Chapter Summary

Paul sent to Rome. The hurricane. God's assurance to Paul in the storm, and his safe landing.

Discussion Questions for Acts, Chapter 27

1. Who is the "we" (HCSB) mentioned in verse 1? Who does this reference as the author of the book? Why is it important to know who wrote the Book of Acts?
2. What are some examples of first-hand details that Luke includes in this account? Why is it imporant for these specific details (geography, numbers, etc.) to be included? How do these details underscore the accuracy and reliability of the Scriptures?
3. How does Paul's response to the storm demonstrate his profound trust in God? What is a time in which you have walked through extreme difficulty and God sustained you? How did that strengthen your faith?
4. What is the significance of the sailors ignoring Paul's advice? In what ways might this be a microcosm of people who ignore good advice from spiritual leaders? How do you personally accept or reject advice given to you by the spiritual authorities in your life?
5. Why is it important that Luke clearly states that he was with Paul, even when Paul was a prisoner on this journey? What does this tell you about the criminal justice system in this day? How does that impact your understanding of Luke and Paul's friendship, and of his commitment to Paul's ministry?
6. Why does Paul have such favor with the Centurion in verse 43 (HCSB)? In what ways does our interaction with non-believers affect not only how they view us, but how they view the Gospel?
7. In what ways can fear and indecision affect our judgement and decision-making? What do the sailors ignoring Paul's warnings teach us about making unwise decisions?
8. What does the Centurion's initial dismissiveness of Paul reveal about the attitudes towards prisoners? In what ways does this help us understand the history of judicial systems throughout the world?
9. How does the description of the difficulty of the journey underscore how hard it was to navigate the seas in the first century? In what ways might this change your appreciation of Paul's other missionary journeys by sea?
10. Why is it important that "everyone" (HCSB) made it safely to shore? How does this detail remind you of God's sovereignty even in the face of traumatic circumstances?

Key Words/Phrase

Storm, v. 14.

Characters

God, Jesus, Paul, Julius, centurion, angel, Caesar.

Strong Verse(s)

23, 25.