Welcome back to the podcast! Life’s storms are inevitable, but they are never without purpose. In Acts 27-28, Paul faces a brutal shipwreck, yet through it all, God positions him for greater influence and impact. Join us today as we finish our series on the book of Acts!

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The Sovereignty of God in the Storms of Life

Today, we conclude our study of the book of Acts by returning to the verse that set the foundation for the entire book:

Acts 1:8 (NLT) – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Throughout Acts, we’ve seen this mission unfold. The book began with Peter as the central figure, but in the second half, Paul took the lead. However, the real main character of Acts is not Peter or Paul—it’s the Holy Spirit, guiding and empowering believers.

As we study Acts 27-28, we encounter one of the most famous shipwreck stories in history. More than just an adventure, it teaches us powerful lessons about trusting God in life’s storms. We will uncover three key truths that remind us of God’s sovereignty, even in the fiercest trials.

1. Storms Can Come Even in the Center of God’s Will
Acts 27:1 (NLT) – “When the time came, we set sail for Italy. Paul and several other prisoners were placed in the custody of a Roman officer named Julius, a captain of the Imperial Regiment.”

Paul’s journey to Rome, described in Acts 27-28, is sometimes called his fourth missionary journey, though he was technically a prisoner under Roman custody. His earlier missionary journeys had taken him across the Mediterranean world:

• First Journey (Acts 13–14): Paul and Barnabas traveled through Cyprus and Asia Minor.
• Second Journey (Acts 15:36–18:22): Paul extended his mission into Greece.
• Third Journey (Acts 18:23–21:17): Paul revisited churches and had an extended stay in Ephesus before heading to Jerusalem, where he was arrested.

Now, on his way to stand trial before Caesar, Paul encounters a storm unlike any before.

Acts 27:20 (NLT) – “The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.”

This moment reminds us that following Christ does not guarantee an easy journey. In fact, trials often come even when we are in the center of God’s will. Paul himself described the immense hardships he faced:

2 Corinthians 11:25-27 (NLT) – “Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea… I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas...”

Paul wrote 2 Corinthians before this shipwreck in Acts 27, meaning he had already experienced multiple shipwrecks! His life was a testament to perseverance in the face of storms.

Application:

• Storms don’t mean you’re outside God’s will.
• Faithfulness to God does not exempt us from suffering.
• Trials test and refine our trust in God’s plan.

2. Storms Can Elevate You to a Place of Influence

Amid the chaos, something surprising happens: Paul, a prisoner, becomes the leader of the ship.

Acts 27:21-22 (NLT) – “No one had eaten for a long time. Finally, Paul called the crew together and said, ‘Men, you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete. You would have avoided all this damage and loss. But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down.’”

At first, Paul was just another prisoner. But as the storm raged, the crew turned to him for guidance. He gave orders that even the Roman soldiers obeyed:

Acts 27:30-32 (NLT) – “Then the sailors tried to abandon the ship… But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, ‘You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard.’ So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away.”

Acts 27:33-35 (NLT) – “Just as day was dawning, Paul urged everyone to eat… Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it.”

In times of crisis, God often raises up His people to places of influence. This is a recurring biblical pattern:

• Joseph rose to power in Egypt after enduring slavery and imprisonment.
• Daniel was promoted in Babylon after standing firm in faith.

Paul’s experience aligns with this truth:

2 Corinthians 12:10 (NLT) – “That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Application:

• God can use your trials to give you a platform for influence.
• Leadership is not about position—it’s about character and trust in God.
• Your faith in trials can be a powerful witness to others.

3. Storms Can Test the Quality of Your Faith

After surviving the storm, Paul finally arrives in Rome. But instead of retreating in exhaustion, he continues to boldly proclaim the gospel:

Acts 28:30-31 (NLT) – “For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.”

Paul doesn’t complain. He doesn’t wallow in self-pity. He keeps sharing the gospel with relentless obedience.

How do you react to storms?

• Do you trust God’s sovereignty, or do you panic?
• Do you see trials as an opportunity for growth, or just as an obstacle?

The book of Acts ends on a cliffhanger—Paul in Rome, awaiting trial. Church tradition suggests the following events happened after Acts 28:

1. Paul’s First Roman Imprisonment (A.D. 60-62) – He preached under house arrest and wrote Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
2. Paul’s Release and Further Ministry (A.D. 62-66?) – He possibly traveled to Spain and revisited churches.
3. Paul’s Second Roman Imprisonment and Martyrdom (A.D. 67-68) – Arrested under Nero’s persecution, Paul was likely beheaded for his faith.

Paul’s unwavering faith is captured in his words:

Philippians 1:20-21 (NLT) – “I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”
Application:

• Storms reveal the true depth of our faith.
• God’s sovereignty means nothing happens outside His control.
• Faithfulness is measured not just in easy times but in trials.

Paul’s journey through the storm in Acts 27-28 reminds us of three key truths:

1. Storms Can Come Even in the Center of God’s Will – Trials do not mean you’re outside God’s plan.
2. Storms Can Elevate You to a Place of Influence – God can use hardships to give you opportunities to lead.
3. Storms Can Test the Quality of Your Faith – Trials reveal what you truly believe about God’s sovereignty.

No matter what storm you face, God is still on the throne. Will you trust Him? Will you remain faithful?

Even in life’s fiercest trials, God is working for His glory and your good. Keep your eyes on Him.