How many days had they been out at sea when the sailors sensed that they were near some land? What sea were they in?
What method did they use to tell that they were getting closer to land?
What did they do because they were afraid to run aground on the rocks?
How were the sailors planning to escape? What was Paul’s response to that? What, then, did the sailors do?
What counsel did Paul give? What comfort did he give along with it?
What did Paul do before he ate? What did the people do in response?
How many people were on the ship?
What did they do once they had eaten?
What did they see on the land once it was day? What was the plan?
How did the sailors work their way to landing on the beach?
Where did they run aground instead? What happened to the ship?
What was the soldiers’ plan to keep the prisoners from escaping?
Who kept them from their purpose? Why? What did he order them to do?

Thought Questions

Were the sailors listening to Paul’s advice more now than they were before? Why do you think that was?
Is it important to gain peoples’ trust when sharing the gospel of Christ with them? What is the best way to gain someone’s trust? What example do you see of Paul gaining the sailors’ and fellow passengers’ trust here? What are some other examples you can think of from the Bible? From your life?
How would you describe Paul’s demeanor in this situation? What might you aspire to copy?
What small things or habits can you incorporate into every situation that can be a good influence on others and help you share Christ?
Why do you think the centurion wanted to keep Paul safe? What do you think he thought of Paul? Why? Would others in similar situations think the same of you?

My prayer is:

That I would work to gain people’s trust and confidence as I meet them;
That I would be able to meet any emergency with a calm mind and manner, continuing to think through everything rationally, and not forgetting my usual habits of devotion even in extreme circumstances;
And that, like Paul, my life would be a positive influence on those around me.

Where was it decided that they would sail to?
Who did they put in charge of Paul and some other prisoners?
Where was the ship from? Where was the plan to sail?
Who else was with them?
Where did they land the next day? How did Julius show kindness to Paul?
Why did they sail close to Cyprus the next day?
What city in Lycia did they go to? What happened there?
What difficulty delayed their travels? Where did they finally stop next?
What was Paul’s prediction concerning their voyage?
Who was the centurion persuaded by?
Why didn’t they want to stay at Fair Havens? Where did they want to try to reach instead?
Did it seem like it would be a successful trip to the harbor? What happened next?
What precautions did the sailors take with the ship? (at least 4 things)
What made them lose hope that they would be saved?
What was Paul’s response to this?
How did Paul know that lives would not be lost on this voyage?
What was his final prediction?

Thought Questions

Do you think Paul predicted the terrible outcome of the sailing trip by inspiration of God, or some other way? Were all the parts of his prediction correct, or did anything turn out differently?
When a person is truly inspired by God to make a prediction, do all points turn out accurately?
How can we tell if God is inspiring a prediction, or if it’s from human wisdom?
What was the difference between Paul’s first and second predictions in this chapter?
Think about some of the many predictions God has given to His people through the prophets in the Bible. What was the purpose of most of them? Who are they often given for–those in the immediate situation, or for a greater purpose? How might this apply in this chapter?
Why did the angel tell Paul not to be afraid? (verse 24) Ultimately, Paul was beheaded by Caesar. Does God always guide us just for our own comfort? How do you feel about the idea of God rescuing a person in one situation, for the purpose of doing His will later–and perhaps ultimately at the risk of his or her (earthly) life in another situation?
Why would God save Paul’s shipmates for his sake?

My prayer is:
To trust Your word as always being true and correct;
To understand that You are lovingly leading those who serve You, despite how the immediate situation may appear;
And that I would always serve You, not only for my sake but for the sake of those around me, despite the uncertainty of my earthly future, knowing that you have a greater purpose to be accomplished.