Acts 27:25

Sunday, 12 May 2024

 

“Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. Acts 27:25

 

A literal translation is, “Therefore, be cheerful, men. For I believe God, that thus it will be even as it has been told me” (CG).

 

Paul just told those on the ship the good news that he and all on the ship would be spared. With that stated, he now says, “Therefore, be cheerful, men.”

 

Addressing them as men is asking them to act as men should act. But more, after the long days and nights of terrifying sounds and motions, lack of sleep, deprivation of food, and so forth, Paul’s words would have been like a glass of cold water in a hot dry desert.

 

To hear someone speak of being cheerful in such circumstances could only lighten other’s hearts. Further, he continues with, “For I believe God.”

 

Those who knew Paul already understood this about him, but with his claim of having seen a messenger and having been given the promise of being saved, they could combine what they knew of his general faith with what he had specifically stated. If Paul continued to believe God at this point, then he would have no reason to have made up a story like this, the substance of his faith being “that thus it will be even as it has been told me.”

 

His words contain a perfect participle. It was told to him and the effects of what he was told continue on to the present time. Paul stands grounded in the reliability of the words that were spoken to him.

 

His words of encouragement to them are a sign of his faith in the sure promises of his God. In showing faith, he is implying that they should likewise have faith that his words are true. It would do no good to witness to another and not demonstrate confidence in what is being conveyed. As Bengel says, “Faith exercised towards the (word of the) angel of GOD, is exercised towards GOD.”

 

Life application: Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Paul had not yet seen the salvation of those on the ship, but because of his faith in what God had conveyed to him, he had absolute faith that it would come about.

 

We believed the gospel, even though we didn’t see Jesus die on the cross and return to life. This event became an anchor of hope for us. But how far will our faith then take us? God says that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Do we believe that when we are facing the greatest crisis? Will we believe it when our life is about to end?

 

For such times, the word says that God will raise the dead when He comes. Will we cling to that promise as our end draws near? We should be living out our faith from moment to moment, always trusting and always increasing our faith by acknowledging God’s hand in everything that occurs. Eventually, nothing that would normally shake the hardiest soul will faze us.

 

It is as much a mental attitude directed toward God and His promises as anything else. If we can trust that God raised Jesus from the dead, then we can continue to trust and consider everything else that God promises in His word. Let us do so in ever-increasing amounts.

 

Lord God, may we steadfastly and resolutely cling to the promises in Your word, ever solidifying them in our consciences, even until they are as real to us as the ground under our feet. May Your word be a foundation for our lives at all times. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.