SOAP Daily Devotional Acts 27:4-8 – Why did Luke include nautical details of Paul’s journey to Rome? – Free online Bible study – Commentary in easy English – Day 690

From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. (Acts 27:4-8)

I want to know more about yesterday’s Scripture. What did Luke and Paul talk about on their trip? How did Paul’s friends at Sidon meet his needs? The Bible often omits details, so why did Luke include insignificant points about Paul’s voyages, such as the wind’s direction or sailing behind an island instead of in front of it. 

God had a reason for Luke’s descriptions. Sir William Mitchell Ramsay, an archaeologist, professor, and atheist, headed an expedition into Asia Minor and Palestine to prove that the New Testament was fraudulent. He thought Paul’s maritime travels would be the easiest part of the Bible to disprove. However, Ramsay discovered that Paul’s writings were legitimate and written by Paul. Ramsay became a Christian due to his efforts and wrote many Christian books.[1]

As a result of Luke’s details of their travels, Ramsay and others in his academic, atheist community became Christians. And no one knows how many people have come to know Jesus through Ramsay’s books. God has reasons for every detail, even though humans don’t always understand.

Father, thank you for the USA, a great country of freedom where I can express my opinions and worship You. Let us always keep the motto: “In God we Trust!” I praise You for adding details to the Bible and omitting others to enable me to think, have a discussion, and understand you better. Let me know the riches of Your wisdom and knowledge, and help me point others in Your direction. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

[1] https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/William_Mitchell_Ramsay

SOAP Daily Devotional Acts 27:4-8 – Why did Luke include nautical details of Paul’s journey to Rome? – Free online Bible study – Commentary in easy English – Day 690

2 thoughts on “SOAP Daily Devotional Acts 27:4-8 – Why did Luke include nautical details of Paul’s journey to Rome? – Free online Bible study – Commentary in easy English – Day 690

  1. I love this devotion and your prayer. We have found out so much about Paul in the book of Acts. After Jesus’ death he led so many people to be Christians, believing in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Paul was tested over and over by God and things happened exactly the way they were supposed to. Glory be to God.

    Praying for you, Jody and our families, friends and people whom we love that are sick or having a difficult time.

    1. Sitting on the river porch praying for you and your family. Thanks so much for your encouragement. I, too, have enjoyed learning more about Paul. He is an inspiration. Thanks for your prayers. Love you.

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