And when it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to one named Julius, a centurion of the Augustan Regiment. So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care. When we had put to sea from there, we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. Acts 27:1-5
Paul’s trial before Agrippa, being concluded, Paul was sent to Rome for his appeal before Caesar. He was being transported to Rome along with other prisoners, under the supervision of a Roman Centurion named Julius. The plan was to sail along the coast rather than across the Mediterranean Sea, probably because of weather.
Luke noted that Julius treated Paul kindly, granting him the freedom to visit with people he knew in that port city. We are not told why Julius treated Paul so favorably, so I will not speculate. Instead, I will say what is always true even when unstated: it was according to the providence of God.
When treated kindly, especially by people who might normally not treat us so kindly, let us thank the Lord for His kind mercies. I am convicted to say that I am quick to recognize, and often complain, when mistreated, but forgetful to thank the Lord for His providence when I am treated kindly. Anybody else? And as a footnote, when served well (by cashiers or waiters, etc.), may we be intentional to thank those who serve us for their kindness! Who knows that if more servers were recognized for their kindness, they might be kind more often?
In contrast to that kind providence, Luke also noted that the weather was “contrary.” This reminds me that we cannot expect easy going in this life. Sometimes people are kind. Praise the Lord. But sometimes the weather is contrary. Praise the Lord anyway! If God is sovereign over all, He is sovereign over the bitter as well as the sweet!
Next time: The journey continues…