Lesson 371 - Junior

Memory Verse

"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature"  (Mark 16:15).

Notes

Carrying the Gospel

One of Paul's greatest ambitions was being realised " he was going to Rome. This was not a pleasure trip. In Paul's accounts of his journeys, he never spoke of the beautiful sea, the countryside, the mountains or scenery. He saw something beyond what met the eye. He saw something that consumed his thoughts, his life, inspired his ambitions and motivated every step he took. He saw lost souls and lived that he might preach the Gospel to them.

Let us learn from Paul's life that we are not here just to be blessed. We enjoy the blessings of the Lord, but we are to be a blessing to others. If there ever was a time when the Lord needed men, women, boys and girls who are willing to serve the Lord and serve their brother, it is today. As in Bible days, the "Macedonian call" -" "Come over . . . and help us," is ringing out [ACT:16:9]). If we cannot go to faraway lands, we can pray for lost souls and pray for those who can go and carry the Gospel.

Dangers of the Voyage

There were 276 men aboard as the ship set sail. This was not a modern, fast-sailing vessel as those used today, but an old-time sailboat, heavily loaded with tackling, wheat and supplies. Because of extreme danger due to rough seas and bad weather, Paul had warned the owner of the ship that they should remain in the harbour of Crete [ACT:27:21]). But the master of the ship had not heeded the warning and now it looked hopeless; no sun or stars had appeared for many days, as the huge waves rocked the vessel. When all hope that they should be saved was lost, Paul encouraged the men aboard as he told of the angel of God who had stood by him at night and said, "Fear not, Paul."

Paul's Courage

This is a remarkable account of what it means in the face of disaster and peril for one man of God to be in the group. Paul was an example of faith and courage under severs trial. He encouraged the people and told them that they would all be saved. It was the hand of the Lord, which directed them to the little island of Melita. (This island was one of the most bombed spots in World War II.)

As the men were about to jump overboard and try to swim to shore Paul advised them. "Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved." He also persuaded them to eat, after their two-weeks' fast. As the ship was tossed back and forth, Paul preached the Gospel to the men aboard that rugged, old sailboat.

The Gospel Ship

We are, as it were, aboard a ship today called "The Good Ship Zion." Sometimes we are in some very bad storms; the sea of the life may be plenty rough. But if we are aboard, then let us not "give up the ship." She is the only ship that is going to ride the storms; all the others are going down. But the Gospel Ship will ride safely through until it reaches the Heavenly Harbour.

We are reminded of that historic sentence of Captain James Lawrence, in the War of 1812, when he was dying in the naval battle. His last words to his men were, "Don't give up the ship."

All Ashore

All the men escaped safe to land, although the ship was dashed to pieces by the waves. The natives on the island of Melita kindled a fire and were friendly to the poor, shivering, exhausted seamen. As Paul helped gather sticks for the fire, a viper, or snake, fastened on his hand, but he shook it off into the fire and was not hurt. The natives kept watching him to see if his hand would become swollen or if he might even fall down dead. But after a great while they saw that no harm was going to come to Paul. We are sure that the Lord protected him from harm.

Missionary Work on the Island

Paul always found opportunity to tell the Gospel story to whomsoever he met. Here Publius, the chief man of the island, showed kindness to Paul and the mariners. When the chief's father became ill Paul laid his hands on the sick man and prayed, and he was healed. Others also who were sick came to Paul and the Lord healed them. "And these sings shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; . . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" [MAK:16:17-18]).

Paul's Education

Paul and the other Apostles were commissioned from Heaven to preach the Gospel. "They went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following" [MAK:16:20]). Their credentials were issued by the "Commander-in-Chief," God Himself. An education is a good thing to have, but better still is the "schooling" one receives from studying the Word and praying much. Paul had studied hard in school and learned much from his instructors, but from the day that he met Jesus on the Damascus Road, he had a new Teacher. From Him he learned greater lessons. From Him, we, too, may learn the way of righteousness and holiness. Let us study hard in this "school."

On to Rome

After three months on the island they were once more ready to sail. The people there gave them the needed supplies for the remainder of their voyage.

They finally reached the great city of Rome, the capital of the world in those days. Paul explained to the Jews in Rome how he happened to be there as a prisoner. He told them about Jesus from morning until evening. Some believed and some did not. For two years he preached to the people there, but because of their unbelief, he told the Jews that God was sending the news of salvation to the Gentiles who would hear it.

Our Privileges

We today who are Gentiles have heard the Gospel story: salvation from sin, through the Blood of Jesus; sanctification, a clean heart, also through His Blood; the baptism of the Holy Ghost upon a clean, sanctified life; divine healing and other blessings we receive from the Lord.

Let us not be as many of the Jews of Paul's days: they heard, but did not understand because the "ears" of their heart were closed; they saw, but did not perceive, because their spiritual eyes were not open. Let us open our heart and have a purpose firm that, although the road to Heaven is not always easy, we will stand in the had places and, like Paul, make the end of the journey, by the grace of God.

Questions

1. Why was sailing dangerous at that time?

2. What was Paul's advice? Was it heeded?

3. What happened to encourage Paul? How did he cheer the others?

4. How long did they fast?

5. How many were aboard the ship?

6. How did they get to land? Was anyone lost?

7. What was the name of the island?

8. Were the people friendly to the seamen? Tell what they did.

9. What did Paul do while there?

10. Did the people of Rome receive the Gospel message?