Author: Charlie Garrett

Stairway to… Wyoming Capitol.

Friday, 24 May 2024

And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. Acts 27:37

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The Greek provides a stress on the people, offsetting them for effect, “And we were, all the souls in the ship, two hundred seventy-six” (CG).

In the previous verse, the people were encouraged by Paul’s example and took food. Now, to show the importance of what Paul had done, it next says, “And we were.”

Luke is preparing the mind for the next clause, which is offset, thus making it the main thought. Those words are, “all the souls in the ship.”

The human soul is important to God, and thus it was important to Paul and Luke. Those on the ship were destitute of strength and encouragement, but Paul was able to change that state. And it wasn’t a small ship with a few passengers on board.

Rather, it was a ship filled with people, each an individual who had the possibility of being redeemed by Jesus Christ through Paul’s ministry. Of these people, Luke says there were “two hundred seventy-six.”

The number is not without significance. The previous verse just said that “they all were encouraged.” This gives a number for the mind to grasp concerning how many “all” really was.

Luke was probably prompted at this time to continue with the exacting record that he had thus far been so careful with. Paul had a chance to demonstrate to such a large contingent of people that faith in God was not in vain. Luke felt it was worth taking the time to show that this one prisoner was able to change the attitude of so many people with a simple demonstration of that faith.

Further, the head count was probably made at this time to ensure that the same number was accounted for whenever they reached land. Coming in verse 44, it will say that all safely reached the land. How could one make that claim unless they knew how many heads there were?

The number of people is not exceptional for that time in history though. Josephus records that on a ship he was on, and which was also wrecked, there were 600 people aboard. Many have tried to find a spiritual symbolism in the number 276, some even to the point of being goofy, but none of these attempts have held up to scrutiny.

It is possible the number has a deeper significance, but even if not, it is an accurate record to account for the number who were then brought safely to land.

Life application: If the words and actions of Paul and Luke while on the ship, and later on the land, were effective enough, they could have actually brought all to a saving knowledge of Jesus.

Just think of the difference that could have made. Two hundred and seventy-six people go out to various locations, families, and settings (such as those going to prison). If each was then willing to share that same good news, the number of people who might come to Jesus could increase geometrically.

This is one of the reasons for the book of Acts. It is given to show how the church was established and grew. But each one of us is living in an ongoing setting of the progression of the church as it marches through time and history.

Each one of us can have an impact on the world in which we live, if we will simply hand out a tract, open our mouths to our friends, or support our local churches and their missionaries.

If not you, then who? Be a part of the continuing story that began in the book of Acts, and which will continue until the trumpet sounds and the church is called home to glory. Don’t sit on your hands idling your time away! Be one who encourages others through your faith in Jesus Christ. Do it with cheer and do it today!

Lord God, may we be a part of the great thing You are doing in the world as You build Your church. Help us not to be a chipped block on an outside wall of Your temple, but a shining stone that radiates out Your goodness to the world as we await the return of our Lord. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Wyoming Bull in the picture. Wyoming Capitol.

Thursday, 23 May 2024

Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. Acts 27:36

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

The Greek is less wordy than the NKJV, “And having been encouraged, they all also took food” (CG).

Paul just broke the bread, blessed it, and began to eat. Now, after hearing his words and seeing his confidence, it next says, “And having been encouraged.”

The word translated as encouraged, euthumos, is used for the second and last time. The first was in Acts 24:10. It comes from two words signifying good and passion. In this case, encouraged fits the context properly.

As for the situation on the ship, verse 20 was one of hopelessness. But now there is a contrasting attitude which permeated all of the people on the ship. Paul’s confidence, his prayer of gratitude, and the surely unruffled way in which he broke the bread and started eating had the intended calming effect on everyone aboard.

He knew they needed to eat before whatever trial lay ahead, and his actions brought that intended effect out perfectly. As it next says, “they all also took food.”

This would give them a happier attitude, more energy, and a renewed confidence in themselves. It would also mend any grumpy attitudes that may have arisen among those on the ship because of the stresses and trials that pressed each person.

The ship was now far better prepared to come to the shores which Paul was informed were ahead. When they got there, a more united group of people would be ready for whatever task was necessary to get to shore safely.

Life application: Paul’s conduct has been an example of one who can often save many. In battle, it only takes one heroic soul to press forward and instill in his comrades the desire to do so as well. In a church besought with troubles, one calm person can make all the difference in whether the congregation unites or divides.

Paul was a prisoner aboard the ship, and yet he led the way for even the non-prisoners to strive to rise above their present plight and to prepare for what lay ahead. As Paul’s inspiration and surety came from the Lord’s visit, the words of the psalmist are appropriate –

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth.
² Why should the Gentiles say,
“So where is their God?” Psalm 115:1, 2

How can you be an example to others during such times. Someone has to step forward and raise the banner to rally the troops. If not, hopelessness, despair, and defeat are just ahead. Be ready to stand confidently in the promises of the Lord, leading others to the joy of life that is found in the eternal hope of Jesus Christ our Lord!

Lord God, in this world of loss, sadness, trial, and despair, we who know Jesus have the ability to encourage others that this life is not all there is. May we confidently do so, leading others to the same hope we possess. And Lord God, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Looking up. Wyoming Capitol.

Wednesday, 22 May 2024

And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. Acts 27:35

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

A more literal translation is, “And having said these, and having taken bread, he thanked God in sight of all. And having broken, he began to eat” (CG).

Paul had once again just urged those with him to take nourishment, reassuring them that they would all come through unscathed. With that stated, Luke next records, “And having said these.”

Paul will now turn his words into action. Thus, Luke redirects the mind of the reader from the spoken words to a tangible, visible manifestation of his faith in the word of the Lord. This is seen in the next words, “and having taken bread.”

Here are people that have been severely undernourished for two weeks. They were about to go through another ordeal that would test them to the limit of their ability if they were unprepared for it. Therefore, Paul reached for bread to turn his verbal urging into a visible one. Once it was in his hands, “he thanked God in sight of all.”

The Greek word is eucharisteó, the root of our modern-day word eucharist. It signifies to give thanks, and thus his actions are equivalent to saying grace. Once that was complete, Luke records, “And having broken, he began to eat.”

Paul set the example, certainly hoping it would transfer to all aboard. As prophesied, those who refused to eat would make it ashore safely, but it would be by the power of someone else who would have to expend his own energy in assisting those who were too weak to make it. This was certainly on Paul’s mind.

As for Paul’s actions, scholars vary on whether they think this was a memorial of the Lord’s Supper or not. The words of this verse are remarkably similar to those of Luke 22:19. However, the actions are the same as what Jesus did in Matthew 14:19 & 15:36. It is probably, therefore, comparable to a regular Jewish tradition.

Any relation to the Lord’s Supper would be personal to the one taking it and not an intentional connection for all to participate in. It would make no sense for Paul to do this, considering it to be a reenactment of the death of the Lord as described in 1 Corinthians 11, because that is intended for believers only.

The breaking of the bread, and thanking God for it as well, was in itself enough to impress in the minds of those in attendance of Paul’s faith in God. Thus, it would stand as an encouragement to them all. He was unashamed of his faith in God and Paul’s thanks would show that he was openly grateful for the mercy he had been promised concerning all aboard the ship.

Life application: Words are often effective in achieving a desired outcome, but there are times when words are not enough. Action must be taken to demonstrate that the words are reliable. As the greatest example of this, we can look at the words of Scripture.

God promised a Redeemer. Throughout the many books of the Old Testament, prophecies were made, telling Israel that He was coming. This gave the people hope. However, saying that this would happen doesn’t change the state of things one iota without Him actually coming.

Therefore, as Paul says in Galatians 4:4, 5, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

God backed up His words with action. Thus, all of what the prophets proclaimed became a reality. Because of that, it wasn’t just something Israel could accept and revel in, but it was something that all peoples of the world could now accept and partake of.

In like manner, we should be willing to follow up our words of promise with action that matches what we say. If we don’t do this, people will look at us as unfaithful. Whether our words speak of small things or great, let us be willing to follow through with them as a testimony that we are reliable followers of Jesus Christ.

Lord God, help us to be responsible in following through with the things we speak, so that we are considered trustworthy to those we encounter. If we are faithless as Christians, it will certainly bring a stain upon people’s thoughts concerning You. Therefore, be with us and prompt us in our spirits to always be faithful in the things we say. Amen.

Wyoming Capitol, Secretary, One Each.

Tuesday, 21 May 2024

“Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” Acts 27:34

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

I translate this as, “Therefore, I encourage you to take food for this is for your salvation. For not a hair of the head of you will fall.” (CG).

Paul had just implored those gathered before to take food, noting that it was the fourteenth day that they had gone with little or no nourishment. Because of this, he continues with, “Therefore, I encourage you to take food.”

They need to eat. A time is coming very shortly when they would need to be strengthened both in body and in mind, something that eating food would do for them. He tells them all that “for this is for your salvation.”

Paul had already told them in verse 23 that he had been assured by an angel that all would come to safety, but now he shows that this doesn’t mean they were not to be participants in that truth. In telling them to eat, it was to ensure that they would have the strength for whatever ordeal may lie ahead.

The word he uses literally means “salvation,” but the context indicates that a different word such as “preservation” or “survival” is acceptable. The idea of salvation is most often connected to the eternal soul. That is not what Paul is saying. Rather, it is the salvation of life.

If they had already been told that they would all survive, and yet Paul indicates that this is for their salvation, then an obvious deduction would be that if they didn’t eat, they would have to be saved by those who did. Instead of living off the welfare of others, each should be responsible enough to eat and be prepared to rescue himself from the ordeal that was coming.

Either way, however, they would all be saved. And more, Paul says, “For not a hair of the head of you will fall.”

This is a proverbial saying used several times in Scripture and which even Jesus alludes to. See 1 Samuel 14:45; 2 Samuel 14:11; 1 Kings 1:52, Matthew 10:30, & Luke 21:18. As for the word “you,” it is plural. Every person would come through this ultimately unscathed.

However, it might be that those who didn’t eat would be so utterly exhausted that they might not physically recover for weeks, or they might face some other malady or embarrassment that eating would help avoid. Paul is using wisdom, based on the prophecy, to prepare those with him for the coming shipwreck.

Life application: The words of this verse call to mind the promises of the Bible which ask the same from us. Time and again, we are given exhortations. If we choose to reject them, then the harms that come upon us are actually self-inflicted wounds.

Jesus has promised salvation to those who believe in Him. This is an eternal decree of God, and thus salvation itself is eternal. One is sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of future redemption. And yet, what shape will we be in when we get to the end of this life?

We may have bodies worn out from abuses that the Bible warned us against. We may live lives filled with trials and troubles simply because we didn’t heed the word and apply it to our lives. Is this what we want?

And more, once we have been brought before Jesus, there will still be consequences for the lives we lived. This will be at the judgment seat of Christ where we will receive rewards or loss. Paul explicitly tells us that we will be saved, yet as through fire.

Paul is telling those on the ship what to do so that their earthly salvation will be easier than it otherwise might be without eating. His letters tell us that our eternal salvation will be better if we do what the word tells us to do as we live out our lives in Christ. Let us pay heed!

Lord God, may we carefully consider our walk before You each day. Help us to include adherence to Your word in our daily decisions and actions of life. May we be fully prepared for the day we stand before You to receive our judgment for the lives we have lived. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Fancy Guv’s Office. Wisconsin Capitol.

Monday, 20 May 2024

And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. Acts 27:33

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

More literally, it reads, “And until it was about to be day, Paul urged all to take food, saying, ‘Anticipating today, the fourteenth day, you continue undernourished, having taken nothing.’” (CG).

The previous verse noted the soldiers cutting away the skiff. At some point later, in the very early morning, Luke next records, “And until it was about to be day.”

This indicates the time between midnight and morning, not specifically the dawn itself. It is at some point very early in the day when the dawning is the next anticipated event in the daily progression of time. It is at this very early time that, “Paul urged all to take food.”

His advice for those gathered to eat surely wasn’t just as a means of strengthening the people, but it also would have served that great purpose of once again uniting the soldiers and sailors after what just happened.

Paul had a keen understanding of human nature, and he knew that there would certainly need to be a united effort on the part of both parties to ensure that everyone would be safe during the coming hours. A meal would bring a state of harmony which had been lacking through the long ordeal, and which could only have gotten worse with the cutting away of the skiff. Because of this tense state, Paul continued, “saying, ‘Anticipating today, the fourteenth day, you continue undernourished, having taken nothing.’”

The need to stop and eat a good meal begins to be evident first from the words “the fourteenth day.” They were anticipating the completion of two full weeks of constant battering by the wind and water. It would have been a harrowing ordeal for even the most seasoned sailor, but those fourteen days were, as he says, in an undernourished state.

The Greek word is not the usual word for “fasting” where one goes completely without eating. Rather, the word is asitos, an adjective that is only used here in Scripture. It is from the negative particle a along with the word sitos, signifying wheat or grain. Ellicott notes that they had taken “nothing beyond what was absolutely necessary to keep body and soul together.”

Life application: When people go without food, there are various ways they will handle it. Very few people will be unaffected by extended times of food deprivation. Some quickly get hangry (hungry combined with angry), while others just lay around lethargically, etc.

The point for most is that without food, things will not go as intended for the human physique. In Scripture, God’s word is equated to food, such as in Deuteronomy 8:3 –

“So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.”

Even Job understood this –

“I have not departed from the commandment of His lips;
I have treasured the words of His mouth
More than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

If we can have immediate and negative reactions to a lack of food for our physical bodies, shouldn’t we expect that without taking in God’s word, we can have immediate and negative reactions in our spiritual lives? Without coming to the word frequently, our minds are quickly diverted to contemplate the things of the world. In this, God becomes almost an afterthought. Eventually, He disappears from our thoughts altogether.

Let us consider this and choose to voluntarily feed ourselves on His word at least daily, and preferably more often than that. We eat two or three times a day. Shouldn’t we be feasting on the word equally as often? Stay in proper spiritual shape by tasting and seeing the Lord through His word!

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
⁹ Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
¹⁰ The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” Psalm 34:8-10

Lord God, may we fill our lives daily with the nourishment that can only come from You through Your word. Help us to responsibly feed ourselves on what You have presented to us for our guidance, protection, and life. Yes, Lord, help us in this and be with us as we dine daily in this wonderful treasure. Amen.