They were so sure of the wisdom of their decision that they did not even draw up the small boat attached by a rope to the vessels stern (verse 16). And were all in it for the same reasonto fuel the churchs mission of making disciples. If Paul was completely right in his previous warning, then many were about to die. Paul lived dangerously, in one respect, but no one could have been any safer. A democratic leader likes people who disagree with them and challenge their views. Paul was a prisoner, on his way to stand trial before Caesar in Rome. He was not an "out front" kind of person, but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. One of the most outstanding examples of leadership in the Bible is the example of Moses. God has given each leader specific gifts. But the storm brought men and women face to face with death, and with the truth of the gospel. And so they were strengthened, both in spirit and in body. You are the foundation. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. This inside information was, I think, a factor in their plan to abandon ship. Romans 13:1-3 ESV / 3 helpful votesNot Helpful. The meeting's facilitator will be acting democratically if they actively seek out the team's thoughts and opinions and encourage them to voice them. It may not come quickly. In fact, it seems that virtually everyone voted against him when the decision was made. The prisoners (at least the dangerous or violent ones) may have been in chains. Godly leadership like this can impact homes, communities, churches, businesses, schools, politics, sports basically every area of life. This created a serious problem. Bruce writes. Handling the ship in this storm was almost impossible, and any attempt would require an expert crew. Julius and the others did not seem to look upon Paul in religious or spiritual terms, but only in terms of practical and proven ability and knowledge. Now they were ready for the days activities. The Greek-speaking Jewish believers complained that their widows were being overlooked in the distribution of food when compared to the widows who were Hebrew-speaking. The ship would be lost, but not one of the passengers would perish. Effective leaders have the courage to speak even when it is unpopular to speak because they speak the truth with love. Pauls leadership was not viewed as spiritual leadership by those on board the ship. Few managers or politicians understand that. Priscilla and Aquila are an example of Godly leadership that was displayed or exhibited in a married couple. 552 A south wind having blown gently, in marked contrast to the violent northwest wind that they had faced so long. Not one soul was lost. He has been beaten by the storm of Gods anger toward sin. A ship can be tossed about in the sea and survive much better than it can survive being dashed upon the rocks. As the song goes, More secure is no one ever, than the loved ones of the Savior. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company [photolithoprinted], 1966), p. 191, quoting Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveller and Roman Citizen, p. 319. That sounds like leadership to me. The soldiers were acting, as it were, on Pauls orders. You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. When they set sail from Fair Havens, fifty or sixty miles brought them under the lee of Cauda (v. 16); on the fourteenth night from Cauda they drew near the coast of Malta (v. 27), and the next day (v. 39) they landed on that island, where they spent three months (28:11). If the leader becomes a wimp, he will lose his leadership role. By the way, Paul may not have been frightened so much for himself as for the others. Here are three people who stand out as servant leadership examples in the Bible. We're sorry, an error occurred. Nevertheless, he did not presume that God would intervene in this instance. 10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (Romans 5:8-10). The danger in which they found themselves was unnecessary. But more than this, God had already assured Paul that he would reach Rome. For our examples, I want to look at leaders that may be a little more obscure. The question was where the ship would make port for the winter. When the ship was far out at sea, and no one knowing how far they might be from land, abandoning ship was no temptation. It was his responsibility to persuade her to use the position she had to make a difference. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately (Acts 18:26). Elijah had both. Fearing that they might drift into shallow and dangerous waters some distance to the south,553 they put out a sea anchor of some kind, perhaps something like a parachute, which filled with water and slowed the ship down.554, The storm continued through the night, and the next day things looked even worse. The angel of God told Paul not to be afraid, which would indicate that he was afraid. {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). I am not certain that anyone ever thought of Paul as the leader, but he did lead and they followed. 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? of 72-73, p. 480. This was a Jewish couple who were deported from Rome. "Perhaps he's sleeping and will wake up!" 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). Behind every support specialist, Bible study editor, graphic designer, and accountant is a Sunday School teacher, kids volunteer, or small group leader. The point was, before you can lead others you have to learn how to lead yourself. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. All 276 passengers were saved. Airline pilots must constantly monitor weather conditions, and make decisions as to the route they will take, their altitude, and even their destination. The God whom Paul served was a God who was (and is) in control. The death penalty is certainly one possibility. Paul spoke up, cautioning them about sailing on any further, and warning them that if they pressed on this would result in the loss of lives and property. So, says Luke, they lowered the instrument, not being more specific perhaps because he did not know, or did not remember, the technical name for whatever it was that was lowered. He . My guess is that he had skills the like of which Moses himself admired, perhaps even envied. The time which had been lost, due to unfavorable winds, made it evident that they would not be able to reach Rome, not without wintering at some port, and finishing the journey in the Spring.550 The only question now was where they would winter, and whether or not they would press on to some more favorable port. He has surrounded himself with executives that are experienced and insightful. In spite of Pauls words of encouragement, the passengers had still not eaten. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. Their actions revealed that they did not believe Pauls words of assurance, that all would be saved, though the ship would be grounded and destroyed. "I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47). The great leaders of the Bible, men like Joseph, Moses, David, and Daniel, were men who had an impact because they were men of God, men of great skill and ability, and men who God raised up. The soldiers heed Pauls words and cut the ropes to the lifeboat, letting it fall away. For more information, see ourPrivacy Policy. It opens to the East and Southeast, but is not fit to winter in. Thus, the sailors continually took soundings, measuring the depth below them, so that they could discern, far in advance, their approach to land (which would be indicated by progressively diminishing depths). Why not get better at it? He portrays Paul in many roles throughout Acts, but here he shows him standing out as the practical man in a critical emergency--keeping his head when all about him are losing theirs. By the end of this time, all hope had been lost, either of the storm abating, or of any rescue. 4. To sail on, therefore, was a foolish decision in Pauls opinion, and thus he discouraged it as strongly as he could, but to no avail. Democratic leaders: Encourage group members to share their ideas: The leader asks for and considers employee input. CSB Experiencing God Bible, Hardcover, Jacketed. If the prisoners were to make it to land, the soldiers would have to release them. I take it that this was a form of democratic rule. I would think that Paul would have more reason to be reckless than these seasoned seamen and the centurion, because he was a Christian. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? With great difficulty, the dinghy was hoisted on board, and then supporting cables were used to undergird the bottom of the ship, so that it might not break up under the weight of its cargo and the stresses of the storm. Here, Julius, the centurion in charge of Paul and the other prisoners, allowed Paul to go to his friends and be cared for by them (verse 3). In other words, your leadership style should be authentic to you. Verses 30-32 describe the sailors attempt to abandon ship, which they aborted, due to the action taken by the soldiers, who heeded Pauls words of warning. Every passenger made it safely to shore. The sovereignty of God is the basis for our safety and security, but it is not an excuse for our sloppiness. Photo Credit: Sparrowstock. Regardless of where you find yourself, you have to lead. Here are seven whose leadership played a significant role in leading the early church and furthering the gospel. 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. Discouraged by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus. Democratic leadership is an effective leadership style but can sometimes be too slow when fast decisions are needed. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. He was courageous as indicated by the spy scenario in Numbers 13:31. 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.

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