The Church Age- Part 22

It is now close to the beginning of the first century A.D. Many things have changed around the world!
Rebel factions had popped up in Jerusalem and had caused so much trouble for the Roman government that the Roman Empire declared war against the city and it's people in the neighboring country.
They had entered the lower part of the city and tore through it burning and destroying as they went. When they got to the temple, they removed every stone seeking hidden gold. Absolutely nothing was left, just like Jesus had foretold!
Matthew 24:1-2- And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
The Jews that had survived were carried away to be slaves, or had fled away to far off countries seeking asylum.
John, the last remaining apostle, had been boiled by the wicked emperor of Rome, but he didn't die. Because he lived, the emperor exiled him to the volcanic island of Patmos, where he sent criminals and other people he deemed dangerous to die.
Sitting on this lonely island, John went through something that not many people in history have had the opportunity to see. John was transported through time and space! He was taken to heaven and shown the future- the end of all things.
Then he was sent back to earth, to that small island of Patmos, to write down what he had seen for those of us who would come after.

Revelation 1:1-3- The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
John starts out with a warning to 7 specific churches located in Asia Minor, currently known as the country of Turkey. These churches were given specific warnings that related to things that would happen in the world throughout the centuries. I'm not sure if John understood everything, but as the time came to pass those who read of the events were given the understanding of what was being spoken.
Revelation 1:9-11- I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Can you imagine sitting on a small, lonely, deserted island and then all of a sudden hearing a voice so loud that it sounded like a trumpet going off?
When John turned to investigate who was speaking an awesome sight was before him.
Revelation 1:12-18- And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
John saw the body of the glorified Lord Jesus Christ. It was such a dreadful sight that John fell down with his face flat on the ground and didn't move.
It wasn't until the Lord laid his hand on John and told him he didn't have to fear that John was able to relax and take in what he was seeing.
Revelation 4:1-6- After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald. And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold. And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
John was taken straight to heaven by the sound of a voice saying so loudly, "Come up hither!"
One minute he was looking at the ocean from the island of Patmos, the next he was seeing the throne room of the Lord God Almighty!
He tried to describe it to us, but it's hard to imagine. A beautiful throne with a being that shined like blue and red. There was greenish rainbow surrounding it, and lightening shooting out from it, and he could hear loud sounds or voices.
All around were seats with men wearing long white robes and golden crowns, and strange creatures with wings and animal faces. But they weren't being still and just starting at the throne.
Revelation 4:8b-11- and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
What could John be thinking of this site? As the beasts praised the Lord God Almighty, the men fell on their knees and cast their crown before the throne and started praising His as well.
Perhaps John stood there in awe. Or maybe, he joined in the praise. He doesn't tell us.
This instance marks the beginning of a new era on the earth- the Rapture of the Church and the beginning of the Tribulation.
Jesus promised while He was on earth that He would come again to receive us.
John 14:3- And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
I Corinthians 15:51-52- Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
How does this happen? A trumpet will sound? A loud noise will be heard?
Philippians 3:20-21- For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
I Thessalonians 4:16-17- For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
We will know when it happens. There may be many trumpet sounds. But the trumpet will sound. The Lord will shout- possibly the same thing that He shouted to John on Patmos "Come up hither."
The ones who asked Jesus to save them so long ago will have their bodies pulled from the ground and assembled into an indestructible vessel, while those who are still alive will have the curse of sin stripped from their body. Then together our feet will leave contact with the ground as we float up to meet the Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds.
What do you think will happen here? Absolute chaos!
Luke 17:34-36- I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Every saved person will disappear from the mortal world. Cars will be without driver, planes will be without pilots, Mothers and Fathers will be without children, kids will be without parents. Possibly every person left will have lost someone.
But, we won't be sad. We will be heading for the most amazing sight! Not only will we see Christ, but we will see all the saints from all around the world, both living and dead, gathering together to go with Him to see exactly what John saw- the throne room of God!
What happens next?
The Judgement Seat of Christ.
Romans 14:10-12- But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Each of us will take a turn to stand before the Lord Jesus Christ and explain to Him why we did or didn't do the things in our lives. We aren't going to be asked about our brother, or our sister, or our parents- what they did won't matter then. You will be asked about you only. You will be standing there alone.
It is important to know that our works will be judged, not our souls.
​Philippians 4:3-And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. ​
​Our names were written in the Book of Life when we asked the Lord to forgive us of our sins, wash us in His blood and save our souls. And, when He washed us in His blood it removed ALL of our sins.​
​Ephesians 5:25-27- Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.​
​Colossians 2:13-14- And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; ​
​Our sins were judged at Calvary. These were forgiven when we knelt in faith at the foot of the cross and laid them there for Christ's death to pay the wages.​
​It is our actions that are judged. ​

II Corinthians 5:10- For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
And by this judgement, we see what it is that we will be rewarded.
I Corinthians 3:9-15- For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
As we stand there, everything that we have done will be presented as one of six types of things- gold, silver, gem stones, wood, hay, or stubble. When the fire of God's Word is shined upon it, the gold and silver and gem stones will be safe, but the wood and hay and stubble will burn up.
What are these things? Gold and silver and gem stones represent faith and our Bible reading and witnessing and the souls that we led to the Lord. Wood and Hay and stubble are the things we waste on our selfishness, our worldly desires, or our flighty impulses.
What survives may be placed into some of the crowns we can earn.
I Corinthians 9:25- And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
II Timothy 4:8- Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

I Thessalonians 2:19- For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

James 1:12- Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

I Peter 5:4- And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Why would we need a crown? Perhaps to throw at Christ's feet like the elders did before the throne of God? Or, perhaps to wear while we rule with him.
Revelation 20:6- Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

II Timothy 2:12- If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
Deny us? How will He deny us? He will deny us the privilege of reigning with Him. Wouldn't it stink to live for a thousand years on a planet and see all of your friends and family with a city to rule, and you're stuck walking in some meadow somewhere because you didn't want to bother?
I Corinthians 15:57-58- But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
Remain strong! Stay the course! Stand up and work for the Lord, because He's promised a sure reward!

The Church Age series coloring pages

The Church Age- Part 21

Paul has arrived in Rome. He has been granted the privilege of his own house to stay in, he just has to be guarded by a soldier- the first known case of house arrest.
Paul's zeal for the Jews has not diminished one bit. But, the Lord has a way of making your prayers come to pass.
Acts 28:17-22- And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
Paul called all of the leaders of the Jews who were in Rome to come to him. He wanted to plead his cause to them.
When they arrived and he spoke his piece, he found out that they had no idea of anything that had occurred in Israel- no letters had been sent, no messengers had been dispatched.
They did, however, have a question. They wanted to know what was up with the Christians. They'd heard that Jews back home were very upset about it, but they didn't know what it was or why they were upset.
Acts 28:23-29- And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
Paul set a day when the Jews would come to him and he would give them the gospel! What an amazing thing! His zeal for the Jewish people was recognized by God that day in an opportunity to preach the deliverance of the Messiah to his own people in Italy!
Some believed, and some didn't. But, Paul wasn't surprised. The Bible foretold a long time ago that the Messiah would be rejected by the Jews and that in so doing the door to the Gentiles would be opened.
The time of the Apostles was almost over.
The signs and wonders which were given to persuade the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah had ended.
II Timothy 4:20- Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Paul wasn't able to heal Trophimus. And, he was constantly with a doctor.
Colossians 4:14- Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
Paul had learned some grace. He was alone with his doctor friend, but he saw the value of someone he had once thought unreliable.
II Timothy 4:11- Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
John Mark had also grown in grace, and was now a willing missionary.
These two men, Luke the physician and John Mark, would be forever changed by their time with Paul. Both would go on to write a copy of the gospel of Jesus Christ from their vantage point and remembrance- Luke and Mark.
Paul saw many people give their hearts and lives to the Lord Jesus Christ while he was in Rome, including some of the Roman Empire's ruler's family.
Phil 4:22- All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
All who passed by Paul had the chance to hear about the Savior who gave his life for mankind!

Acts 28:30-31- And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
But, no one lives forever. Paul knew that his time on earth was soon to end. He would stand before a Caesar who didn't like the Christians, and his punishment for that would be death by beheading.

II Tim 4:6-8- For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
But, Paul wasn't afraid. He knew what was waiting for him- His Savior, His mansion, His rest!
Paul wasn't the only apostle who lost their life for the sake of the gospel:
History says that Simon Peter was crucified upside down.
His brother, Andrew, was crucified in Greece. He hung on the cross for two days preaching to all who passed by before his soul went to heaven.
Philip, who led the Ethiopian Eunich to the Lord, was crucified in Egypt.
Bartholomew was killed out East, some say in the country of India.
Doubting Thomas was no coward. He took the gospel to Greece, as well as India, where he died by a spear.
James Levi was the second longest living apostle. He was stoned to death at the age of 94.
Thaddeus Jude was crucified in the Asian Minor country of Turkey.
Simon Zelotes went to Africa and then up to the island country of England where he was crucified.
By 90 A.D. the apostle that remained was John the Beloved. It was said that the wicked Caesar, or Emperor, had tried to boil him alive, but he didn't die. You see, John hadn't finished his race, yet.
Remember when Jesus was talking with His disciples after he resurrected and Peter asked what John would do? Jesus replied that if John tarried until Jesus' return that it didn't matter, because Peter had his own job to do.
Many people thought that meant John wouldn't die. But, that's not what Jesus said. John would live to see Jesus' return. But, not because he would live for 2,000 years!
God was going to work an amazing miracle. The last one any apostle would see while on the earth. One that would show those who would dare to read it the future!

The Church Age series coloring pages

The Church Age- Part 20

Paul has been sitting in a Roman jail cell in Caesarea. Soon, he and the other prisoners would be put on a ship and sent to Rome.

Acts 27:1-2-  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. 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.

Even though Paul was a Roman prisoner, he was granted certain liberties that normal prisoners weren't allowed.

Acts 27:3-4-  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. And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

Paul was allowed to leave and meet up with his friends in this city. Just being able to have visits was a special occasion for prisoners, but for them to be allowed to leave and visit other people and places was practically unheard of! Paul was being given blessings from God that were to encourage the brethren and prove to Paul that God was in control of every situation.

Acts 27:5-8- And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

Sailors back in these days knew the waters. They could tell by how the sun set and by how the sun rose what type of weather there would be for that day. But, they couldn't see past that day.

Once out on the water away from land, if a bad storm hit, they just had to hunker down and ride it out. This could cause a lot of problems from the ship being damaged, to cargo being swept off the boat, to the boat being dragged off course and the crew being lost at sea.

Acts 27:9-13- Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, 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. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. 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. And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

The Lord had warned Paul that the trip was going to be rough. If Paul could have convinced the captain of the ship to remain where they were until winter had passed they would have a better journey.

But, neither the captain of the ship nor the owners of the ship believed that Paul had information for the Creator of the world. They didn't like the city they were in and really didn't want to stay in it an entire winter. 

When the weather was really nice with no sign of a storm, they decided to head out to a different harbor where they would be more comfortable through the winter.

Acts 27:14-20- But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: 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. And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. 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.

Everything that could go wrong on that trip, did. There was a terrible storm that carried the ship off course. It brought it close to the mainland where there was a danger of rocks ripping holes in the ship, or the ship getting caught in quicksand and dragged to pieces by the raging waves!

The were able to tie rope around the ship to try to hold her together. But, they had to throw all their cargo overboard because the ship was getting water into it. If they didn't lighten the load the boat would sink.

Their path was lost, their cargo gone, and after a few days of not being able to see the sky to tell where they were the men began to lose hope of ever making it to Rome alive.

Acts 27:21-26- 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. 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. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

Paul stood up and told the sailors that they should have listened to him and not left the harbor. But, he encouraged them by letting them know that an angel had promised that they wouldn't die, they would make it to an island.

Acts 27:27-29-  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; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

After two weeks adrift in the turbulent sea, they came to finally see land. They kept measuring the depth of the ocean floor from the top of the ocean to see how far they were from the land.

As they got closer, they had to drop the anchor for fear running into some rocks and destroying the ship. They were hoping the daylight would come soon so they could see to guide the ship safely to the island.

Acts 27:30-32-  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, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

Some of the sailors were going to take the lifeboats and try to make it to the land with them. But, Paul knew if they left the big ship they would die.

When he told the captain this, the captain cut the ropes holding the life boat and let the waves carry it away.

He had learned that Paul knew what he was talking about. And, he was ready to listen!

Acts 27:33-36-  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. 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. 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. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

As they were waiting for day break, Paul said that they should all eat. It had been two weeks since anyone ate anything, and they would all need their strength to swim to the shore of this island!

Paul took some bread and prayed and asked God to bless it and then he began to eat. This encouraged the rest of those on the ship to eat, also.

Acts 27:37-41- And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. 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. 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. 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 with the violence of the waves.

Once they could see the island in the daytime, they saw that there was a creek going into the island. They were hoping to be able to sail the ship up the creek and then anchor it safely in a harbor.

But, the creek wasn't deep enough for that. The front of the ship got stuck in the sandy bottom and the back of the ship was being whipped around by raging waves. The ship was beginning to tear apart!

Acts 27:42-44- And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. 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: 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.

A soldier suggested that they kill all the prisoners before getting to shore. This would ensure that none of them escaped. Remember, the soldiers would be killed for failing to deliver their prisoners.

But, the centurion that had guarded Paul had come to understand that there was some thing about him. He didn't want Paul to be killed. So he advised everyone just make it to land the best they could.

Acts 28:1-2- And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

Once everyone was safely to shore, they were greeted by the indigenous peoples who lived there.

These people were kind and started building a fire for the sailors and prisoners to dry  and warm themselves. Remember, it was winter time!

Acts 28:3-5- And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them]on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

Paul wanted to help, so he began gathering sticks for the fire. But, somewhere in that pile was a poisonous snake.

As Paul was placing the sticks on the fire, the heat made the snake try to come out and it bit down onto Paul's hand. Paul just shook it off into the fire and went on his way.

The indigenous people thought at first that Paul must be a wicked man that some god was trying to kill. And since he didn't drown in the sea a snake was sent to finish him off.

Acts 28:6- Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

When Paul didn't die, or even get sick, the people decided he must be some sort of diety.

Paul wouldn't let them think that for long! He had a calling to tell the Gentiles about the Savior and just because he didn't know where he was didn't mean that he wouldn't get to work telling these people about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 28:7-10-   In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

Paul used the gifts that God had bestowed on the Apostles to help the people of this island. he healed them from their sickness and diseases.

The people were so thankful that they gave the visitors whatever they needed while they were there, and helped them with what they needed to continue on their journey.

Acts 28:11-16-  And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

There were many stops along the way. It wasn't until well into the Spring time that they finally made it to Rome.

Paul was allowed to visit his friends along the way at each stop and this encouraged him. I'm certain that it also blessed the Christians he saw, too.

When they reached Rome Paul's words had come to pass. They had a troubled journey and lost the ship and the cargo, but every soldier and prisoner had made it safely to their destination.

The Centurion that guarded Paul took him to a house instead of a prison cell, and there Paul remained with his guard until he could stand before Caesar.

The Church Age series coloring pages