December 5, 2026 -Prophetic Testimony

ACTS 27:1-44

Chronological Bible Readings

^{Acts 27:10} “Men,” he said, “I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on—shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” ¹¹ But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul.

I don't think Paul was telling the men not to go on because he thought they would listen. Or maybe he did say it hoping they would listen but God knew they wouldn't but He still gave Paul the knowledge of how it would end. Paul, who is a prophet, speaks these words to show the reliability of his words. It is a step toward solidifying his testimony. He just puts the message out there and waits for it to come true.

^{Acts 27:21} 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. ²² But take courage! None of you will lose your lives, even though the ship will go down. ²³ For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me, ²⁴ and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in his goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ ²⁵ So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as he said. ²⁶ But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”

When it happens Paul reminds them of his warning which means the men are going to be more willing to listen to what he has to say. Fortunately, he has good news that no one will die even though there will a loss of ship. He doesn't just give them the news but he goes further to tell them that none of these messages are from him. It is God who is revealing these truths to him. He professes his faith in God.

^{Acts 27:31} But Paul said to the commanding officer and the soldiers, “You will all die unless the sailors stay aboard.” ³² So the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and let it drift away.

The soldiers had enough confidence in Paul's words they stopped the sailors from leaving the ship.

^{Acts 27:35} Then he took some bread, gave thanks to God before them all, and broke off a piece and ate it. ³⁶ Then everyone was encouraged and began to eat—

He encourages them to eat to get their strength but also uses that opportunity to give thanks and to honor God.

If God gives us a message to share, He will prove it to be true. If we are sure that we have a message from God our words and actions should give Him all the glory that it might strengthen our testimony and point others to Christ.