He bridged the gaps between the Greek and Jewish worlds. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your fathers family will perish. They had to move quickly now to get off the ship and to swim to shore. Whatever God has promised to do, He will do. The non-swimmers could wait a little longer, perhaps for the ship to further break up, and then clinging to some piece of floating wreckage, paddle their way to shore. They boarded this ship and set sail. . That sounds like leadership to me. Pauls faith and his courage were contagious. 560 The higher the ship floated in the water, the closer to shore they could get before the ship grounded. 4. 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. No doubt there were some anxious thoughts racing through the minds of the passengers. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He was both blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. Read Chapter All Versions. After all, a number of the passengers could not even swim (see verses 43-44). 31 What then shall we say to these things? 554 The wind would tend to blow the ship much more quickly than the current, and so a sea anchor would reduce the force of the wind on the ship by using the sea as a brake. For others it extends beyond the walls of your home possibly into your community, your job, or even your ministry. If the sailors didnt believe Paul, the soldiers did. The storm caught the ship in its force, and so they could do nothing but allow the ship to be driven along by it. The approaching land brought a new temptation to the sailors, who better than anyone else knew they were coming upon land.559. He . Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. Some are not as visible; all are useful. Gods Word gives us those answers. 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose. It was time for another word of encouragement. He is the author ofThe Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. Another example of a servant leader in the Bible is Stephen, who was known for his selfless love and care for others. Here is a list of famous examples of democratic leaders: Dwight Eisenhower, The 34th U.S. President Steve Jobs, Co-founder of Apple Larry Page, Co-founder of Google Jack Dorsey, CEO of Twitter Read more about these Famous examples of democratic leadership and feel inspired. Every passenger made it safely to shore. Thus, he did not expect a miracle, nor did he even ask for one. Indeed, the fate of the ship was not exactly as Paul had warned, for there was no loss of life.551 He simply spoke as a seasoned traveler, an astute observer, and one who had experienced dangers at sea. For Pauls sake, all the passengers on board his ship were spared from the storm. If you are a Christian, the same safety is yours, when you are walking in obedience to His commands, and within His purposes. Because of one prisoner on board that ship, all the other passengers were spared. Priscilla and Aquila are an example of Godly leadership that was displayed or exhibited in a married couple. Nearing land in a storm is a very dangerous thing. The following post is adapted from my personal academic coursework. I see leadership held out to men and women as a prize, rather than as a humbling responsibility. These people saw first hand the hope of the gospel in Paul, when all hope was lost. A church leader is a manager of Gods household, so he must live a blameless life. When he spoke, there was no vote taken. When I come to Acts chapter 27, it is like a breath of fresh air to me. They were now well into the dangerous season; as Luke notes, even the Fast had now gone by. He would later, on the island, work signs and wonders. Reminder: You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. Their safety was contingent on the presence of Paul and the patience of God. What are some examples of democratic leadership? God used this two-year delay of Felix and the bungling of Festus to bring Paul to the point where he would appeal to Caesar. Paul tells the soldiers that the sailors must remain on board ship, if they themselves are to be saved. How often, I wonder, are others benefited by the presence of a believer? In spite of Pauls words of encouragement, the passengers had still not eaten. Tim Cook became CEO of Apple in 2011. Godly leadership like this can impact homes, communities, churches, businesses, schools, politics, sports basically every area of life. It was still late at night, too dark to try to make shore until it was light. They were not in control of the ship. Great leaders wash their people's feet. Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. Pay attention to the type of men they chose to handle this problem. If Paul was completely right in his previous warning, then many were about to die. They also loosened the ropes which lashed down the rudders and hoisted the sail.561 They were on their way toward land. The ships crew tried to hug the shore of Crete, until they could reach Phoenix, a harbor not all that distant. 561 Before, adrift in the sea, they made no effort to guide the ship. Whether you realize it or not, we are all called to lead. These passengers were spared, I suspect, so that they could not only hear the gospel, but experience the hope which the gospel gives, and the power by which the gospel saves unworthy sinners. He doesn't mince words when he calls them "a brood of vipers.". 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). He was right in that a great storm had swept down on this ship, and that both the ship and its cargo would be lost. They intended to put all the prisoners to death,563 thus eliminating the risk of an escape. The sovereignty of God is the basis for our safety and security, but it is not an excuse for our sloppiness. 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. Our world, like that ship of Pauls, was headed for destruction. Since this was not an ideal place to spend the winter, and sailing conditions looked favorable at the moment, they decided to press on to a more accommodating port. The sovereignty of God will then result in the overthrow of His enemies and in the judgment of the wicked. He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. They want to use numbers and influence decisions based upon voting power. God used the centurion, who had come to deeply respect and admire Paul, to spare him, along with the rest. The first 8 verses of the chapter take Paul from Caesarea to a harbor named Fair Havens, not far from the city of Lasea. Here is one passage that talks about the qualifications of a leader. A true leader has to be brutally honest with all those he comes in contact with. A crucial decision had to be made at Fair Havens.549 Sailing was not safe in the winter, due to wind conditions and seasonal storms. And so Paul was correct, though not speaking at the moment with prophetic inspiration, authority, or inerrancy. But today, we want to focus on a . Did he do anything? He was generous and that in itself bridges the gaps of selfish and greedy people if God's grace is given the opportunity to be operative. Remember this applies whether you are leading one or many. The otherstwo hundred and seventy-six in allfollowed his example. Because of its size and cargo, it required deeper water. It may not come quickly. Doing so would be certain death, for the larger vessel offered more protection, so long as it held together. Here are 12 examples of inspiring leaders in the Bible who teach us what a great leader could and should be as well as how leaders should carry themselves. The most probable account is that they dropped a floating anchor or drift anchor, which was dragged astern at the end of a rope of suitable length so as to offer the maximum resistance every time the ship plunged down from the crest of a wave. Bruce, p. 486. The soldiers heed Pauls words and cut the ropes to the lifeboat, letting it fall away. Leading others is just too big of a responsibility for us to handle without continual prayer. Is this principle of extended deliverance perhaps an explanation of Pauls comments in 1 Corinthians 7, that the unbeliever is sanctified on account of the believer? In Acts 20:35, we see him say to the elders of the church in Ephesus, "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more . What the ships crew intended to do was a cowardly thing. Had they heeded his warnings, this would not have happened. Too often, I hear leadership spoken of as a place of status, rather than a place of service. It was his responsibility to persuade her to use the position she had to make a difference. The solar date of the day of atonement in A.D. 59 thus accords well with Lukes implication that the Fast took place while they waited at Fair Havens. Bruce, p. 481. When Esthers words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: Do not think that because you are in the kings house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 72-73, p. 480. He must live wisely and be just. Godly leadership is honest leadership that allows you to lead out of who you are. A democratic leader encourages open conversation and helps their employees set goals, evaluate their own performance and motivates them to grow. Do you want to go deeper in your walk with the Lord but cant seem to overcome the stuff that keeps getting in the way? Fourth, a moderate south wind had come up,552 which seemed to promise fair sailing to a better port. They followed Paul because he knew where he was going and inspired confidence in others to follow him. Look at what was necessary for these men to be qualified to carry out this task. Pauls skillfulness and leadership gave the gospel a credibility it would not have otherwise have had in the eyes of these people. But there was a problem. Peter: Leaders recover from failure. It will, however, come eventually. Moses was seen as the patient leader of a people with little faith (Ex. The storms of your life may not have been sent your way to destroy you, but to turn you to Gods salvation. It was needlessly endangering others that Paul was trying to avoid. If the leader becomes a wimp, he will lose his leadership role. Unsaved men do not have the answers. Most leadership gurus define leadership as 'influence'. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. Take aids, or drugs, for example. It was too late in the sailing season to travel on to Rome by sea. He refused to bow to the king and ended up in the lion's den. He sold his land and gave it to the church treasury. Jesus: A leader is a servant first. What he recognized was the person who had the ability to help bring deliverance to the Jews was Esther. I do not think that Pauls words were meant as a typical I told you so so much as they were spoken to motivate his peers to listen to him now. But Paul did not presume to have God on tap and thus to be able to perform some miracle any time his wished. Passing it with considerable difficulty, and apparently not being able to make port there, they finally were able to make port at a place known as Fair Havens,548 which was not far from the city of Lasea, where they could have spent the winter. Several factors contributed to the decision to sail on. 11. To ensure you receive the best experience on Lifeway.com, we use cookies to process information about your visit. He believed in himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself, namely, "Jesus Christ and Him crucified," (1 Cor. The hour is hopeless. After all, the ships captain and the pilot had more experience, and they also had more to lose. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy (1 Corinthians 7:13-14). They may have the power, but they do not have the trust. Fourteen days have passed since they left Fair Havens and the storm first struck the ship.558 The sailors now have little idea as to where they were, or how far they might be from land. Resilience may be the cornerstone of effective leadership. Peter, the most well-known disciple of Jesus, denies even . But more than this, God had already assured Paul that he would reach Rome. The prisoners (at least the dangerous or violent ones) may have been in chains. (1) A look at leadership. The smaller boat, was much more easily handled, and would have been the logical choice when trying to make shore, especially in such circumstances. Paul did not seek to sanctify his words by giving them any spiritual flavor. Paul was a prisoner, on his way to stand trial before Caesar in Rome. Second, the majority of those who voted on this issue favored going further. 551 Although there almost certainly would have been some loss of life, apart from divine intervention. It seems that there was no protest from the sailors when the ropes to the lifeboat were cut. An Uncorrupted View of Godly Leadership from Jude, 10 Women in the Bible God Used to Save Lives and Lead Others. If you want to be a godly leader, I encourage you to focus on the qualities that God identifies as necessary in a leader. Now, no one had the use of this boat. Several days before, Paul had told the passengers, who had lost all hope, that they would all be saved, although the ship would run aground (verses 21-26). Everyone speaks their minds in team meetings. What kind of leadership did Paul exercise, and how did this impact the gospel? How this decision would be regretted, and soon! In 1925 Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first woman to serve as a governor in the United States when she was inaugurated in Wyoming. Isnt it true that men do those things which they know to be risky, partly for the love of the risk, and often due to some small gain they wish, prompted by a false sense of assurance, and by the hope for some small gain? If you possess these types of qualifications, would that make you a better leader? (3) The Sovereignty of God and the Ultimate Peril of the Lost. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. (2) The Sovereignty of God and Mans Safety. The bottom line is that everyone leads in some fashion, be it great or small. Paul knew that he would reach Rome, but he also strongly sensed that the ship and some of its passengers would not. In a democracy leaders. There are also plenty of real-life examples of leadership in action. But it is here, in our text, that I see Paul as a very wise man in practical matters, a man who is a leader of men, and whose counsel is taken seriously because he knows what he is doing. If the prisoners were to make it to land, the soldiers would have to release them. I could talk about David, Moses, or Nehemiah, but I want to talk about three lesser-known leaders who make great examples of Godly leadership in the Bible. The stern of the ship began to break up. 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. He arose, then, for two reasons: (1) his shipmates were in desperate need of encouragement, and (2) he now had a word from God for them. Are You Expecting Too Much of Your Pastor. Other words for democratic leadership He spoke prophetically of the fate of the ship and its passengers. The encouraging news that Paul was about to tell them was that he was both right and wrong when he had warned them not to sail. I think not. This was a Jewish couple who were deported from Rome. Since leadership is important, how does Godly leadership fit into the equation? There are many different styles and forms of leadership. You can learn valuable and unique lessons on leading the church and furthering the gospel from these men of the Bible. Handling the ship in this storm was almost impossible, and any attempt would require an expert crew. If we are not in Christ, who has weathered the storm, then we must endure the storm ourselves, to our eternal destruction. Paul is one of a number of prisoners, on his way to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. They could not handle the ship in the stormy waters. Nelson Mandela (1918-2013).South African political leader victim of the racial policies of Apartheid that segregated black and white, in favor of the former. Examples. In a storm, control of the ship is limited, and so navigating a narrow entrance to a port would be almost impossible. Paul had a fair bit of experience with sea travel. In all of this God protected Paul. Pauls safety and deliverance was so certain that it was sufficient for others as well. Let me suggest a few characteristics of Pauls leadership in this crisis, which may provide fuel for future thought. It did not take long at this time of year for a storm to brew at sea. modern political leaders are good examples (Tony Blair, Geogrge Bush, Sarcosie, JFK, David cameron) What is a sentence with the words democracy and democratic? 4 The United States is one. Here are seven whose leadership played a significant role in leading the early church and furthering the gospel. His previous warning did not take into account the intervention of God, resulting in the escape of every person on board the ship. Paul accomplishes all this without any formal leadership position or authority. Their troubles to this point would seem insignificant compared to what was soon to come. Related Topics: Issues in Church Leadership/Ministry, Leadership, Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. In one of the more popular set of verses in the Bible, here is what Mordecai told Esther. 556 The following day, a more drastic measure was necessary: the spare gear had to go if the ship was to have any chance of surviving. 558 The fourteenth night is reckoned from the time they left Fair Havens. 7 Best Democratic Leadership Examples to Know 1. We're sorry, an error occurred. It was simpler, it seems, to forbid them from killing any of them. Joshua had been in the presence of God. 545 This seems to be the same Aristarchus mentioned in Acts 19:29; 20:4; Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 24. Smith suggests that the mainyard is meant; an immense spar, probably as long as the ship, which would require the united efforts of passengers and crews to launch overboard. Bruce p. 486. 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. Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. Flee to safety today. Others decided Paul and the other prisoners should set sail, and so Paul and they were turned over to Julius. Sailing past Cilicia and Pamphylia, they landed at Myra in Lycia (verse 5).546 It was here that they had to change ships. (This also required a small boat, which was going to be taken by those abandoning the ship.) (5) The storm, and the gospel which leads to salvation. These are questions that we shall seek to answer in our study of Acts chapter 27. They eventually connected with Paul and became his partners in the ministry. On the third day, some of the unnecessary tackle on board the ship was thrown overboard. All rights reserved. He left this to God. To Paul, the sovereignty of God was not an excuse to avoid his human obligations or his personal responsibility; it was the motivation for him to live responsibly. Here is another example of Godly leadership in the Bible that sometimes gets overlooked. The sovereignty of God is no excuse for us not to work, but the assurance that our work is not in vain, in the Lord. If this was all that Paul said to these soldiers, he did not tell them that these men were attempting to abandon ship. Moses. Paul did not have a formal position as leader, but was rather a functional leader. For our examples, I want to look at leaders that may be a little more obscure. Think of it. About midnight on the fourteenth day, the sailors determined that land was nearing because the depth of the sea below had diminished from twenty fathoms to fifteen. Pauls leadership enhanced the preaching of the gospel. The gospel sustains men in the greatest storms of life. The one whose fate was sure and certain, was the most cautious; those whose ultimate fate was most uncertain were those who lived most dangerously. Leadership Styles in 1 & 2 Kings Merida introduced his Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings by touting the relevance of the biblical text to the modern world. It is enough to discourage any pastor. This may have been the case, and if so the calculations upon which the shipmaster (not owner as AV and RV, according to Ramsay) based his rash advice are less apparent. E. M. Blaiklock, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: Wm. The death penalty is certainly one possibility. Vision Statements of 12 Great Leaders in the Bible But once the sailors discerned that land was nearby, staying on board ship became increasingly dangerous. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. 547 Ramsay is of the opinion that the ship was a government vessel of which the centurion, as senior officer, was properly in charge. But in addition to his surviving this storm, God promised to spare all the other passengers on board as well, not for their sakes alone, but for Pauls sake. Not the Adriatic Sea as we now call the sea between Italy and the mainland of Illyricum, but all the lower Mediterranean between Italy and Greece. Robertson, p. 469. Not one soul was lost. This is influence and leadership in action. The sovereignty of God means that we dare not presume that God will work a miracle for us, at the time and in the way we choose, due to our foolishness, carelessness, or sin. What was it about Paul that made him a leader among men, even in matters pertaining to sailing and storms? The need is great. 563 This seems to suggest that the charges against these prisoners were serious. 542 The ship in which they embarked belonged to Adramyttium (modern Edremit), a seaport of Mysia in northwest Asia Minor, opposite the island of Lesbos. There is nothing wrong with a healthy fear of danger. When you are walking in accordance with Gods purposes, whatever obstacles to the accomplishing of His will are encountered, He will overcome. Pauls circumstances certainly do no give him any status, any clout, with anyone on board that ship. Because of their very limited visibility, they might not see the land until it was too late. Here are three unique leaders who serve as great examples of democratic leadership: Abraham Lincoln President Lincoln took office understanding his decisions over the next four years would determine the fate of the United States. As time went on, as Paul was better known, and as the crises on board the ship became more pronounced, Paul stepped forward, giving both direction and hope to all the others on ship. Because it was a part of Gods sovereign plan, God did purpose to spare Paul and the ships passengers, but in a way that would to some seem only like good luck. The miraculous aspect is seen in Pauls prediction of what happened in complete agreement with all that did happen, even to the minute details. I take it that this was a form of democratic rule. 1 Peter 5:3. Why not get better at it? They cut loose the anchors, which set the ship free, as wind and waves propelled it toward land. 548 This harbour is named Kalus Limeonas, a small bay two miles east of Cape Matala. All one needs is a clean needle or a condom or possibility an abortion and theyre off and running, seeking a little pleasure, at the cost of the loss of their life, and of their soul. Your Bible study. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined {to become} conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; 30 and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. For some, your leadership responsibilities are limited to yourself and your home. They were not men who manipulated people or their circumstances in order to further their own power or position. They were not going to get to Rome until after winter was over anyway, and they could stay right where they were, with no real problems. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. During the night, an angel of God had appeared to Paul, with a sure and certain word about the future, a word that would bring encouragement to all on board ship. Paul believed in the power of God and in His infinite control over all things, in heaven and on the earth. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:12-14). Accompanying Paul were Luke544 and Aristarchus, who was from Thessalonica.545. The potential gains were minimal, while the potential loss was great. Paul was not striving to be a leader here, but simply trying to be of help. Lukes remark has point only if it fell rather late in the solar calendar that year. If you remember the qualifications of a leader that we looked at earlier, you will see why this is a great example of Godly leadership in the Bible. The danger in which they found themselves was unnecessary. I believe leadership must be positive influence . Then the passengers would have a better chance to reach shore. 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. 557 This is not to suggest that Paul now emerged because he knew that this was the low-point of his fellow-passengers, but because the night before the angel of God had appeared to him. It is only when all hope is lost that Paul addresses his fellow shipmates.557 Much time had passed, the storm had not diminished, the ship was being constantly mauled by the storm, and the passengers had gone a long time without food. Priscilla and Aquila were hospitable. 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). Progress was slow, due to wind conditions. 550 As they waited for a change of wind at Fair Havens, it soon became clear that they could not complete the voyage to Italy before the onset of winter. The cultural expectations on pastors are mostly unbiblical, entirely impractical, and generally downright unrealistic. The doctrine of Gods sovereignty is multi-faceted, something which careless and thoughtless Christians often forget or set aside. Your family. There was some level of favoritism going on. All must abandon ship now.