53 PAUL
“I Now Urge You to Take Courage”
JESUS himself revealed to Saul of Tarsus “how many things he [Saul] must suffer” as a preacher and teacher of the good news. Did Jesus’ words come true? Saul, who became known as the apostle Paul, wrote his second letter to the Corinthians some 20 years later. By that time, he had already “suffered countless beatings, and experienced many near-deaths.” He had also survived three shipwrecks—in one case, spending a night and a day afloat in the open sea. However, another shipwreck still lay ahead of him.
Paul had been languishing in a Roman prison in Caesarea for over two years, while a corrupt official hoped in vain for a bribe. When that official was replaced by another, Paul made a legal appeal to Caesar himself. Finally, Paul was put aboard a ship. Thus began a grueling voyage of over 3,000 kilometers (some 2,000 mi) to Rome. On board with Paul were Luke, a “beloved physician” and fellow preacher, and a Christian companion named Aristarchus.—Col. 4:14.
At Myra in Asia Minor, Julius, the Roman officer in charge, transferred his prisoners to an Egyptian grain ship bound for Italy. After the passengers boarded and set sail, adverse winds began to hinder their progress. Twice Luke mentions that the boat was sailing “with difficulty.” When they were sheltering at Fair Havens, Paul could see that if they did not remain at harbor for the winter, they would face great danger.
Courageously, the apostle spoke up. He warned Julius that “damage and great loss” would come upon them if they kept sailing. Julius heeded the advice of others and pushed on. It was a decision that he surely came to regret. “A violent wind . . . rushed down” on them, Luke recalls, and “the ship was violently seized.” Soon, the wind grew into a terrifying tempest. Hour after hour, then day after day, they were “violently tossed by the storm.” To lighten the ship, sailors threw the tackling overboard. For days, no one ate. When nearly two weeks had passed, Luke says that “all hope of our being saved finally began to fade.”
As a prisoner on a ship in a storm-tossed sea, Paul helped to save the lives of everyone on board
Catastrophe loomed. But Paul spoke confidently to those on board: “I now urge you to take courage.” He foretold: “Not one of you will be lost, only the ship will.” When some of the sailors tried to escape on the ship’s lifeboat, Paul warned that many lives would be lost unless they remained aboard. The lifeboat was cut loose, empty.
In the darkness before daybreak, Paul assured them that it was now safe to consume as much of their food supply as they wanted. He told them: “Not a hair of the head of any one of you will perish.” Then he thanked Jehovah before them all. They ate bread and then threw the remaining wheat overboard. Paul’s bravery proved to be inspiring. “They all took courage,” Luke recalls. In the early morning light, the ship ran aground on a shoal and the waves began breaking it into pieces. Yet, Paul’s words came true. “All were brought safely to land.” They were safe at last!
As it turned out, they were on the island of Malta. Soon, Paul and his companions were busy preaching. God even used Paul to perform miracles there. Many Maltese responded well.
Paul never stopped showing courage. When he finally reached Rome the following spring, he was imprisoned there for some two years, under guard. But he kept preaching, and he kept writing inspired letters. After he was released, he went back to preaching freely. In time, though, he was imprisoned in Rome once again—for the last time. It seems that the Romans eventually executed that faithful and courageous man. However, Paul did not fear death. He had called it “the last enemy,” and he knew that Jehovah God would bring it to nothing. (1 Cor. 15:26) In God’s due time, Paul would enjoy the reward he was long promised—immortal life in heaven, serving as a king and a priest along with Jesus Christ.
Read the Bible account:
For discussion:
In what ways did Paul show courage in this part of his life?
Dig Deeper
1. Why might Saul have preferred to use his Roman name, Paul? (w08 3/1 12 ¶4-5)
2. The nine-year period between Paul’s return to Tarsus and his move to Antioch has been called his “silent years.” What hardships may he have faced during that period? (w00 7/15 26-27, box ¶3-4)
3. Was Paul wise to recommend delaying a sea voyage to Italy? (Acts 27:9, 10; wp17.5 9 ¶3-4) A
Picture A: A first-century merchant ship, similar to the one Paul boarded at Myra
4. Why did the people of Malta say about Paul: “This man is a murderer”? (Acts 28:4; w15 10/1 9 ¶5-6)
Reflect on the Lessons
Paul told his shipmates that thanks to God, “not a hair of the head of any one of [them would] perish.” (Acts 27:22, 34) What does this teach you about what Jehovah has the power to do, and how does this affect your view of the preaching work?
After Paul offered a prayer, his shipmates “took courage.” (Acts 27:35, 36) In what situations might our prayers encourage others? B
Picture B
How might you imitate the courage shown by Paul in this account?
Meditate on the Bigger Picture
What does this account teach me about Jehovah?
How does the account tie in with Jehovah’s purposes?
What did you learn about Paul in this account that makes you happy he was chosen to rule with Christ in heaven?
Learn More
Discover the importance of sea travel in the first century and how it was used to spread Christianity.
How have faithful elders imitated Paul’s endurance and self-sacrifice?
Imitate Those Who Inherit the Promises Through Patience—Paul (3:22)