Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
September 25, 2016

Paul’s Voyage to Rome
by Bryan Gibson
“I appeal to Caesar”—when Paul said these words to Festus (Acts 25:11), it enabled him to do something he had wanted to do for many years (Romans 15:23), and that was to preach the gospel in Rome (Romans 1:8-15). Despite his status as a prisoner, Paul did “bear witness at Rome” (Acts 23:11; 28:16, 30-31), but he also had some things to say on the way to Rome, on that long and stormy voyage described in Acts 27-28. And here’s how he spoke—by the things his shipmates observed in him.
They saw a man who gained the favor of the centurion. Julius allowed Paul to go to his friends in Sidon and receive care (Acts 27:1-3); he saved Paul’s life when he kept the soldiers from killing the prisoners (Acts 27:42-44); and he gave Paul unusual liberties when they arrived in Rome (Acts 28:16, 30-31). The Lord used this centurion to make sure Paul got the opportunity to “bear witness at Rome” (Acts 23:11), to make sure that all this “turned out for the furtherance of the gospel” (Philippians 1:12).
They saw a man who was not ashamed of his identity, someone who was not ashamed to confess God’s name. “For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve…” (Acts 27:23). Doesn’t sound like much, until you contrast this with our own behavior—how we sometimes might disguise our identity, for fear of what others might think or say or do. Don’t ever be ashamed to say you’re a Christian—it might just get others interested in becoming one, too.
They saw a man who had faith in God. When the storm became so severe that all hope was lost (Acts 27:20), the Lord spoke to Paul and said, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you” (Acts 27:24). Paul relayed this message to the others and then offered this assurance: “Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me” (Acts 27:25). That’s the kind of faith we all need.
They saw a man who prayed to God. “And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all…then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves” (Acts 27:35-36). We don’t pray to been seen (Matthew 6:5), but there’s nothing wrong with being seen praying.
They saw a man who had family everywhere, referring of course to his family in the Lord. On this journey alone, Paul was greeted by brethren from Sidon, from Puteoli, and from Rome. Surely it impressed others to see the care they gave Paul (Acts 27:3), the hospitality they showed him (Acts 28:13-14), and the distance they traveled to offer him encouragement (Acts 28:15). And surely it impressed them to see how much this meant to Paul. “When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage” (Acts 28:15). Folks outside this family would have to be impressed.

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	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@knology.net / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.