The journey to Rome had to be taken by sea, and the authorities allowed Paul's friends to travel with him. However, the trip was delayed due to rough winds, and they set sail in autumn, a time when most shipping expeditions are halted due to bad weather.
Paul warned the crew that continuing the journey could result in losing supplies and shipmates due to the bad weather. However, they ignored his advice because he was a prisoner.
The ship encountered a severe storm, and over the course of three days, they had to throw the ship's cargo, tools, and parts of the ship overboard to stay afloat. The storm lasted for two weeks, leading to a shipwreck on the island of Malta.
Initially ignored, Paul later became a leader on the ship, advising the crew to stay aboard and cut the dinghy free. His advice was followed, and he continued to provide encouragement, assuring everyone that no one would die, though the ship would be lost.
In the late 1960s, divers discovered four 1st-century Roman anchors off the coast of Malta. The location and description match the criteria from the biblical text, making it possible that these anchors are from Paul's ship.
The people of Malta were unexpectedly kind, providing care for the survivors. Paul even started a fire, though he was bitten by a snake, which led the locals to initially believe he was a murderer. However, when he survived the snakebite, they considered him a god.
Paul healed the father of the chief official and subsequently healed many other sick people on the island. This led to a period of three months where he ministered to the community before continuing his journey to Rome.
Paul was granted more freedom than typical prisoners, likely due to his high status and the favorable relationship with his guard. He was able to host meetings with local Jewish leaders and share his message from his cell.
Paul spoke from morning until night, sharing his message. Some of the Jewish leaders believed, while others did not. Paul emphasized that belief depends on the Spirit opening hearts, not just the presentation of facts.
Tara-Leigh's 'God shot' was Julius, the centurion assigned to guard Paul. She saw God's provision in ensuring Paul had a compassionate guard who eventually spared his life, possibly leading Julius to come to know Christ.
SHOW NOTES:
)FROM TODAY’S RECAP: * *- Photo: Anchor )- Article: Searching for Paul’s Shipwreck on Malta )- Article: Mamertine Prison )- Video: Colossians Overview )- Video: Philemon Overview
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