1. JOURNEY FROM CAESAREA TO CRETE.

Acts 27:1-12.

(1) And when it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band. (2) And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail unto the places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. (3) And the next day we touched at Sidon: and Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him leave to go unto his friends and refresh himself (Gr. receive attention). (4) And putting to sea from thence, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. (5) And when we had sailed across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. (6) And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy; and he put us therein. (7) And when we had sailed slowly many days, and were come with difficulty over against Cnidus, the wind not further suffering us (or, suffering us to get there), we sailed under the lee of Crete, over against Salmone; (8) and with difficulty coasting along it we came unto a certain place called Fair Heavens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

(9) And when much time was spent, and the voyage was now dangerous, because the Fast was now already gone by, Paul admonished them, (10) and said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the lading and the ship, but also of our lives. (11) But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship, than to those things which were spoken by Paul. (12) And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to put to sea from thence, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, and winter there; which is a haven of Crete, looking north-east. and south-east (Gr. down the south-west wind and down the northwest wind).

The Apostle was always under the direction of Him for whom he labored. He was a chosen vessel, was commissioned as the Apostle of the Gentiles. As he came to the close of the third missionary journey the Lord laid it upon his heart to open a Gospel highway to Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire. Two years before his departure as a prisoner to Rome, held as a prisoner in Jerusalem by Lysias, the Lord visited him one night in prison, and gave him encouragement and told him that the plans he had made to carry the Gospel to Rome, would be carried into effect. The Jews as a nation had no use for him and rejected him. For two years he was in prison at Caesarea. The old center for the spread of the Gospel could no longer be depended upon and a new western center must be made. We are about to bid farewell to the land that gave us the Bible and make a journey for the purpose of carrying the Gospel to Rome. Our historian is giving a very minute and graphic description, not of what Jesus began to do and teach while on earth, but what He is continuing to do and teach on this voyage to Rome, in establishing a new center from His place on the Throne.

The ship left Caesarea. We are at the entrance of a new world. The Gospel began at Jerusalem, but it is to be continued from the center of the great political world, Rome. Paul, Luke, and Aristarchus sail forth on this important journey. The picture here given by Luke, of the contrary winds, the destructive waves, and the shipwreck, was just what the Gospel had to meet and will have to meet in her forward march in the conversion of the world. Just as the Apostle on this voyage was receiving directions concerning his journey, so the Lord's servants, who are true to the forward movement of the Gospel, are constantly in touch with Him who is the directing force and power of all Christian and missionary efforts.

Just as soon as a sufficient company of prisoners for Rome could be gathered to go under one officer, Paul was sent with them. There was a vessel about to start which would go as far as Myra, and they hoped to be able to get a vessel at that point for Italy. The prisoners were entrusted to the charge of Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band. This was so named in honor of the Emperor. The following day after leaving Caesarea they arrived at Sidon, where Paul and his associates had an opportunity to enjoy liberty and spend time with the good Christian people that lived at that place. You remember that he spent about a week at Tyre with the church people, on his way to Jerusalem. Men, women, and children accompanied him and they had a very impressive service before his departure. Here at Sidon, while the historian does not describe minutely what happened, Paul was refreshed and strengthened, and it was a great help to him after being in prison for two years at Caesarea.

At really the beginning of this great voyage Paul had great influence over Julius, as was shown by the liberty granted him here at Sidon. On leaving Sidon they were not able to sail direct to Asia because of the contrary winds, but sailed along the east coast of Cyprus, going north until they received the protection of the highlands of Asia Minor. Then they sailed west along the coast, for the sailors knew that at that point, going west along the south shore of Asia Minor, the sea current runs westward, which would aid them in their westward course although the winds were contrary. Upon arriving at Myra, a city of Lycia, they found an Alexandrian vessel laden with wheat, soon to depart for Rome. This must have been a vessel of considerable size and tonnage, as in addition to her cargo and crew she carried a company of 276 passengers. Leaving Myra they sailed westward, making very little progress, the wind being constantly against them, and it required many days to sail from Myra to the island of Cnidus, a distance of about one hundred and twenty-five or thirty miles. When they arrived just about opposite Cnidus, which lies at the southwest angle of Asia Minor, the ship receiving the full force of the wind coming from the north, could no longer hold her westerly course, and it sailed almost due south to Cape Salmone, the eastern extremity of Crete. They found it impossible to sail upon the open sea and so took advantage of the protection of the island and sailed close to the shore. This would give them an opportunity of sailing about one hundred miles before going out upon the open sea. Going westward they arrived at the harbor of Fairhavens. Not far distant was a town called Lasea. Not expecting nearly so much difficulty in the journey, it therefore required much longer time to reach this point; and winter approaching they realized the fact that it was going to be extremely difficult to make the remainder of the trip during that time of the year. And it was a question if they should not spend the winter there. " The time of the fast was passed," which refers to the Day of Atonement of the Jewish church. This was observed on the tenth day of the seventh Jewish month, corresponding to the latter part of our September or beginning of October. Paul was now beginning to give advice, although he was a prisoner, to the people in charge of the ship. The centurion, however, took the advice of the master and owner of the ship, who felt that it would not be advisable to spend the winter at that place, and decided to move forward along the coast and attempt to reach Phenice, a western harbor of Crete, a place more suitable to spend the winter.

QUESTIONS.

• What was determined?

  To go by sea and not over land and the time fixed for sailing.

• Who accompanied Paul?

• Where did they land the following day?

• What liberty did Paul enjoy?

• From what direction was the wind?

• Locate places mentioned.

• What was the fast and what was its connection with sailing?

  It is generally understood that this refers to the fast of the great Day of Atonement which was celebrated on the tenth day of the seventh month. To sail after this time was considered dangerous by the ancient Jews.

• Where did they anchor?

  Fairhavens, on the southern coast of the island of Crete, about midway between the east and west.

• Describe the island of Crete.

  It lies at the entrance of the Ægean Sea, and is about 140 miles long and 130 miles wide.

2. SHIP LEAVES FAIR HAVENS FOR PHENICE.

Acts 27:13-20.

(13) And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close in shore. (14) But after no long time there beat down from it a tempestuous wind, which is called Euraquilo: (15) and when the ship was caught, and could not face the wind, we gave way to it, and were driven. (16) And running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat: (17) and when they had hoisted it up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should be cast upon the Syrtis, they lowered the gear, and so were driven. (18) And as we labored exceedingly with the storm, the next day they began to throw the freight overboard; (19) and the third day they cast out with their own hands the tackling of the ship. (20) And when neither sun nor stars shone upon us for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was now taken away.

Warnings concerning danger are not always heeded. The messenger of God gave directions, and when not obeyed calamity followed. Here these people were warned of the danger before them, but because they had made up their mind they would have smooth sailing, and more commodious winter quarters, they risked the dangerous journey that was before them. They had waited at the harbor for just the right kind of wind so that they might leave, and when that time came they sailed along the south shore of the island of Crete; but so deceptive was that southerly breeze that the sailors did not think it necessary to take in the ship's boat which was allowed to tow behind. When they had come within a few hours of the harbor a severe storm came on, rushing down suddenly from the mountain tops of Crete; and as it was impossible to keep the vessel to face it, the ship was driven by the gale to the small island Clauda, which afforded her some protection. The hurricane which struck them was known as Euroclydon, the strong north wind that drove them to the south. They had to give way to the wind and were driven. The ship was not now under the control of the sailors but under the control of the wind. This island was about 23 miles to the southwest of Crete. Here they experienced great difficulty in taking on board the vessel the small boat to save it from being dashed to pieces. The next thing they did before going upon the open sea was to strengthen the vessel by putting strong flat cables around the hull of the ship a number of times to support it, in the times of great storms, to prevent the vessel's timbers from springing. The third thing they did was to lower the rigging, all except sails sufficient and so set as to enable her to drift as close to the wind as possible in a northwesterly direction, in order to miss the quicksands and prevent the vessel from being wrecked.

From this time on the vessel was allowed to drift by the storm. The following day the passengers tossed overboard part of the freight in order to lighten the ship. Then on the third day they threw overboard the tackling of the ship, which was done by the assistance of the passengers. It consisted of different kinds of material to be used by the sailors for the purpose of making repairs. The sailors at that time were directed as to their course by the heavenly bodies, and when neither the sun nor the stars appeared for many days, and the storm continued in its fury, all hope of their being saved was taken away.

QUESTIONS.

• Why leave and where was the place for which they were sailing?

  Paul advised them to remain, but the centurion at this time had more confidence in the master of the ship and therefore decided to go to Phenice, where they might winter. This was forty miles west of Fairhavens, and would have taken them but one day had it not been for the storm.

• What was the direction of the tempestuous wind?

  It was like a tornado, from the east and northeast. The sailors were powerless and could not control the ship.

• Where is Clauda and how far south of Crete?

• Name the three things that the sailors did while at Clauda.

• How did they lighten the ship?

• What did they do the third day after leaving Fairhavens?

• What was the effect of not seeing the sun and the stars?

  They could not tell the direction in which they were sailing. They were for fourteen days at the mercy of the storm and were drifting they knew not where.

3. PAUL GIVES COMFORT AND ADVICE.

Acts 27:21-26.

(21) And when they had been long without food, then Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have set sail from Crete, and have gotten this injury and loss. (22) And now I exhort you to be of good cheer; for there shall be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. (23) For there stood by me this night an angel of the God whose I am, whom also I serve, (24) saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must stand before Caesar: and lo, God hath granted thee all them that sail with thee. (25) Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even so as it hath been spoken unto me. (26) But we must be cast upon a certain island.

The man who has faith in God never loses hope. In this hour of deepest darkness God again sent forth His angel during the night to comfort His servant. He was to reach Rome, he was the salt that would save this entire company. He stood forth before these people not to give advice but first rebuke. " Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me." They may have wondered what this priest of religion knew about sailing, but he was directing this sailing under the supervision of Somebody else than himself. Paul here did more than rebuke—he inspired and cheered. He promised safety to them all, and in the presence of the company he acknowledged the God who appeared unto him and whom he worshiped. The idols worshiped by those on board this vessel had all failed them, and Paul's God was about to bring deliverance to the company. He told this company that he himself was to stand before Caesar and that his God had promised to give safety to all that sailed with him. "And I know that God is true and I accept His word, and you ought to be of good cheer, although we are to be cast upon a certain island."

QUESTIONS.

• Meaning of "after long abstinence"?

  When they had been long without food and with death staring them in the face, no one could eat.

• What did Paul say to the people? 21.

• Who was with Paul at this critical moment and why?

• What three things were promised Paul?

  The salvation of his soul, preservation of his body, and safety of his fellow voyagers.

• What was to occur? 26.

4. THE SHIP'S COMPANY IN GREAT DANGER.

Acts 27:27-38.

(27) But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven to and fro in the sea of Adria, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were drawing near to some country:(28) and they sounded, and found twenty fathoms; and after a little space, they sounded again, and found fifteen fathoms. (29) And fearing lest haply we should be cast ashore on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished (or, prayed) for the day. (30) And as the sailors were seeking to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, under color as though they would lay out anchors from the foreship, (31) Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. (32) Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. (33) And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take some food, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye wait and continue fasting, having taken nothing. (34) Wherefore I beseech you to take some food: for this is for your safety: for there shall not a hair perish from the head of any of you. (35) And when he had said this, and had taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all; and he brake it, and began to eat. (36) Then were they all of good cheer, and themselves also took food. (37) And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. (38) And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

It was now fourteen days since they left Fairhavens. Those were days and nights of great anxiety. The ship was nearing the island called Malta, where they were to land, which increased their anxiety that likely the ship would be broken in pieces. About midnight, when the sailors sounded they found twenty fathoms, and just a little later they sounded again and found it fifteen fathoms, realizing that they were drifting nearer to land. Being alarmed lest the ship might be dashed to pieces, they cast four anchors out of the stern of the ship and were anxiously waiting for daybreak. The shipmen saw no chance to escape. Having let down a little boat they were about to enter it and try to get away from the ship that was about to go to pieces, when Paul said to the centurion, " Except these abide in the ship, the ship's company can never be saved." The centurion ordered the soldiers immediately to cut the boat's rope, and the little ship was allowed to drift to the shore. As the morning was approaching Paul encouraged all the passengers on the boat to take some food that they might receive some strength. " Cheer up, we are all going to be saved! " After delivering this cheerful message to the people, the man who started as a prisoner, whose advice was not heeded at Fairhavens, was now the ruling spirit on the boat, and in the presence of them all praised his God and gave thanks for the meal of which they were to partake.

The people having caught the cheerful spirit of the Apostle and having partaken of this meal were willing to make any sacrifice in order that they might not perish. The boat was heavily laden and therefore there was great danger that she would soon strike bottom; and having received some hope of being saved, they at once cast overboard the sacks of grain. There are many Christian men and women, who have made shipwreck and are making shipwreck on their Christian voyage because of unwillingness to sacrifice earthly hindrances. Men and women must be willing to cast aside many things that are dear to them on the Christian journey, in order to increase their hope and make sure of the desired haven.

QUESTIONS.

• How long were they driven up and down in Adria?

  Adria was the name given to the wide sweep of the Mediterranean lying between Greece, Italy, and Africa. This name covered a much larger territory than it does now. They had drifted about 480 miles toward Malta. The time had been fourteen days since they left Fairhavens.

• Why think they were near the land?

• Why wish to abandon the ship?

• Why cut off the ropes?

• How many were on the boat?

• Why did they wish to lighten the boat?

5. THE SHIP IS LOST, BUT THE MEN ARE SAVED.

Acts 27:39-44.

39. And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they perceived a certain bay with a beach, and they took counsel whether they could drive the ship upon it (some ancient authorities read " bring the ship safe to shore "). (40) And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time loosing the bands of the rudders; and hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach. (41) But lighting upon a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground; and the foreship struck and remained unmoveable, but the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves. (42) And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. (43) But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stayed them from their purpose; and commanded that they who could swim should cast themselves overboard, and get first to the land; (44) and the rest, some on planks, and some on other things from the ship. And so it came to pass, that they all escaped safe to the land.

After the people had received strength and the wheat was thrown into the sea so the ship would not sink down so deep into the water and strike bottom so soon, the sailors cut the cables which held the anchors, letting them drop into the sea. It was now daylight. They discovered land, but were not able to identify it. The rudders or paddles which had been lifted during the time the boat was anchored, so that they would not be broken by the waves, were now loosened because they needed them in steering, and at the same time they hoisted the mainsail to give the vessel a forward movement through the water. Here we see the reason why Paul gave instructions that the sailors be kept on board so the passengers might be saved, because they were skilled in steering the vessel clear of the rocks and land the vessel at a point nearest the island. The two seas met where two heavy waves coming together struck the boat when she was fast in the sand, and broke her to pieces. The soldiers saw that their lives would be in danger if the prisoners were to escape and they suggested to the centurion that the prisoners be put to death. But Paul was under higher orders. He was to go to Rome. He had an influence on that ship. God had promised that all these should be saved, and now the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept the soldiers from their purpose, and commanded that the ones that could swim should cast themselves into the sea and get to land first, and the others might have assistance from the boards and broken pieces of the ship to reach the shore in safety. The Apostle had promised these people that they would all get to land safely and now the promise was fulfilled as they were all together on the island of Malta.

QUESTIONS.

• Why did they not know the land?

  Even if some were familiar with the island of Malta, yet coming so suddenly upon it, they would at first fail to recognize it.

• Why wish to strike the beach?

  They perceived a certain bay with a beach, such a sandy beach as would suit them to run the ship ashore.

• Why raise a sail?

• Why was it more dangerous where two seas met?

  "The land from the ship appeared continuous, while part of it was an island separated from the land by a narrow channel with a strong current. The current meeting the opposing water formed a sand-bank on which the forepart of the ship stuck, while the hind part was in deep water and exposed to the force of the current."

• Why so anxious to save Paul?

  The centurion realized that it was to Paul that the safety of the whole party was due.

• Give the fulfillment of Paul's three predictions.

  (1) They were wrecked upon the island;

  (2) the ship was lost;

  (3) their lives were saved.

6. PAUL ON THE ISLAND OF MALTA.

Acts 28:1-9.

(1) Hospitality of the People.—28:1-2.

(1) And when we were escaped, then we knew that the island was called Melita (some ancient authorities read " Melitene (2) And the barbarians showed us no common kindness:for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Everything was lost on this journey to Malta but the crew and the 276 passengers. After such an experience they would appreciate kind treatment from the people who inhabited the island. Luke called them barbarous people, a term simply used for all classes of people who did not speak the Greek language. These people were hospitable and showed them no little kindness. They kindled a fire and made this great company comfortable because of the cold and rainy season just at that time. These men had already been drenched from swimming ashore, and the continuous rain prevented them from getting dry. The large fire was made by the burning of sticks and brush, which cost the natives some effort, for everything was soaked by the continuous rains.

QUESTIONS.

• Where is Melita?

  The name frequently given to this island is Malta, a shortened form. It is sixty miles south of Sicily, about 200 from the African coast. It is seventeen miles long, nine miles wide, and about sixty miles in circumference.

(2) Paul's Credentials.—Acts 28:3-9.

(3) But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out by reason of the heat (or, from the heat), and fastened on his hand. (4) And when the barbarians saw the venomous creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped from the sea, yet Justice hath not suffered to live. (5) Howbeit he shook off the creature into the fire, and took no harm. (6) But they expected that he would have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but when they were long in expectation and beheld nothing amiss come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

(7) Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the island, named Publius; who received us, and entertained us three days courteously. (8) And it was so, that the father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery; unto whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laying his hands on him healed him. (9) And when this was done, the rest also that had diseases in the island came, and were cured:

Paul, who had been the moving spirit on the ship, the greatest man in that company, and no doubt the greatest man on that island, was not above soiling his hands in the gathering of sticks and willing to do the humblest service. When Paul had gathered these sticks, and was placing the bundle on the fire a viper, which had hid away among the brush and was now awakened by the heat, crawled forth, fastening itself on Paul's hand. The inhabitants of the island saw the creature hanging on his hand, and knowing it to be poisonous, concluded that he must be some great criminal or murderer. Although he had escaped being punished on the sea for his crime, here vengeance was meted out and he must die. Paul was a prominent prisoner and so they had a right to conclude that he must have committed some great crime. The Apostle shook off the beast into the fire without showing any alarm. He was familiar with the teachings of Christ to his disciples, concerning serpents (Mark 16:18; Luke 10:19). He also remembered the promise that he should preach the Gospel in Rome; then why should he be alarmed? This could not be the place of his death. The bystanders were sure that death would speedily come, but when the evil consequences did not follow the usual results of the bite, they changed their opinion, and believed him to be a god. The miracle was wrought here before these people by the direct power of God, which had a wholesome influence upon these islanders.

In the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the governor of the island, whose name was Publius. This man invited Paul and his companions to his home. It may be possible that the text includes the entire company of the 276 people, who were kindly cared for, for three days, at the expense of the governor. While they were in this home, enjoying this hospitality, the father of the governor lay sick with the fever, which was considered very dangerous, same as it is now. The governor, having heard of the miraculous escape from the bite of the serpent, no doubt regarded Paul as a very remarkable man. Paul receiving this favor from the governor, desired to bestow a favor upon him, and cured his father. After seeing how God protected Paul and gave him power to heal the governor's father, many who were diseased and living on the island, came to him and were cured.

Christ wants those who are leaders in the Church, such as missionaries, pastors and teachers as channels of blessings to all.

QUESTIONS.

• What had happened to Paul, and what did the islanders conclude?

  That the bite of that poisonous serpent meant death and came upon those who had committed a crime and deserved to die. Instead of calling him a murderer or a god, they should have said, " Paul is a man of God."

• Who was Publius?

• Who was dangerously ill?

  No one ever loses by hospitality, especially if it is extended to a servant of God. Here God opened a way for Paul to repay the kindness of Publius and to exalt Christ before these heathens. Paul laid his hand on the father of Publius, after prayer—the hand that just now overcame the serpent—and he was healed.

• What other miracles did Paul perform?

7. THE JOURNEY FROM MELITA TO ROME.

Acts 28:10-16.

(10) Who also honored us with many honors; and when we sailed, they put on board such things as we needed.

(11) And after three months we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was The Twin Brothers (Gr. Dioscuri). (12) And touching at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. (13) And from thence we made a circuit, and arrived at Rhegium: and after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli; (14) where we found brethren, and were entreated to tarry with them seven days: and so we came to Rome. (15) And from thence the brethren, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns; whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

(16) And when we entered into Rome, Paul was suffered to abide by himself with the soldier that guarded him.

We have been on the journey for some time with our prisoner after the long and dangerous voyage on the sea, at last landing at Malta. It was necessary because of the time of the year to remain three months, until the vessels then lying in the harbor could venture out upon the seas. Some remarkable things had taken place on the island, as well as on this journey from here to Rome. On the island it seemed strange that Paul should do the healing and not Luke, the physician. Paul was a preacher, a tent maker, and also able to heal the sick. We have no account of Luke healing anyone. Luke kept the record, magnified the preaching, and never made mention of his own talent. " It is religion that heals: the medicines are grown in God's garden. The doctor who comes to your home can do you good in proportion as he is able to lead you out of yourself, and that is done only by those who are able to go out of themselves. "James tells us of the Christian's power to heal. The Bible is the best Book on healing; the Christian is the greatest healer in the world.

Another thing remarkable is that the poorest should be the one who should administer to the richest. A prisoner, who had not a thing in his hand to give, was able to give more to the rich man on the island than any one else. A man in chains, a prisoner, without owning a thing in this world, may be in possession of wealth that cannot be bought with mountains of silver and gold.

Then the work that was done on this island was not by preaching the Gospel but by the power of healing. There are many different ways that Jesus has for His servants to open His work in different localities. Christianity can assert itself anywhere and at any time. The Christian man's question should be, " What is your burden, what your sorrow, what is your disease, what is your sin? " The church interested only in educating men for the ministry has very narrow visions as to the whole duty of the church.

Men and women must be trained by the church, to heal, to sympathize, to sing, and to conduct business in a Christian way. After the Christians had so wonderfully shown their sympathy and helpfulness to these islanders they were rewarded for the same while with them, and upon their departure they bestowed upon them all things necessary for their journey. They honored this little band of disciples. They did not charge a fee for everything they did, but they were given their support. It is true that every man that works is entitled to his wages. So the minister of the Gospel, if he does his work under the direction of the Great Master, is not only entitled to his support, but has been promised it. If he does not receive it, it is a sure indication that he ought not to be in it.

The vessel, by the name of Alexandria, whose sign was " The Twin Brothers," was ready to sail and they departed on their journey to Italy. It was now early spring. Their first stopping place was Syracuse, on the coast of Sicily, a distance of about one hundred miles from Malta. After tarrying three days they continued the journey. The wind became unfavorable and it took considerable time to reach Rhegium, because they were driven to and fro. Before leaving for the next point the wind was in their favor, and they reached Puteoli, a distance of nearly two hundred miles in a single day. At this point Julius, the centurion, left the ship with his prisoners, to make the rest of the journey by land. The last account we have of Paul being with any of his brethren was at Sidon, soon after he had left on his journey to Rome. Nov/ after being on this journey for a number of months, and before reaching Rome, he met his brethren, and by the permission of Julius, over whom he had great influence, he remained here an entire week. This shows the influence the Gospel had in Italy before Paul's arrival. The Christians in Italy knew of Paul's coming, and came all the way from Rome to Appii Forum, forty-three miles, and The Three Taverns, thirty-three miles, to meet him. Did Paul, after two years of prison life at Caesarea, the rough journey on the sea, and the three months' waiting for a vessel to go to Rome, appreciate the meeting of his brethren, to welcome him on the mission he had for the Lord at Rome? Was the Apostle Paul human? Would he appreciate a word of encouragement?

These brethren had the right spirit. They looked upon him as the prince of the Lord, and would have gone farther on the road if they had been certain not to miss him. Think of it, brethren! When he saw these Christians, up went his hands, in thanksgiving and adoration to God, and his heart of courage returned, and he entered the city of Rome as the man of God. People today need human sympathy, human associates, who can warm the heart, and give strength for the battle of life.

Upon arriving at Rome Julius turned over his prisoner to the captain of the guard. Julius no doubt told the captain about the character of his prisoner, directing that he should not be in chains, and the captain showed him kindness by permitting him to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. The soldier was always with him. He always had one man to preach to. The soldiers were changed from day to day, and no doubt there was no difficulty in getting some one to be Paul's associate, because Paul was a real advantage to the soldier that kept him. This was a great opportunity to do missionary work. These different soldiers who guarded him would be out in different parts of the city and tell the story that Paul had delivered to them.

QUESTIONS.

• What had they received from the islanders?

• What remarkable things happened on the island?

• How long had they remained at Malta?

• Where is Syracuse and how long did they remain there?

• Where is Rhegium and why the circuitous route?

  At the southwest extremity of Italy. "Fetched a compass." This means they took a circuitous route on account of the change of the wind, and also so as to touch at the point here named.

  Where did they arrive the next day, and give the distance? How long did they remain at this place and why?

• Where did the brethren from Rome meet them?

  The brethren at Rome heard of Paul and his companions being at Puteoli and started to meet them. He was met by two companies on his journey from here to Rome.

• What effect had it on Paul to meet his brethren?

• What were his privileges at Rome?

  He was suffered to dwell by himself, in his own hired house, with only a single soldier to guard him. Because of this liberty granted him he was able to carry on his great missionary work at the capital of the world.