Thankfully if God has called you to leadership, he will take the time to help you grow into it. A crucial decision had to be made at Fair Havens.549 Sailing was not safe in the winter, due to wind conditions and seasonal storms. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them (Acts 6:3-6). The stern of the ship began to break up. There are many examples of Godly leadership in the Bible as God has always raised up men and women to lead others. The sovereignty of God will then result in the overthrow of His enemies and in the judgment of the wicked. What has happened over the course of these events, so that a lowly prisoner, a man at the bottom of the ladder, so far as position and influence are concerned, is now the outstanding leader? He did not claim to have a certain (prophetic) knowledge of what was going to happen. 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. As Paul had already informed them, neither the ship nor its cargo would survive, only the passengers. Titus would be a good place to start, and there are other scriptures as well. The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. 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. Second, the majority of those who voted on this issue favored going further. You are the foundation. They were not men who manipulated people or their circumstances in order to further their own power or position. 11. In the sea of Adria (en toi Hadriai). Beyond this, God is free to act or not to act in any way that He chooses. In other words, your leadership style should be authentic to you. It was his responsibility to persuade her to use the position she had to make a difference. It is enough to discourage any pastor. Whatever God has promised to do, He will do. Pauls leadership emerges on board the ship, on which he was headed toward Rome. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com. It was drifting wherever the storm carried it. Paul was frequently the instrument through which Gods power was manifested. Verse Concepts. It was Paul who showed caution, warning those in charge of the dangers ahead. 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? I take it that this was a form of democratic rule. The bottom line is that everyone leads in some fashion, be it great or small. He did get disgusted. Paul did not have a formal position as leader, but was rather a functional leader. Verses 14-20 describe the sudden onslaught of the storm, the steadily deteriorating conditions, and the complete loss of hope of those on board. Other words for democratic leadership In a democracy leaders. Paul had a fair bit of experience with sea travel. 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. All must abandon ship now. He doesn't mince words when he calls them "a brood of vipers.". nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. They eventually connected with Paul and became his partners in the ministry. Pauls influence was not the result of his political maneuverings, but mens response to his personal competence. Gods mission for Paul was to go to Rome and there to preach the gospel. Time would prove Paul right. Nearing land in a storm is a very dangerous thing. Sailing past Cilicia and Pamphylia, they landed at Myra in Lycia (verse 5).546 It was here that they had to change ships. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined {to become} conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; 30 and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. Behind every support specialist, Bible study editor, graphic designer, and accountant is a Sunday School teacher, kids volunteer, or small group leader. No one followed Paul because he was a man of God, or even because they concluded the God was with him. Remember this applies whether you are leading one or many. For our examples, I want to look at leaders that may be a little more obscure. 557 This is not to suggest that Paul now emerged because he knew that this was the low-point of his fellow-passengers, but because the night before the angel of God had appeared to him. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company [photolithoprinted], 1966), p. 191, quoting Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveller and Roman Citizen, p. 319. They were not going to get to Rome until after winter was over anyway, and they could stay right where they were, with no real problems. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong (Titus 1:6-9). The sovereignty of God is no excuse for careless or reckless living. 72-73, p. 480. We live in a time of great crisis. The God whom Paul served was a God who was (and is) in control. 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). If the prisoners were to make it to land, the soldiers would have to release them. Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. Remember, he struck the rock and disobeyed God, but his patience had worn thin. (2) The Sovereignty of God and Mans Safety. Paul believed in the power of God and in His infinite control over all things, in heaven and on the earth. Their troubles to this point would seem insignificant compared to what was soon to come. 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. 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. 1 Timothy 4:12. 544 We know that Luke was on board ship because of the we references, and because of the great detail that he includes, as an eyewitness of the journey, the storm, and the safe landing of the passengers. Priscilla and Aquila were hospitable. Is there not a kind of parable here? And also for Pauls sake, all of the prisoners were spared from execution by the soldiers. The first 8 verses of the chapter take Paul from Caesarea to a harbor named Fair Havens, not far from the city of Lasea. Paul reminded his shipmates that they should have listened to him sooner. 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. The question was where the ship would make port for the winter. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. When you are walking in accordance with Gods purposes, whatever obstacles to the accomplishing of His will are encountered, He will overcome. It was still late at night, too dark to try to make shore until it was light. 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. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. I would like to have heard that prayer, but Lukes silence here requires us to wait till heaven to find out what was said. Related articlesHow and Why Should I Pray for Leaders?An Uncorrupted View of Godly Leadership from Jude10 Women in the Bible God Used to Save Lives and Lead Others, Photo credit: Getty Images/monkeybusinessimages. At its heart, leadership for the Christian means loving God, walking in God's ways, acknowledging God's blessing, confessing personal limitations and corporate failures, doing justice, seeking peace and asking God for the gift of . Without God's constant guidance in our lives, how can we be confident of what we are teaching, how we are ministering, or why we are even leading? Paul took bread, and giving thanks to God before all, he began to eat. If the relative safety of the passengers was in being on board ship, with Paul, our certain safety is in being in Christ. He has weathered the storm of Gods wrath on the sinner. 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. It was needlessly endangering others that Paul was trying to avoid. Paul was a prisoner, on his way to stand trial before Caesar in Rome. It did not take long at this time of year for a storm to brew at sea. Gods promise was fulfilled, just as Paul had said He would. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. He would later, on the island, work signs and wonders. The soldiers who were guarding them were not as concerned about their survival as much as the possibility of an escape. 33 Who will bring a charge against Gods elect? This problem would require the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, which is foundational to Godly leadership. If you remember the qualifications of a leader that we looked at earlier, you will see why this is a great example of Godly leadership in the Bible. The image of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples in John 13 is a striking one. At the beginning of the chapter, Paul is the object, the one who is acted upon. This is influence and leadership in action. His sarcasm showed his disdain for those who had forsaken God. But what are some of these purposes and promises? Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. If God {is} for us, who {is} against us? He was obscure in comparison to other great Old Testament heroes, but faithfulness separated him from mediocrity. Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. 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. Romans 13:1-3 ESV / 3 helpful votesNot Helpful. 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? When he spoke, there was no vote taken. They all waited for the morning light. The God who was to rescue them was Pauls God, the God whom he served, and to whom he would bear testimony before Caesar. Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Finally, in the following chapter, there will be the snake bite, from which Paul will be spared as well. Joshua had been in the presence of God. (1) A look at leadership. If you want to be a godly leader, I encourage you to focus on the qualities that God identifies as necessary in a leader. The assassination conspiracy was still the main hope of the Sanhedrin as Paul was imprisoned for two years by Felix, but God kept Paul from Jerusalem. They took bribes and perverted justice. Christianity is not a fair weather religion. If they were to have the strength necessary to make it to shore, they would need to start the day with a good meal. I know it sounds more like mother or a TV commercial, but Paul was dealing with a very practical necessity. Paul lived dangerously, in one respect, but no one could have been any safer. What kind of leadership did Paul exercise, and how did this impact the gospel? Just about every pastor has "struck the rock" at one time or another; but then, like Moses, the same pastor usually has the resilience to see things through. He has been beaten by the storm of Gods anger toward sin. Yet his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. Please see below for details. This was a Jewish couple who were deported from Rome. What he recognized was the person who had the ability to help bring deliverance to the Jews was Esther. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath {of God} through Him. How does Pauls safety relate to you? The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. How often, I wonder, are others benefited by the presence of a believer? 1 Peter 5:3. In 1925 Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first woman to serve as a governor in the United States when she was inaugurated in Wyoming. The soldiers were thus acting to save themselves, as well as the rest on board. Let us, like Paul, have a word from God for such needy times as ours. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. 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). They had to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Mordecais words influenced Esther to take an action that she would have otherwise not taken. Except for Paul, they had all reached the conclusion that the situation was hopeless and that they were doomed. Here are 12 examples of inspiring leaders in the Bible who teach us what a great leader could and should be as well as how leaders should carry themselves. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house (1 Corinthians 16:19). This created a serious problem. If this was all that Paul said to these soldiers, he did not tell them that these men were attempting to abandon ship. Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. He refused to bow to the king and ended up in the lion's den. 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. In A.D. 59 it fell on October 5, but in all the neighboring years from 57 to 62 it fell earlier. It seems as though the passengers, including Luke and Paul, were needed to help carry out this operation (see verse 19).556. Paul was told by the angel not to be afraid, because he was going to stand before Caesar. They also loosened the ropes which lashed down the rudders and hoisted the sail.561 They were on their way toward land. 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. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. The sovereignty of God is no excuse for us not to work, but the assurance that our work is not in vain, in the Lord. Priscilla and Aquila are an example of Godly leadership that was displayed or exhibited in a married couple. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. Accompanying Paul were Luke544 and Aristarchus, who was from Thessalonica.545. Few managers or politicians understand that. 558 The fourteenth night is reckoned from the time they left Fair Havens. The passengers were not to lose hope, but to keep up their courage. By the end of this time, all hope had been lost, either of the storm abating, or of any rescue. Looking back on these words would demonstrate that this was indeed prophecy. In one of the more popular set of verses in the Bible, here is what Mordecai told Esther. There were no petty thieves on board this ship. 565 In particular, much may be learned from Lukes portrayal of Pauls character and behavior in circumstances in which the real man is most likely to be revealed. Priscilla and Aquila are an example of Godly leadership that was displayed or exhibited in a married couple. You can look at the qualities and simply see how you measure up. The following post is adapted from my personal academic coursework. As a church staff or volunteer ministry leader, you can learn valuable and unique lessons from several biblical characters. And were all in it for the same reasonto fuel the churchs mission of making disciples. If you want to know what type of leader God wants you to be, there is your answer. This journey began on an Adramyttian ship, which took them as far as Myra, where they boarded an Alexandrian ship, headed for Italy. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? Paul accomplishes all this without any formal leadership position or authority. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Paul need no longer fear, because he knew the outcome of this storm. Godly leadership like this can impact homes, communities, churches, businesses, schools, politics, sports basically every area of life. Regardless of where you find yourself, you have to lead. It opens to the East and Southeast, but is not fit to winter in. They boarded this ship and set sail. {I have been} on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from {my} countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:25-26). But Paul did not presume to have God on tap and thus to be able to perform some miracle any time his wished. But there was a problem. 562 St. Third, the port where they were anchored was not as ideal for wintering as some other ports, which were not that far away. 561 Before, adrift in the sea, they made no effort to guide the ship. If the sailors didnt believe Paul, the soldiers did. Gods power and His sovereign control are no pretext for carelessness or recklessness. They may have the power, but they do not have the trust. 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. Paul and a number of other prisoners were put aboard an Adramyttian ship,542 which was setting sail for ports along the coast of Asia. The point was, before you can lead others you have to learn how to lead yourself. But more than this, God had already assured Paul that he would reach Rome. He was courageous as indicated by the spy scenario in Numbers 13:31. They followed Paul because he knew where he was going and inspired confidence in others to follow him. in 1971. Moses. We're sorry, an error occurred. This harbour would protect them for a time from the winds. Our world, like that ship of Pauls, was headed for destruction. Some Christians are inclined to live their lives sloppily, believing that because God is sovereign He will, on demand, produce a miracle to deliver us from the fruits of our own foolishness. Where is your God, he asked. (3) The Sovereignty of God and the Ultimate Peril of the Lost. There would be no one left who was an experienced sailor, who could help land the crippled ship. Paul encourages all on board to eat, and they do. When the ship set sail, they began to encounter unfavorable winds. Inclusive Meetings A weekly meeting provides the best illustrations of the democratic ideology. The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. In all of this God protected Paul. As the song goes, More secure is no one ever, than the loved ones of the Savior. It seems as thought they had left it in the sea, towed along behind, when the storm suddenly came upon them and swamped it. All rights reserved. Whatever dangers might arise, He will protect His people, in accordance with His purposes and promises. 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. They were also able to build a church that met in their home. This necessitated sailing close to the coast of Cyprus, which, to some degree, sheltered them from the contrary winds (verse 4). They complained and whined at every inconvenience (Ex. Not one soul was lost. One more detail about the future was revealed by Paul: the ship must run aground on a certain, but unnamed, island. The danger in which they found themselves was unnecessary. 549 Smith observes that Fair Havens is so well protected by islands, that though not equal to Lutro [Loutron, a port some 40 miles farther west along the coast], it must be a very fair winter harbour; and that considering the suddenness, the frequency, and the violence with which gales of northerly wind spring up, and the certainty that, if such a gale sprang up in the passage from Fair Havens to Lutro, the ship must be driven off to sea, the prudence of the advice given by St. Paul may probably be supported even on nautical grounds. Bruce, pp. . What grace was made evident in this storm! A late night visitation by an angel of God and Pauls words of encouragement to his shipmates is reported in verses 21-26. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong (Titus 1:9). He only said that their remaining on ship was necessary if these soldiers wanted to survive. What is the relationship between spiritual leadership and secular leadership? I think not. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. As it was the middle of the night and the storm was still fierce, the sailors put out anchors, to drag along the bottom, to slow down their drifting. Unsaved men do not have the answers. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? What was it about Paul that made him a leader among men, even in matters pertaining to sailing and storms? Several days before, Paul had told the passengers, who had lost all hope, that they would all be saved, although the ship would run aground (verses 21-26). 1. One church member compliments your Sunday morning message, the next complains about your quoting Carl Jung because he is not a Christian. Allow me to make one last observation here. When the ship was far out at sea, and no one knowing how far they might be from land, abandoning ship was no temptation. Now, no one had the use of this boat. If their safety was assured then let them do what they could to help themselveslet them eat. Because of their very limited visibility, they might not see the land until it was too late. You are the devil's advocate. Handling the ship in this storm was almost impossible, and any attempt would require an expert crew. The Bible is pretty clear about what Godly leadership looks like. Here is a man whose personal safety was assured, and yet who lived with care and caution. Their objective was to work with two groups of people from different cultures and make sure one did not feel slighted over the other. 546 With the westerly winds which prevail in those seas, says James Smith, ships, particularly those of the ancients, unprovided with a compass and ill calculated to work to windward, would naturally stand to the north till they made the land of Asia Minor, which is peculiarly favourable for navigation by such vessels, because the coast is bold and safe, and the elevation of the mountains makes it visible at a great distance; it abounds in harbours, and the sinuosities of its shores and the westerly current would enable them, if the wind was at all off the land, to work to windward, at least as far as Cnidus, where these advantages ceased. Engage group members: The leader involves members and encourages them to involve others. When you study closely, you will discover these examples of leadership in the Bible can help you address all of lifes situations. It was time for another word of encouragement. They had to move quickly now to get off the ship and to swim to shore. When I come to Acts chapter 27, it is like a breath of fresh air to me. I suspect so. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 482-483. His military role came at a pivotal time in world history- World War II. He believed in himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself, namely, "Jesus Christ and Him crucified," (1 Cor. God used this two-year delay of Felix and the bungling of Festus to bring Paul to the point where he would appeal to Caesar. I believe leadership must be positive influence . It is not surprising, though, that he would take the advice of the ships captain and its pilot as being more expert. Paul thought of himself as nothing in the total scheme of things. He left this to God. Not once or twice the world has had to thank the great saints and mystics for providing timely help in moments of crisis when realistic, practical men of affairs were unable to supply it. Bruce, p. 475. I do not believe that Lukes central purpose in Acts 27 is to teach us about leadership, but I do think that Pauls leadership is very apparent in our text. Take aids, or drugs, for example. His previous warning did not take into account the intervention of God, resulting in the escape of every person on board the ship. He had God on his side. His God was in control of all things, including the sea. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. This proposal pleased the whole group.
Port And Company Shirts Vs Gildan, Th12 Progress Base 2021, Both Lda And Pca Are Linear Transformation Techniques, Articles E