DID LUKE SAIL TO ROME WITH PAUL?
Dr. Luke once again included himself in the Acts narrative with the use of the first person plural “we” (“it was decided that we…”). This is the last of the four “we passages” found in the book of Acts (Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-8; 27:1-28:16). Although there is some debate about these “we” passages, the simplest explanation is that Luke was actually an eye witness of these four events. This explains the great detail of these passages, such as how Luke even gives the name (“Julius”), rank (“centurion”) and company (“Imperial Regiment”) of the one responsible for transporting Paul to Rome to appear before Caesar.
That Luke would’ve been allowed to sail with Paul doesn’t seem to be an issue, as the Roman governor had earlier instructed that Paul be kept under guard in Caesarea, but “not to prevent any of his friends from serving him” (Acts 24:23). So Luke was able to visit with Paul in the two years while he awaited the governor’s verdict. And as Paul was handed over to Julius, Luke joined him on the ship, probably at his own expense.
Throughout the account of their sea voyage to Rome, Luke reported that Julius showed favor to Paul, allowing him to receive comfort from his friends when visiting a port and protecting him from his soldiers when they were shipwrecked. Luke speaks so favorably of Julius, and they spent so much time together, that one must wonder whether he came to faith during this time.
I’m thankful for Luke’s eye-witness account in this section of Acts. And it makes me wonder, will “we” meet Julius the Centurion in heaven someday?
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for this account of Paul’s voyage to Rome written by Your servant, Luke. It is filled with so much detail that it makes us feel as though we were there. And it reminds us that even when we are facing difficult times, You are with us and You often send us friends to serve us in difficult times. Thank You Lord for Your provision. In Jesus’ name, amen.