The narrative of the sea voyage to Rome at first glance seems to be a long and complicated distraction in light of Luke the author's apparent intention to move us to the closing scene of Paul's defence before Caesar. Certain of the details of the voyage seem initially to serve no purpose within the overall plan of the story. But the journey has a message all of its own: the one binding factor in this sailor's tale is the sovereignty of God. Through it all, God remains in control of the fate of Paul and his companions.