When I come to Acts chapter 27, it is like a breath of fresh air to me. But Paul did not presume to have God on tap and thus to be able to perform some miracle any time his wished. It was Paul who showed caution, warning those in charge of the dangers ahead. But it is here, in our text, that I see Paul as a very wise man in practical matters, a man who is a leader of men, and whose counsel is taken seriously because he knows what he is doing. As time went on, as Paul was better known, and as the crises on board the ship became more pronounced, Paul stepped forward, giving both direction and hope to all the others on ship. When you study closely, you will discover these examples of leadership in the Bible can help you address all of lifes situations. By the end of this time, all hope had been lost, either of the storm abating, or of any rescue. To reinforce his words, Paul now did what he urged each of them to dohe ate. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Doing so would be certain death, for the larger vessel offered more protection, so long as it held together. They could not handle the ship in the stormy waters. Tim Cook became CEO of Apple in 2011. Paul: "Believe in something bigger than yourself." "I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47). los lderes demcratas (41) dirigentes socialdemcratas (18) lderes democrticos (15) lderes demcratas (13) demcratas (8) If elected in free elections, the usurpers of power are usually democratic leaders. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. Paul encourages all on board to eat, and they do. If you want to be a godly leader, I encourage you to focus on the qualities that God identifies as necessary in a leader. 1. "He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. Fourth, a moderate south wind had come up,552 which seemed to promise fair sailing to a better port. 11. Handling the ship in this storm was almost impossible, and any attempt would require an expert crew. He left this to God. He was both blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. Moses is remembered as the liberator, the leader, the law-giver, the prophet, and the intermediary in the covenant between God and the Jewish people. If you see shortcomings, those are the areas that you can ask God to help you develop. "Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Except for Paul, they had all reached the conclusion that the situation was hopeless and that they were doomed. In A.D. 59 it fell on October 5, but in all the neighboring years from 57 to 62 it fell earlier. Paul lived dangerously, in one respect, but no one could have been any safer. They boarded this ship and set sail. If the sailors didnt believe Paul, the soldiers did. Few managers or politicians understand that. . Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. The grounding of the ship, some distance from shore, and then its breaking up poses another threat, which all survive. 560 The higher the ship floated in the water, the closer to shore they could get before the ship grounded. There are portions of Scripture that talk about the qualifications of a leader in the church. The centurion found an Alexandrian ship,547 laden with wheat that was headed for Italy. Paul had courage in the face of opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. What grace was made evident in this storm! Nevertheless, they decided to press on to a better harbor. True leaders aren't afraid to call a spade a spade. Lets examine some of these, because whether you lead one, a few, or many we all have to lead. Neither Lasea nor Fair Havens is mentioned by any ancient writer, two of the hundred cities of Crete. A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1930), III, p. 460. Let us, like Paul, have a word from God for such needy times as ours. I see leadership held out to men and women as a prize, rather than as a humbling responsibility. Progress was slow, due to wind conditions. Had people ceased eating, in part perhaps, because they thought they were going to die anyway? Moses. By the way, Paul may not have been frightened so much for himself as for the others. He loved God. From here on, sailing will not be smooth. In spite of this fact, one man, Paul, emerged as the leader. In other words, your leadership style should be authentic to you. The broad issue is that of leadership. Examples of delegated authority include parents and their children, masters and their servants, priests serving in the temple, and Christian leaders, as Christ's servants, with the members of a church. It was needlessly endangering others that Paul was trying to avoid. Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. Airline pilots must constantly monitor weather conditions, and make decisions as to the route they will take, their altitude, and even their destination. Because of their very limited visibility, they might not see the land until it was too late. These are examples of democratic leadership: All opinions are brought forward in team meetings. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Let us consider just a few: 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Had they heeded his warnings, this would not have happened. The encouraging news that Paul was about to tell them was that he was both right and wrong when he had warned them not to sail. A late date for the day of atonement is required also by the time notes of the subsequent journey to Italy. With renewed strength, the passengers set about lightening the ship by throwing the remainder of the cargo the cargo of wheat overboard. They were not men who manipulated people or their circumstances in order to further their own power or position. If you possess these types of qualifications, would that make you a better leader? Verse Concepts. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Because of one prisoner on board that ship, all the other passengers were spared. Clearly the answer is yes. Paul thought of himself as nothing in the total scheme of things. Everyone speaks their minds in team meetings. Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. The sovereignty of God is no excuse for careless or reckless living. The reason this type of leadership was necessary is because they were not just passing out food; they were solving a potentially bigger problem. These prisoners were (pardon me for this) twice pardoned.. He took Pauls warnings seriously here, too. I believe leadership must be positive influence . They all waited for the morning light. How does Pauls safety relate to you? I do not agree. And were all in it for the same reasonto fuel the churchs mission of making disciples. modern political leaders are good examples (Tony Blair, Geogrge Bush, Sarcosie, JFK, David cameron) What is a sentence with the words democracy and democratic? The stern of the ship began to break up. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. It was a coasting vessel, which was to call at various ports of the province of Asia; at one of these Julius knew he would find a ship, preferably a grain ship, bound for Italy. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 477. The sovereignty of God will then result in the overthrow of His enemies and in the judgment of the wicked. Leading others is just too big of a responsibility for us to handle without continual prayer. Bruce writes. As the song goes, More secure is no one ever, than the loved ones of the Savior. The solar date of the day of atonement in A.D. 59 thus accords well with Lukes implication that the Fast took place while they waited at Fair Havens. Bruce, p. 481. The chapter may therefore be outlined in this way: One way or the other, Festus must have found some way to explain Pauls appearance before Caesar. The sovereignty of God means that we dare not presume that God will work a miracle for us, at the time and in the way we choose, due to our foolishness, carelessness, or sin. He doesn't mince words when he calls them "a brood of vipers.". Please see below for details. A late night visitation by an angel of God and Pauls words of encouragement to his shipmates is reported in verses 21-26. If there was ever a time for Christians to emerge as leaders, it is now. When you are walking in accordance with Gods purposes, whatever obstacles to the accomplishing of His will are encountered, He will overcome. The angel of God told Paul not to be afraid, which would indicate that he was afraid. Your community. 1. A democratic leader encourages open conversation and helps their employees set goals, evaluate their own performance and motivates them to grow. They eventually connected with Paul and became his partners in the ministry. If Paul had been incompetent and impotent in this time of crisis, who would have wanted to hear him tell about faith in Jesus as the Messiah? If we are not in Christ, who has weathered the storm, then we must endure the storm ourselves, to our eternal destruction. 33 Who will bring a charge against Gods elect? This was a Jewish couple who were deported from Rome. Paul was a leader here because people followed him. Brooks Faulkner previously served as the senior pastoral ministry specialist for LifeWay Christian Resources. They were not in control of the ship. They took down the sail, which would have been ripped to shreds by the winds, and lashed down the rudders, which would have been broken up as they were smashed against the ship by the waves. Lukes remark has point only if it fell rather late in the solar calendar that year. It may not come quickly. Pauls Bay is sheltered on the northwest by the island of Salmonetta, which is separated from the Maltese mainland by a narrow channel about a hundred yards wide. The need is great. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. They could not see the sun nor the stars (verse 20) and so they were unable to navigate. These people saw first hand the hope of the gospel in Paul, when all hope was lost. His leadership was built not so much on ancestry from the Jewish lineage as by faithfulness. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. It was time for another word of encouragement. Just so you know, the person they are talking about in Acts 18:26 is Apollos. . Let me suggest a few characteristics of Pauls leadership in this crisis, which may provide fuel for future thought. The God who was to rescue them was Pauls God, the God whom he served, and to whom he would bear testimony before Caesar. Looking back on these words would demonstrate that this was indeed prophecy. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning, Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act toward achieving a common goal. Susan Ward. Paul was as secure as any man could be. The potential gains were minimal, while the potential loss was great. Joshua had been in the presence of God. But Pauls concern here was not for himself, but for others. 561 Before, adrift in the sea, they made no effort to guide the ship. Those who could swim should jump first, and make their way to shore. Verses 9-13 describe a crucial decision that was made. Until now, they had been trying to save the ships cargo, but now some of it555 was thrown overboard, lightening the ship and reducing the stress on the hull. Related Topics: Issues in Church Leadership/Ministry, Leadership, Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. Second, the majority of those who voted on this issue favored going further. The cultural expectations on pastors are mostly unbiblical, entirely impractical, and generally downright unrealistic. Pauls skillfulness and leadership gave the gospel a credibility it would not have otherwise have had in the eyes of these people. in 1971. Here is a list of famous examples of democratic leaders: Dwight Eisenhower, The 34th U.S. President Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple Larry Page, Co-founder of Google Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter Read more about these Famous examples of democratic leadership and feel inspired. What kind of leadership did Paul exercise, and how did this impact the gospel? The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Paul was a prisoner, on his way to stand trial before Caesar in Rome. If there were but ten righteous in the city of Sodom, God would have spared the city for the sake of those righteous (Genesis 18:22-33). 545 This seems to be the same Aristarchus mentioned in Acts 19:29; 20:4; Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 24. Here are some examples of their leadership. All one needs is a clean needle or a condom or possibility an abortion and theyre off and running, seeking a little pleasure, at the cost of the loss of their life, and of their soul. Examples have not been reviewed. With great difficulty, the dinghy was hoisted on board, and then supporting cables were used to undergird the bottom of the ship, so that it might not break up under the weight of its cargo and the stresses of the storm. Remember this applies whether you are leading one or many. The angry mob, which the Asian Jews had incited in Jerusalem, were trying to kill Paul, but God used Claudius Lysias and his soldiers to save his life. Other words for democratic leadership Since leadership happens inside and outside the church, these examples are good wherever you lead. You are the foundation. 541 Lukes narrative of the voyage and shipwreck of Paul on his way to Italy is a small classic in its own right, as graphic a piece of descriptive writing as anything in the Bible. The point was, before you can lead others you have to learn how to lead yourself. Look at what was necessary for these men to be qualified to carry out this task. While it is great to learn from others, you dont have to try to be like others. Gods promise was fulfilled, just as Paul had said He would. 553 The storm was now heavy upon the lumbering vessel, as it came roaring out of the north-east. Gods Word gives us those answers. In every effective leader's life, there is a time for love, but also a time for courage. This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. Did Paul pray for their meal, as well as his own? For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your fathers family will perish. 559 If the soundings were made at midnight, and if the passengers were at least inside the ship, rather than on deck, only the sailors would have known that land was approaching. It has long been acknowledged as one of the most instructive documents for the knowledge of ancient seamanship. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 474. Democratic leadership is an effective leadership style but can sometimes be too slow when fast decisions are needed. You may be familiar with the story of Esther. God does not jump through our hoops and thus Paul never presumed that he had Gods power on tap to use when and how he chose. Pauls leadership emerged in a democratic society. We are told that the majority reached the decision to sail on, rather than to winter in Fair Havens. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. These passengers were spared, I suspect, so that they could not only hear the gospel, but experience the hope which the gospel gives, and the power by which the gospel saves unworthy sinners. He was not an "out front" kind of person, but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. Since leadership is important, how does Godly leadership fit into the equation? As the journey to Rome continues, there are yet to be more signs and wonders accomplished through the hands of Paul (see 28:3-10). The storms of your life may not have been sent your way to destroy you, but to turn you to Gods salvation. And Joshua did so.". The storm threatens not only the life of Paul, but also the lives of all on board his ship. He has surrounded himself with executives that are experienced and insightful. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:12-14). The sovereignty of God means that He is not at our disposal, to carry out our whims or wishes, but that we are at His disposal. Luke now passes over the details of a number of the days that followed, indicating only that many days passed, and that the storm continued to abuse the ship and to terrify its passengers. Regardless of where you find yourself, you have to lead. It was only some forty miles to Lutro. Robertson, p. 461. He arose, then, for two reasons: (1) his shipmates were in desperate need of encouragement, and (2) he now had a word from God for them. What can we learn about leadership, which can benefit others, and can promote the gospel? The following post is adapted from my personal academic coursework. All rights reserved. Priscilla and Aquila are an example of Godly leadership that was displayed or exhibited in a married couple. Because of his special blessing, he was appointed as one with judicial powers and responsibilities in Joshua 14:6-15. Because it was a part of Gods sovereign plan, God did purpose to spare Paul and the ships passengers, but in a way that would to some seem only like good luck. The miraculous aspect is seen in Pauls prediction of what happened in complete agreement with all that did happen, even to the minute details. 1 Timothy 3:5. Paul encouragement the passengers to trust God to do all that He promised. One of the most outstanding examples of leadership in the Bible is the example of Moses. The smaller boat, was much more easily handled, and would have been the logical choice when trying to make shore, especially in such circumstances. They also loosened the ropes which lashed down the rudders and hoisted the sail.561 They were on their way toward land. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. What are we to make of this dramatic change in Pauls standing before his fellow-shipmates? Up to this point in time, they had gone a long while without food. 10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (Romans 5:8-10). During the night, an angel of God had appeared to Paul, with a sure and certain word about the future, a word that would bring encouragement to all on board ship.
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