CHAP. XXVI.

[by Agrippa.

This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Cesar. (B)

(B) Ver. 1-32. Paul's defence before Agrippa.-Paul's rank as a public speaker has been often underrated. With a person rather diminutive, and a voice perhaps weak, or in some respects defective (See 2 Cor. x. 10), he every where commanded attention, except from the turbulent and bigotted Jews; and sometimes even from them, when he addressed them in their own language (ch. xxii. 2); and, when he spoke in Greek, Felix, his judge, trembled before him; Festus thought him transported beyond himself, in an ecstasy of frenzy; and King Agrippa was almost persuaded to be a convert. We must be cautious, however (and he is the first to caution us), not to ascribe too much to Paul, since, as an apostle, he certainly came within that promise, "When ye are brought before governors and kings for my sake.... take no thought how or what ye shall speak, for in that same hour it shall be given you." (Matt. x. 19.) His orations, indeed, have in them all the fervour of prophetic inspiration, with the perfect coolness of deliberation and self-possession. With the utmost indifference to his own fate, he aims at the conversion of his hearers. "I would to God, that not only thou (King Agrippa), but also all that hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am, except these bonds," -holding up to view, probably, the chain with which he had been bound to the soldier under whose care he was. (See Acts xii. 6, and Note.)

The account which Paul here gives of his former life and conversion, is so similar to what he had repeatedly given, particularly in chap. ix., that we shall chiefly confine our present remarks to what passed between Paul and Festus. Several circumstances mentioned by Paul seem to have formed the ground of the governor's suspicious relative to his understanding being affected. His initiatory studies in general literature at Tarsus, and his progress in Jewish and Rabbinical literature under Gamaliel, might be supposed too much for so weak a frame. The severe mortifications and multifarious devotions of his austere and superstitious sect, might strengthen the suspicion and one article, at least, of his creed, the doctrine of a resurrection, appeared to Pagans, as well as Sadducees, so utterly irrational and ridiculous, that

they would hardly think a man sound in his intellects who could cordially believe it but what would crown the whole, and might be considered as forming a demonstration of his insanity, was his wild and visionary scheme, as Festus would consider it, of attempting to convert the whole Gentile world to the faith of the crucified Nazarene. What! a Jew, like Paul, teach morals and religion to the disciples of Socrates and Plato?-a Jew "turn from darkness unto light," the illumined philosophers of Greece and Rome! Surely, Paul, thy learning must have made thee mad to think of it.'

But what does he reply? With the utmost calmness, and the greatest respect to the governor, he denies the charge. am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness."

This charge has been often repeated, in various forms, by the enemies of Christianity. Finding the pretence of his being an impostor, or the dupe of such, to be utterly untenable, since no rational motive could be assigned, why a man, with such prospects as Paul had from his education, talents, and connexions, should sacrifice his ease and interests, and even risk his life in such a cause

"Starving his gain, and martyrdom his price!" On this ground modern infidels have generally considered Paul as a fanatic, an enthusiast, or insane. That his zeal was fervid, in whatever he considered to be true and just, is certain; but the strength and coolness with which he reasoned, the kindness and benevolence with which he acted, and, above all, the purity and consistency of his life and conduct, abundantly demonstrate that he was neither au enthusiast nor insane. Where is the enthusiast whose writings have borne the test of seventeen or eighteen centuries; and particularly that minute and critical comparison to be found in Dr. Paley's Hora Pauline? Here all his Epistles are shown to exhibit an exact harmony with each other, and with St. Luke's History of the Acts of the Apostles, even in the most minute particulars. (See also Lord G. Lyttleton's judicious "Observations on the Conversion and Apostleship of St. Paul.")

But to return to Paul's own defence. Having denied the charge exhibited against him by Festus, he turns round and appeals

Paul sailing]

CHAP. XXVII.

AND when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

[towards Rome,

6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suf fering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,

10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage; not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the

to King Agrippa, then sitting by him. "The king knoweth of these things, be. fore whom I speak freely, for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him for this thing was not done in a corner." Then, in his quick and animated manuer, Paul interrogates him"King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets?" and without waiting for an answer, immediately himself rejoins, “I know that thou believest."

This implies that Agrippa was not only a Jew, but a Pharisee; for the Sadducees did not receive the prophets. (See Exposition of Matt. xxii. 15, &c.) He was, therefore," almost" persuaded by Paul's arguments to become a Christian: but, alas! it was "almost" only. The consciousness of a licentious life (though the least exceptionable of the Herod family), together with the dread of the opposition he was sure to meet with, prevented him from going farther; and this has been the un

happy case of thousands, whose judgments have been convinced of the truth of Christianity, but either the offence of the cross, or the lusts of their own hearts, have effectually prevented them from cordially receiving it. This Paul lamented; and so will every faithful Christian minister, and pray as Paul did, "I would to God that not only thou, but also all that bear me this day, were not only almost, but altogether such as I am"-a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus-which is, indeed, the exact definition of a Christian.

The assembly now broke up. The Governor's objections must have been silenced, and the King was almost converted. They were disposed, therefore, to hear no more; but all agreed, that if Paul had not appealed to Cesar, he might have been set at liberty. The providence of God had, however, wisely determined otherwise-He must "bear witness at Rome also."

CHAP. XXVII. Ver. 1. We should sail.-Some ancient copies and versions read," HE should sail," referring to Paul only; yet Luke and Aristarchus appear, by ver. 2, to have gone with him. Of Aristarchus, see chap. xix. 29; xx 4; Col. iv. 10; Philemon, 24.

Ibid. Certain other prisoners.—Lardner proves that prisoners of importance used to be sent from Judea to Rome. Cred. book 1. ch. x. 10.-Of Augustus' band,-Doddr. “Of the Augustan cohort."

ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.

13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;

[by a storm.

19 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. (C)

CHAP. XXVII.

(C) Ver. 1-26. Paul's voyage to Rome. -The time now came for Paul's departure; and Julius, a centurion of the Augustan band, going to Rome, probably on other business, it was thought a convenient opportunity to send Paul, and "certain other prisoners," under his care. Whether Luke and Aristarchus had been implicated

in the same charge, and are to be included among "the other prisoners," or whether they went as the companions or domestics of St. Paul, is uncertain. No doubt the enjoyment of his company was more than a counterbalance to either imprisonment or the dangers of the voyage. It is a happy event to us that Luke was there, as he has recorded the circumstances of the voyage,

Ver. 14. Arose (Margin, "beat") against T. -Query, what? 1. Against the ship? So Doddridge, Wolfius, Schleusner, &c. Or, 2. Against the island Crete, mentioned in the preceding verse? Kinnoel, Townsend, &c.- Euroclydon-Dr. Shaw explaius this of the wind called a Levanter, which blows in all directions. Shaw's Travels, p. 358-361. The learned Dr. Bentley (who is followed by Hammond and others) contends here for the reading of the Alexandrian MS. and Vulgate, Euraquilo, the N. E. wind; but this is opposed by Mr. Bryant and Mr. Brenell.

Ver. 15. Could not bear up into the wind. The

original properly signifies to bear up; or, in the sea phrase," to luff up against the wind;" or to look the storm in the face. On the prow of the ancient ships was placed a round piece of wood, called the eye of the ship, from being fixed in its foredeck. Potter, vol. ii. p. 140.

Ver. 17. Undergirding the ship-i. e. twisting the cable several times round the vessel, to prevent its bulging. Orient. Lit. No. 1457.

Ver. 20. Neither sun nor stars.-Before the mariner's compass was discovered, it was by these they sailed. Was then taken.-Camp. "was thenceforth taken," &c,

The ship] 27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;

[is wrecked,

28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. 29 Then fearing lest they should

and afforded us, in a degree, the pleasure of travelling with them, without participating in any of their dangers.

It may be proper here to remark, that in the infancy of the art of navigation, and before the discovery of the compass, navigators dare not venture into the open sea, but were obliged to coast it near the shore. And here we may remark the harmony subsisting between the plans of providence and redemption. While the propagation of the Gospel was to be confined comparatively to a narrow boundary, the vessels then in use, and the science of early days, might be sufficient; but before the Gospel was to be sent to the farthest parts of India, and across the Atlantic to another hemisphere, the compass was invented, and vast improvements made in naval architecture and how far the wonderful discoveries of steam-navigation may be employed in rapidly extending the Scriptures and the heralds of salvation, like lightning playing on the bosom of the ocean, remains to be seen by our posterity. But we must here check our speculations, and confine our attention to the interesting narrative before us.

If the Christian church of that age had had the direction of Paul's voyage, they would doubtless have chosen another season, and have provided for him a smoother sea and fairer skies. But he that "rides on the whirlwind, and directs the storm," is pleased to display his wisdom, power, and goodness, not in avoiding dangers, but in surmounting them. Paul seems to have had early apprehensions of the perils they were likely to meet with, and before he received any revelation on the subject, advised them to stop at Crete. This advice was, however, overruled by the shipmaster and the navigators; and stormy winds and darksome skies were employed

as a sort of ground whereon to display the glory of God.

Paul had earnestly pressed what he thought a measure of safety, but in vain; and began now, possibly, to indulge the most painful foreboding, both as to his own safety, and that of his companions. Perhaps, also, he might have perplexing fears, relative to an object which was evidently near his heart, namely, that be might "preach the Gospel to them that were at Rome also," and bear witness to his crucified Master in the court of Nero. But all was safe; the plan was laid by infinite wisdom, and the most adverse cir cumstances were the appointed means for its accomplishment. To calm his mind, and support his faith, an angel is commissioned from the skies, and brings him the assurance-"Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cesar; and lo! God hath given thee all them that sail with thee." Paul, not willing to keep the good tidings to himself (as what good man could?), next morning came forth in the midst of all the ship's company, and related the vision. "And now 1 exhort you be of good cheer (said he), for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve," and he gave me this assurance-namely, what the angel had said to him, as above recited. But we must not pass without remark the noble avowal Paul here makes of his heavenly Master-" whose I am (says he), and whom I serve." Those who faithfully serve God assuredly belong to him; and those who have truly given themselves up to him, will assuredly study in all things to obey and serve him. "Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.'

"

Ver. 27. Driven up and down in Adria.-Doddr. "In the Adriatic Sea," who adds, "It is well known to those acquainted with ancient geography, that all that part of the Mediterranean which lay south of Italy, was called the Adriatic Sea; and that which is now called the Gulf of Venice, was the Sinus Adriaticus." He refers to Grotius and Mr. Biscoe, but this is disputed by Mr. Bryant. St. Luke, however, might not use the term in so limited

an extent as Thucydides and Polybius. Ver. 29. Four anchors-Rather, a four-Anked anchor," or an anchor with four points, to hold the ground. Such are described both by Mr. Bruce and Mr. Buckingham.-Out of the stern.-It is evident the ancients sometimes did this: and Sir John Chardin says, the modern Egyptian vessels always carry their anchors at their stern. Orient. Lit. No. 1458.

But the crew and]

have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to

eat.

36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

[passengers are saved.

38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

39 And when it was day, they knew not the land but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken by the violence of the waves.

42 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out and escape.

43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land. (D)

Here we must be allowed to add, that faith in the word of God is the way to Christian consolation; and the want of this, the cause of our dejection, discomfiture, and sometimes despair. We have only to look to the evidence, that the assertion on which we build is from himself, and we cannot rest too firmly, or act too boldly on it.

(D) Ver. 27-44. The shipwreck of Paul and his companions, with their safe escape to shore.-Dreadfully distressing is it to think of a whole ship's company, of 276 souls, fasting, that is, taking no proper meal, for fourteen days together; but landmen know little of seamen's hardships; however, when Paul had obtained a divine assurance that they should all get

Ver. 32. Let her fall off-i. e. let her drift away, that the sailors might not use it for escape.

Ver. 33. This is the fourteenth day. Some render it, "all this fourth day" (Markland in Bowyer), confining the fasting to one day; but this is a hardship scarcely worth naming.

Ver. 34. Not an hair-See Matt. x. 30, 31.

Ver. 39. A certain creek with a shore.-Poddr. "with a (level) shore," convenient for landing. "A bay with a beach," says the late Mr. Newton, who was more conversant with nautical affairs than most commentators. Eccles. Hist. p. 222.

Ver. 40. Taken up-(Marg. "cut")—the anchors,

they committed themselves.-Marg. " they left them [the anchors] in the sea."-Hoised-Obsolete, for "hoisted."

Ibid. Loosed the rudder bands.-Some vessels had two rudders in this case they seem to have bren fastened; but were here loosed, that they might play freely, and assist in getting into the creek. See Potter's Gr. Antiq. book iii. ch. 16.

Ver. 41. Where two seas met.-Bochart, "washed on each side by the sea;" meaning an isthmus, or narrow neck of land; but Bryant understands the phrase to refer to a cape, or head-land, the natural barrier of a harbour. See Parkhurst in Dithalassos,