urged that it was the concern of every one to become a true Christian; that there is grace enough
in Christ for all. He expressed his full conviction of the truth of the gospel, the absolute necessity
of faith in Christ in order to salvation. Such salvation from such bondage, the gospel of Christ offers
to the Gentiles; to a lost world. Yet it is with much difficulty that any person can be persuaded he
needs a work of grace on his heart, like that which was needful for the conversion of the Gentiles.
Let us beware of fatal hesitation in our own conduct; and recollect how far the being almost
persuaded to be a Christian, is from being altogether such a one as every true believer is.
Chapter 27
Chapter Outline
Paul's voyage towards Rome. (1–11)
Paul and his companions endangered by a (12–20)
tempest.
He receives a Divine assurance of safety. (21–29)
Paul encourages those with him. (30–38)
They are shipwrecked. (39–44)Verses 1–11
It was determined by the counsel of God, before it was determined by the counsel of Festus,
that Paul should go to Rome; for God had work for him to do there. The course they steered, and
the places they touched at, are here set down. And God here encourages those who suffer for him,
to trust in him; for he can put it into the hearts of those to befriend them, from whom they least
expect it. Sailors must make the best of the wind: and so must we all in our passage over the ocean
of this world. When the winds are contrary, yet we must be getting forward as well as we can. Many
who are not driven backward by cross providences, do not get forward by favourable providences.
And many real Christians complain as to the concerns of their souls, that they have much ado to
keep their ground. Every fair haven is not a safe haven. Many show respect to good ministers, who
will not take their advice. But the event will convince sinners of the vanity of their hopes, and the
folly of their conduct.
Verses 12–20
Those who launch forth on the ocean of this world, with a fair gale, know not what storms they
may meet with; and therefore must not easily take it for granted that they have obtained their
purpose. Let us never expect to be quite safe till we enter heaven. They saw neither sun nor stars
for many days. Thus melancholy sometimes is the condition of the people of God as to their spiritual
matters; they walk in darkness, and have no light. See what the wealth of this world is: though
coveted as a blessing, the time may come when it will be a burden; not only too heavy to be carried