There shall be no loss of any man’s life

When the time came for Paul to be sent to Italy, Luke went with him - note the ‘we’ in verse 1. It is not certain how many of his companions went with him, although Aristarchus is mentioned by name, v. 2. This must have been of great comfort to Paul as he took his journey. Also, Luke appears to have been his constant companion until the end of his life. Even when others forsook him, Luke, the ‘beloved physician’, was there, so that Paul says, ‘Only Luke is with me’, 2 Tim. 4. 11.

Paul was delivered into the custody of a centurion named Julius. There are a number of centurions mentioned in scripture who appear to have been good men, e. g., Luke 7; Acts 10. This one is no exception, for he seems to have treated Paul well and to have given him a fair amount of liberty, Acts 27. 3. We can see the goodness of God in this choice from Paul’s point of view. Yet, what a privilege was that of the centurion to be in close proximity to Paul! Whilst there is no written account of Paul preaching to him, he was able to observe his manner of life and demeanour, especially during the storm, and to observe his confidence in God. Indeed, although we do not read of his conversion we can see a marked change in his attitude towards Paul and the things he said over the course of the chapter. So should it be with us. As those in the world observe our lives, whilst they may not like us or agree with us, we should earn their respect, and glory will be brought to the God whom we serve.

The centurion had a great responsibility. Though the ship’s master was in charge of sailing the ship, it was the centurion who had the final say, v. 11. God graciously gave them a warning; if they had heeded it, the ship and its cargo would have been saved, not just the people on board, v. 10. They chose to ignore it and suffered the consequences. Once they had exhausted their resources and with all hope gone Paul later reminds them of this, yet at the same time he brings them a wonderful promise from God that their lives would be saved. ‘I believe God’, he says, v. 25, and that this faith was not misplaced would soon be demonstrated to all.