-stepped the challenge of the message
Why did Festus have to “shout”?
How did Paul end his message as a personal challenge?
In your own sharing of the gospel, do you always end with making a personal challenge to your hearer? Why or why not?
(4) What is the main message to you today?
請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
通到羅馬之路—在亞基帕王前作見證
這一段是路加所記載保羅最詳細的分辯，但其對象不是猶太人，乃是羅馬的政要。這段雖然是辯詞，其實是一篇很有力的福音信息，值得我們思想和學習：
(1) 第2-3節：保羅求亞基帕王耐心聽他。（因他比非斯都會更明白）。
第4-8節：保羅把福音最大的絆腳石清楚提出來：
「神叫死人復活，你們為甚麼看作不可信的呢？」
- 你對這問題的回答是什麼？
- 世人一般對這問題的回答又是什麼？
(2) 第9-11節：保羅明白猶太人對他的仇恨有多深（他原是他們中間一位）
第12-18節：保羅遇見耶穌的見證：
- 表明耶穌是活著，且是神
- 逼迫基督徒，就是逼迫耶穌
- 清楚表示沒有人能害他，因為耶穌應允救他
- 連外邦人也可悔改，罪得赦免
藉此，保羅不是單單憶述，更是直接給每個聽眾發出挑戰。你以為亞基帕王及非斯都二人，一面聆訊一面心中受到什麼挑戰？
(3) 第19-23節：保羅信主蒙召後，順服所帶來的逼迫。但重點放在所傳的是合乎舊約先
知的預言。
第24-32節：非斯都承認保羅是大有學問，但卻是癲狂的。亞基帕王則不願面對福
音的挑戰！
- 你以為非斯都為何要大聲說（shouted）？
- 保羅怎樣在結束前給亞基帕王一個個人化的挑戰。
- 你在分享福音時，是否一定給聽者一個個人的挑戰呢？為什麼？
(4) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
In retelling
his heavenly vision on the road to Damascus, Paul boldly confronted the two
rulers, who could have decided his fate, in 2 areas:
(1) Did they believe in the prophets (and thus their fulfilled prophecies in Christ)?
(2) Would they become who he was, a follower of Christ? (Acts 26:27-29)
His powerful
personal testimony really left these two rulers with little choice. They
had to say one of the following:
- Paul was a liar,
- His vision was an illusion, or
- His vision was real and his message was true.
Festus, the governor, was obviously rocked by Paul’s powerful testimony to the point that he shouted. While acknowledging that Paul’s testimony was not a lie (implied by his affirmation that Paul was a person of great learning), he thought Paul was out of his mind. He chose to think that Paul’s vision was an illusion of some kind. I do not think he honestly thought that Paul was insane, but this was his way to side-step being confronted with who Jesus really is.
As for King Agrippa, with his thorough knowledge of the Old Testament and prophecies, he could not dispute any of Paul’s word. But his pride got the better of him: “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” He knew very well that what Paul was doing was not making a defense, but proclaiming the gospel to him. Not only did he know Paul was innocent (“This man would have been set free”); he knew there was truth to his testimony. But as a king appointed by Caesar to rule over the Jews, he could not humble himself and repent before one of his vassals, let alone a prisoner.
The truth remains that an authentic personal testimony of conversion is often powerful to move the heart of the hearer.
保羅重述他在大馬色路上遇到從天上來的異象。面對那兩位能決定他生或死的長官，他大膽地要求他們表態：他們到底是否信先知？（若信就該相信先知的預言已應驗在基督身上）；以及他們是否願意跟隨基督，像他一樣。（徒26:27-29）
保羅這有力的個人見證，使這兩位長官沒有回避作答的餘地！他們一是說：
- 保羅在說謊，
- 他所見的異象只是一個幻覺；或只能承認
- 他所見的異象是真的，他的信息也是可信的。
總督非斯都顯然被保羅有力的見證所震撼，以致他大聲回應。他認同保羅的見證並非謊言（從他肯定保羅是大有學問的這一點上可見），不過他認為保羅是癲狂了。他寧願將保羅所見的異象當作一種幻覺來對待。我不認為他真是以為保羅神志不清，這不過是他的方法來回避正面回答耶穌是誰。
至於亞基帕王，他熟悉舊約和預言，他無法反駁保羅所說的話。但是他的自尊心作祟，說：「你以為用一點時間就能說服我做基督徒？」他知道得很清楚，保羅並不是為自己辯護，而是在向他傳福音。他不單知道保羅無罪（「這人本可以獲釋的」）；他也知道保羅的見證是真實的。但身為受凱撒委任去統治猶太人的王，他無法謙卑自己，在一個國民面前悔改，更不用說在一個囚犯面前悔改了。
一個真實悔改信主的個人見證常帶有能力感動聽者之心。這是事實。
The Road to Rome–Extraordinary Voyage (1)
(1) Paul was accompanied by Luke and others, including Aristarchus whom he described as a “fellow prisoner” in Colossians 4:10. While we know Paul was a prisoner, what about Luke and Aristarchus? Were they any different from Paul?
(2) As with most sea voyages of ancient times, it was taken with considerable risks. Luke’s detailed description of the voyage has earned him credibility from his critics as rendering an accurate account.
Let’s see how God was using Paul in this voyage:
(a) Paul, a tent-maker, was no sailor obviously, so his warning in v. 10 was completely ignored by the experts who were actually fooled by a deceptive favorable sign (v. 13), only to plunge themselves into great danger.
What was the lesson here for us today?
(b) As the storm got worse, they had to throw cargo into the sea. What other incident does this remind you of in the Old Testament? How did the people on Jonah’s boat react to the storm? Why? How similar was the situation here?
(c) How do non-believers face their life-storm?
(d) How do you normally face your life-storm?
(e) How did Paul respond to this storm? (vv. 21-26)
(f) What can you learn from Paul, even though you may not have the benefits of having a vision?
(3)What is the main message to you today?
請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
通到羅馬之路—海路歷險(一)
(1) 保羅不是單獨一人被解到羅馬而是有其他人陪伴同行的，包括路加和亞里達古。保羅固然是囚犯，路加和亞里達古又如何？他們與保羅被囚有何分別？
(2) 古時航海是很危險的，這次也不例外。路加對這航海旅程的敘述，連甚至不信的神學家也認為非常真實可靠！讓我們看看神怎麼藉著這旅程繼續使用保羅：
a. 保羅自己並非是個海員，故此他在27:10所發出的警告，沒有人願聽。那些有經驗的掌船人，因起了微風就以為可航行，反而陷入更大的危險中。我們從這件事可以學個什麼功課？
b. 在風暴之下，他們被逼把一些貨物拋下海裡。這事件可叫你想起聖經中那一段相似的記載呢？
c. 遇險的反應：
i. 你尚記得約拿船上的人在險境中作什麼？
ii. 這回與保羅同船的人又是如何回應？
iii. 一般未信主的親友是如何回應人生突如其來的風暴呢？
iv. 你又是如何回應的呢？
v. 保羅卻是如何的回應呢？（見27:21-26）
d. 我們可以從保羅身上學個怎樣功課？（雖然我們沒有像他一樣有異像可見。）
(3) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
Everyone, Christian and non-Christian alike, has faced or will face some severe storm of life. Life's storms, as a form of trials, are common to man. (1 Co. 10:13) But Paul, in facing an actual life-threatening storm in Acts 27, demonstrated how differently a Christian can face the threat of calamities.
As we read Acts 27, we can see that the centurion and the people:
(1) Relied on human wisdom: They did not listen to Paul who spoke in faith, but “followed the advice of pilot” (27:11).
(2) Went with popular opinion: “Since the majority decided that we should sail on…” (27:12). We often find comfort with going with the majority opinion, either because we feel safer doing so or we do not want to be blamed.
(3) Walked by sight only: “When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted” (27:13).
(4) Relied on own strength: As they were pounded by a hurricane-like wind, they frantically tried everything to secure the boat—lowering anchor, throwing cargo into the sea, throwing even the ship’s tackle overboard etc.
(5) Gave up hope: Finally they “gave up all hope of being saved” (27:20). Not only that, Paul later pointed out that “For the last fourteen days…you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything” (27:33). This was often a sign of great worry.
Not that Paul and company did not worry or suffer from sea-sickness, or were totally unafraid, they were human too. But as men of faith, they demonstrated their faith in God by
(1) Not making rash decisions: As much as “much time had been lost”, Paul appealed to the centurion to stay put at Fair Haven (27:8). It is very tempting for us to make decisions in haste, especially when we are already behind in schedule.
(2) Bringing our situation to God in prayer: We may not be privileged to see a vision like Paul, but we can be certain that it was during his time of prayer that the angel appeared to him. We always gain strength and wisdom as we bring our struggle to the Lord.
(3) Focusing on God’s promise, not our circumstance: It was not the first time the Lord assured Paul that he would be able to testify in Rome. With or without that vision of the angel, Paul could rely on God’s promise. The vision was perhaps more for the people on the ship than for Paul. Irrespective of how dire the situation might appear, Paul knew he could count on God’s promise.
(4) Having peace that surpasses understanding: Of all the people on the ship, Paul (and perhaps his companions as well) was at peace, to the degree that he could eat as usual. To conduct life as usual in times of trials is often a sign of faith and peace.
不管是基督徒還是非基督徒，人人都曾經或將會面臨一些嚴重的人生風暴。人生風暴，作為一種試煉，是人人都會遇上的（林前10:13）。不過使徒行傳第27章講述保羅在遇上一個真實的隨時會喪命的海上風暴時，他的表現證明了基督徒如何與眾不同的面對災禍的威脅。
從這章經文我們看到百夫長和其他人：
(1) 靠賴人的智慧：他們不聽從保羅的信心之言而「信從掌船的」（27:11）
(2) 順從多數人的意見：「船上的人多半說：不如開船離開…」（27:12）。許多時候我們聽從大多數人的提議去做，因為我們覺得這樣較安全，或我們不想受人的怪責。
(3) 行事只憑眼見：「這時微微起了南風，他們以為得意。」（27:13）
(4) 靠賴自己的力氣：在強如颶風的風浪猛擊下，他們拼命用盡方法來穩定船—放下錨，拋貨物到海裡，甚至拋棄船上的器具等等。
(5) 放棄求生指望：最後他們「得救的指望都絕了」（27:20）從保羅後來就說：「你們懸望忍餓不吃什麼，已經十四天了。」（27:33）。這正是他們極度憂慮的表現。
同樣保羅和他的同伴們也憂慮，也暈船，也不是全無懼怕的，因為他們也是人。不過他們是有信心的人。他們在以下幾點表明對神的信心：
(1) 不作輕率的決定：既已「走了多日失時」，保羅勸百夫長把船停在佳澳（27:8）。我們很容易會倉卒作決定，特別是當我們已落後於計劃的預定時間。
(2) 藉著禱告將處境帶到神的面前：我們不一定會像保羅那樣得看異象，但我們可以肯定在他禱告時天使向他顯現。我們將困境帶到神的面前就會常得著力量和智慧。
(3) 定睛在神的應許上，而不是看環境：這已不是神第一次向保羅保證他會在羅馬作見證的。有或沒有這天使異象，保羅仍是靠賴神的應許，也許這異象主要是為船上眾人的緣故，而不是為保羅而有的。無論處境看來是何等的惡劣，保羅知道他可以倚靠神。
(4) 心中懷著那出人意外的平安：船上眾多人中，只有保羅（相信也包括他的同伴們）心中有平安，甚至能如常地吃餅。在試煉期間仍能如常的過活，常是有信心和平安的表現。
The Road to Rome—Extraordinary Voyage (2)
(1) How did Paul openly demonstrate his faith in a time like this?
(2) We may admire Paul in how he took over the situation among these non-believers. But can you tell what was the key to Paul being able to exert such authority?
(3) Under what conditions may we emulate Paul?
(4) Under what conditions may we not even try to emulate Paul?
(5) What is your opinion about the centurion?
(6) Luke did not describe him as a believer, but did mention how he tried to protect or came to aid Paul several times. Have you experienced God’s provision of help through non-believers in your life?
(7) What is the main message to you today?
請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
通到羅馬之路—海路歷險（二）
(1) 保羅在此如何公開見證他的信心？
(2) 我們都一定羨慕保羅如何被主使用引導全船的人安全上岸。保羅能有這權柄的主因何在？
(3) 我們在何情況下可以學效保羅？
(4) 在什麼情況下我們不一定能學效保羅呢？
(5) 你對百夫長有何感想？
(6) 路加並沒有說百夫長悔改信主，但卻提到他多次幫助，甚至營救保羅。你有否經歷過神使用未信的人作你的拯救或幫助呢？
(7) 今日對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
As we reflect on Paul’s remarkable sea journey and how he weathered the storm in calmness and in peace, may I invite you to reflect on this lovely hymn by Daniel W. Whittle (in 1893) which Andrew Murray of South Africa said, “…it embraces my entire creed.” It was said that this hymn became “a great favorite in South Africa during the war.” I think Paul and companions would be able to identify with the words of this hymn.
Moment by Moment
Refrain
Moment by moment I’m kept in His love;
Moment by moment I’ve life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.1. Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine;
Living with Jesus, a new life divine;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.
2
Never a trial that He is not there,
Never a burden that He doth not bear,
Never a sorrow that He doth not share,
Moment by moment, I’m under His care.
3
4
Never a heartache, and never a groan,
Never a teardrop and never a moan;
Never a danger but there on the throne,
Moment by moment He thinks of His own.
Never a weakness that He doth not feel,
Never a sickness that He cannot heal;
Moment by moment, in woe or in weal,
Jesus my Savior, abides with me still.
回想保羅不尋常的海上旅程，並且他是如何安心平靜的渡過風暴，我願意與你們分享這首美麗的聖詩，是Daniel W. Whittle於1893年編寫的。南非的Andrew Murray提到這聖詩時說：「…這聖詩包括了我全部的信仰。」聞說這聖詩是「南非在戰時最受歡迎的。」我想保羅和他的同伴們對這聖詩的歌詞內容都會甚有共鳴。
1. 與耶穌同死，因死反得生，
耶穌同活，蒙恩日加增，
仰望我恩主榮光必照臨，
時也而刻也我為主子民。
副歌：
時也而刻也蒙主之保佑，
時也而刻也因主我得救，
仰望主耶穌榮光必照臨，
時也而刻也我為主子民。
2. 無有一試探我主不輔幫，
無有一重擔我主不擔當，
無有一憂慮我主不與分，
時也而刻也我蒙主鴻恩。
3. 無有一傷感我主不安慰，
無有一眼淚我主不寶貴，
無有一危險我主不同在，
時也而刻也我得主恩愛。
4. 無有一懦弱我主不扶助，
無有一病患我主不看顧，
時時而刻刻遇福或遇禍，
耶穌我救主時常保佑我。
The Road to Rome—at Malta
(1) How did the islanders (literally translated, barbarians) interpret Paul’s being “bitten” by a snake? Why?
(2) When was the last time someone you knew came across a sudden calamity or accident in life? What was your interpretation of the matter?
(3) How did you handle similar accidents in life in the past? Why?
(4) This was no accident obviously. What was the result of this incident in Malta?
(5) What can we learn from this?
(6) This was supposed to be an extradition, but based on what happened here on the island, what has this journey turned into?
(7) What is the main message to you today?
請慢慢細心讀每天指定的經文至少兩遍，然後反復思考問題。
通到羅馬之路—米利大
(1) 土人（原文是野蠻人）怎樣看保羅被蛇咬手的經歷？為何會如此？
(2) 你最近一次看到身旁的人突遭禍患是何時？當時你第一個想法是什麼？
(3) 你又是如何看自己面對突如其來的禍患？為什麼？
(4) 保羅這個經歷固然不是偶然的；這事件至終帶來了什麼後果？
(5) 你可以從這事學到什麼功課？
(6) 這原本是因被逮解而有的旅程，結果變成一個什麼旅程呢？
(7) 今天對你主要的提醒是什麼？你會怎樣應用在你的生命中？
We all have some ultimate plan or goal in our life, and for Christians, we often wonder what God’s plan is for our life. But one of the pitfalls in our search for God’s plan for our life, is that we often look at the present as a transition to the future, thereby focusing on the future to the point that we forget that God’s plan for our life does include the present. There is meaning and purpose in the here and now.
It is true that Paul’s ultimate desire was to testify for Jesus in Rome and he knew his present journey would end in Rome. However, it did not prevent him from seeing every moment along this journey as part of his ministry and part of the Great Commission. As a result, we may quickly skim over his stay in Malta as an interlude of Paul’s missionary journey to Rome; Paul took seriously his stay in Malta as part of his call. As a result, he ended up having cured many of the sick in the island. Was there any doubt that he preached the gospel to them as well?
His shipwreck, after all, was not accidental. God loved the people of Malta and this shipwreck had meant that the people had a chance to hear the gospel through Paul’s healing and preaching during his stay of three months on that island.
人總會為自己的人生訂下一些終極計劃或目標的。身為基督徒，我們常想知道神為我們的人生有何計劃。不過，在尋求神為我們一生所定的計劃的過程中，我們常會犯一些錯誤。其中一項是，我們常看現在是一個引到未來的過渡，以致我們太過注目在未來而忽略了神為我們人生所定的計劃其實也包括了現在。每個此時此地都有其意義和目的的。
不錯，保羅最終的意願是在羅馬為耶穌作見證，他知道現在的旅程會終於羅馬。不過，這事實並無防礙他視旅程的每一時刻都是他履行大使命和工作的一部份。我們也許會快快跳過他在米利大停留的記載，以為這只是保羅到羅馬旅程中的一段小插曲。然而保羅看重他在米利大的短留，視之為他的呼召的部份工作。結果他在島上醫好許多病人。他同時會向他們傳福音豈容置疑呢？
說到底，他遇上船破沈沒的海難並非是偶然的。神愛米利大的島民。因這海難，保羅在島上停留了三個月，島上的居民才有機會得到保羅的醫治和聽到保羅講道，因而得著福音。