God’s revelation to Paul, 21-26
Verses 21-22: After remonstrating with them for their terrible mistake of leaving Crete, Paul exhorts them all “to be of good cheer.” Why, Paul, why? Oh, here’s why – “there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you.” Yes, the ship will be a loss, but not lives. Note: Paul’s point is not to gloat with a smug “I told you so,” but rather to remind them and reinforce that he has spoken and can speak in trustworthy terms.
Verses 23-24: Why such confidence? It is based on divine revelation. The angel of God has been sent to Paul with a message – fear not. God has a purpose and a destination for Paul, and he will reach it and fulfill it. Paul will stand before Cæsar. Not only that, “God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.” “whose I am, and whom I serve” God the rightful owner; God the rightful master.
God may choose to spare some because of someone else. God spared Zoar for Lot’s sake (Genesis 19:17-22; Cf. also Genesis 18:23ff.).[1] God spared the entire number of men on the ship – Paul’s sake, whom he had assured must surely see Rome.
Verses 25-26: “Wherefore” there is a firm foundation to “be of good cheer,” solidly anchored in God’s word. “I believe God” God is trustworthy at all times (cf. Numbers 23:19; Hebrews 6:18), but one must believe God in order to claim the cheer based on God’s word! We should believe “it shall be even as it was told me” when we read God’s word (Psalm 119:160).
There will be a “detour” in the process of reaching Rome – “we must be cast upon a certain island.” That island will be Melita (cf. 28:1).
God may choose to spare some because of someone else. God spared Zoar for Lot’s sake (Genesis 19:17-22; Cf. also Genesis 18:23ff.). God spared the entire number of men on the ship – Paul’s sake, whom he had assured must surely see Rome.
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