July 9

From: July 9, 2023

“When the time came, we set sail for Italy. Paul and several other prisoners were placed in the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a captain of the Imperial Regiment” (Acts 27:1 NLT).

Dr. Luke 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.

From: July 9, 2022

OUR INFLUENCE GROWS IN HOW WE FACE STORMS

The Roman officer in charge of getting Paul and the other prisoners to Rome showed great favor to Paul, allowing him to travel with his friends, Luke and Aristarchus, and permitting him to go ashore at Sidon to visit friends and get personal supplies. However, his kindness didn’t extend to taking advice from Paul on maritime matters. Ignoring Paul’s warning not to sail, the Roman officer chose to follow the advice of the ship’s captain and owner, who preferred a more comfortable winter’s anchorage in nearby Phoenix. Yet, as soon as they set out on what should’ve been a short journey along the Southern coast of Crete, a “Northeaster” of typhoon force blew them far out to sea. As their condition grew more desperate, Paul’s prior warning must have continued to ring in the Roman officer’s ears.

Paul’s influence began to grow with the Romans and the sailors from that day. As their situation in the storm worsened, Paul’s voice would became the only voice of hope in their midst. The Lord gave Paul a platform of influence everywhere he went, that he might share the gospel with everyone.

The storms of life reveal what’s inside of us. When we face storms in the power and comfort of the Spirit of Christ, our influence with others increases. For they see Christ in us. It is Christ in us that enables us to face storms saying, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39).

PRAYER: Dear Father, some of us face storms today. Help us to focus on Christ, rather than the storm. Strengthen us and give us the peace that passes understanding. In Jesus’ name, amen.

From: July 9, 2021

DID LUKE SAIL TO ROME WITH PAUL?

From: July 9, 2018

The Roman officer in charge of getting Paul and the other prisoners to Rome showed great favor to Paul, allowing him to travel with his friends, Luke and Aristarchus, and permitting him to go ashore at Sidon to visit friends and get personal supplies. However, his kindness didn’t extend to taking advice from Paul on maritime matters. Ignoring Paul’s warning not to sail, the Roman officer chose to follow the advice of the ship’s captain and owner, who preferred a more comfortable winter’s anchorage in nearby Phoenix. Yet, as soon as they set out on what should’ve been a short journey along the Southern coast of Crete, a “Northeaster” of typhoon force blew them far out to sea. As their condition grew more desperate, Paul’s prior warning must have continued to ring in the Roman officer’s ears.

From: July 9, 2016

Dr. Luke once again includes himself in the Acts narrative with the use of the first person plural “we.” This is the last of the four “we passages” found in Acts (Acts 16:10-17; 20:5-15; 21:1-8; 27:1-28:16). Although there is some debate about these passages, the simplest explanation is that Luke was actually an eye witness of these four events. This explains the great detail of these passages, where Luke even gives the name (“Julius”), rank (“centurion”) and company (“Augustan Cohort”) of the one responsible for transporting Paul to Rome to appear before Caesar. Throughout the account of their sea voyage to Rome, this Roman centurion 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. Will “we” meet Julius the Centurion in heaven someday?