Tag: Cilicia

Morning Reading: Acts 27:1-12 NLT ~ Rome-ward bound

Reading: Acts 27:1-12 NLT

When the time came, we set sail for Italy. Paul and several other prisoners were placed in the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a captain of the Imperial Regiment. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was also with us. We left on a ship whose home port was Adramyttium on the northwest coast of the province of Asia; it was scheduled to make several stops at ports along the coast of the province.

Pauls-Voyage-to-Rome-Map
Apostle Paul’s Journey to Rome

The next day when we docked at Sidon, Julius was very kind to Paul and let him go ashore to visit with friends so they could provide for his needs. Putting out to sea from there, we encountered strong headwinds that made it difficult to keep the ship on course, so we sailed north of Cyprus between the island and the mainland. Keeping to the open sea, we passed along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, landing at Myra, in the province of Lycia. There the commanding officer found an Egyptian ship from Alexandria that was bound for Italy, and he put us on board.

We had several days of slow sailing, and after great difficulty we finally neared Cnidus. But the wind was against us, so we sailed across to Crete and along the sheltered coast of the island, past the cape of Salmone. We struggled along the coast with great difficulty and finally arrived at Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. We had lost a lot of time. The weather was becoming dangerous for sea travel because it was so late in the fall, and Paul spoke to the ship’s officers about it.

“Men,” he said, “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on — shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul. And since Fair Havens was an exposed harbor — a poor place to spend the winter—most of the crew wanted to go on to Phoenix, farther up the coast of Crete, and spend the winter there. Phoenix was a good harbor with only a southwest and northwest exposure.

Prayer: Heavenly Father – You made the winds and the sea… and you made me – charting my course through the journey of life. Thank you for those who perform acts of grace and kindness to me along the way… who provided comfort and encouragement… who offered correction when I veered off the narrow way. Thank you for the safe harbors where I found can rest during stormy seasons. And through it all, may I never lose sight of my destination… your upward call in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Hymn: “In a Little While We’re Going Home” – Eliza E. Hewitt, 1899.

Morning Reading: Acts 23:23-35 NLT – armed escort

Reading: Acts 23:23-35 NLT

Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, “Get 200 soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight. Also take 200 spearmen and 70 mounted troops. Provide horses for Paul to ride, and get him safely to Governor Felix.”

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Then he wrote this letter to the governor: “From Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings!

“This man was seized by some Jews, and they were about to kill him when I arrived with the troops. When I learned that he was a Roman citizen, I removed him to safety. Then I took him to their high council to try to learn the basis of the accusations against him. I soon discovered the charge was something regarding their religious law—certainly nothing worthy of imprisonment or death. But when I was informed of a plot to kill him, I immediately sent him on to you. I have told his accusers to bring their charges before you.”

So that night, as ordered, the soldiers took Paul as far as Antipatris. They returned to the fortress the next morning, while the mounted troops took him on to Caesarea. When they arrived in Caesarea, they presented Paul and the letter to Governor Felix.

He read it and then asked Paul what province he was from. “Cilicia,” Paul answered. “I will hear your case myself when your accusers arrive,” the governor told him.

Then the governor ordered him kept in the prison at Herod’s headquarters.

Prayer: Heavenly Father – I pray for those who are trying to keep the peace amidst the tumult of this world. I pray especially for my Christian brothers and sisters who are caught in the crossfire of opposing factions… those who are refugees fleeing danger zones… those who are being targeted for harm by Islamist thugs. Raise up an army of honest law enforcement officers… raise up an army of angels… to defend and protect them from the onslaughts of the Evil One. Holy Spirit – Strengthen them… encourage them… give them wisdom and guidance as to when they should stand up for what’s right and when they should keep their heads down. Infuse them with a spirit of kindness and love even toward those who would torment them. Lord Jesus –  Be their Good Shepherd… speak to them clearly, unmistakably… so that they might know that you are always with them and for them… so that they will obey and follow you. To God be the glory. Amen.

Spiritual Song:  “Psalm 23” – Marty Goetz