WEDNESDAY March 13, 2024

A Season of Sailing

After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome.
Acts 28:11-14

Once again, it was time to set sail. Paul, Luke and Aristarchus, under Roman guard, left the island, bound by ship to sail toward Rome. Paul knew in his heart, he was heading toward Rome.

This time the group traveled on an Alexandrian ship that was often used to carry grain from Egypt to Rome. The ship had Twin Brothers carved as figureheads. In Greek mythology, they were Greek gods––Castor and Pollux––twin sons of Zeus and Zeda. Why would an Alexandrian ship have these figureheads? Interestingly, the gods were considered to protect sailors at sea.

Ironically, Paul and his company knew differently. They had experienced God, the Creator of the sea, deliver them from shipwreck and certain death––drowning. It was God whom they trusted to watch over them now.

On a world map, Italy looks like a big boot, and at the tip of Italy’s “toe,” we find Rhegium––the modern city of Reggio Calabria. After a one-day, short stay in the port, a pleasant south wind carried them to a port called Puteoli. Now they were only 100 miles away from Rome. Here Paul and his companions made a connection with Christian brethren who showed them hospitality. Julius, the centurion, allowed Paul to stay with them for a week. Afterward, they continued the final step of the journey to Rome by land, taking a route familiar to travelers––the Appian Way.

Perhaps some of you are heading toward the final steps of your life. Your journey on earth is nearing the end. Take courage; God will see you through––to glory.

The Providence of God is the great protector of our life and usefulness, and under the divine care we are perfectly safe from danger.
~Charles H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!