The grounding of the ship, some distance from shore, and then its breaking up poses another threat, which all survive. I see leadership held out to men and women as a prize, rather than as a humbling responsibility. Those who could swim should jump first, and make their way to shore. Where is your God, he asked. The centurion respected and trusted Paul a great deal, as can be seen by his previous dealings with him (see verse 3). "Perhaps he's sleeping and will wake up!" They may have the power, but they do not have the trust. Several factors contributed to the decision to sail on. *Indicated Required Field See ourPrivacy Policy. 4 The United States is one. 561 Before, adrift in the sea, they made no effort to guide the ship. 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. I am not certain that anyone ever thought of Paul as the leader, but he did lead and they followed. We live in a time of great crisis. They would hardly wish to be close to shore in the storm anyway, for there was more danger of the ship breaking up on the rocks than of it breaking up in the open sea. 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. 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. Lukes remark has point only if it fell rather late in the solar calendar that year. Few managers or politicians understand that. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Paul was as secure as any man could be. Julius and the others did not seem to look upon Paul in religious or spiritual terms, but only in terms of practical and proven ability and knowledge. They eventually connected with Paul and became his partners in the ministry. The approaching land brought a new temptation to the sailors, who better than anyone else knew they were coming upon land.559. 1 Timothy 4:12. Gods power and His sovereign control are no pretext for carelessness or recklessness. An elder must live a blameless life. No one followed Paul because he was a man of God, or even because they concluded the God was with him. The angel of God told Paul not to be afraid, which would indicate that he was afraid. In 1925 Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first woman to serve as a governor in the United States when she was inaugurated in Wyoming. The ships crew tried to hug the shore of Crete, until they could reach Phoenix, a harbor not all that distant. You are the devil's advocate. Bruce writes. Paul assured them that not a hair from their head would perish (verse 34). He is the author ofThe Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. Did he do anything? 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. Fourth, a moderate south wind had come up,552 which seemed to promise fair sailing to a better port. {I have been} on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from {my} countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:25-26). If you want to know what type of leader God wants you to be, there is your answer. 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. Paul tells the soldiers that the sailors must remain on board ship, if they themselves are to be saved. 546 With the westerly winds which prevail in those seas, says James Smith, ships, particularly those of the ancients, unprovided with a compass and ill calculated to work to windward, would naturally stand to the north till they made the land of Asia Minor, which is peculiarly favourable for navigation by such vessels, because the coast is bold and safe, and the elevation of the mountains makes it visible at a great distance; it abounds in harbours, and the sinuosities of its shores and the westerly current would enable them, if the wind was at all off the land, to work to windward, at least as far as Cnidus, where these advantages ceased. Godly Leadership in the Bible - 3 Powerful Examples - Bible Study Tools They made port in Sidon, a city about 70 miles north of Caesarea. His previous warning did not take into account the intervention of God, resulting in the escape of every person on board the ship. Paul took bread, and giving thanks to God before all, he began to eat. You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. Whether by divine revelation, intuition, or by learning of their plans from some human source, Paul became aware of their intentions. It was drifting wherever the storm carried it. 545 This seems to be the same Aristarchus mentioned in Acts 19:29; 20:4; Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 24. In Matthew 16, Peter was both a "rock" and a "stumbling block." If that doesn't work, he outlasts them. I believe leadership must be positive influence . Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. There was some level of favoritism going on. 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. Because of their very limited visibility, they might not see the land until it was too late. They eventually connected with Paul and became his partners in the ministry. They took down the sail, which would have been ripped to shreds by the winds, and lashed down the rudders, which would have been broken up as they were smashed against the ship by the waves. A centurion of the Augustan cohort by the name of Julius543 was placed in charge of the prisoners. Elijah had both. A democratic leader likes people who disagree with them and challenge their views. 4 Motivating Examples of Godly Leadership in the Bible - Crosswalk.com While it is great to learn from others, you dont have to try to be like others. All rights reserved. He was thoroughly subservient to the will of God, and he was committed to a specific, meaningful mission. How to Practice the Democratic Leadership Style 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. 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. Let us consider just a few: 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. But Pauls concern here was not for himself, but for others. Hence the battle to maintain a westerly course, aided, it appears, by a veering of the wind to the east, as the cyclonic disturbance shifted its centre. Blaiklock p. 190. Is there not a kind of parable here? For our examples, I want to look at leaders that may be a little more obscure. You are the foundation. The lives which Paul warned would be lost were those lives which were spared by God, for Pauls sake (see verses 22-24). 15:24; 16: 2-3). They were not men who manipulated people or their circumstances in order to further their own power or position. For others it extends beyond the walls of your home possibly into your community, your job, or even your ministry. Priscilla and Aquila were hospitable. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. 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. He had God on his side. His God was in control of all things, including the sea. (5) The storm, and the gospel which leads to salvation. 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. The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. 16:8, 16-20). They all waited for the morning light. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them (Acts 6:3-6). The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. These are examples of democratic leadership: All opinions are brought forward in team meetings. Here is one passage that talks about the qualifications of a leader. Because of his special blessing, he was appointed as one with judicial powers and responsibilities in Joshua 14:6-15. Moses. Then the passengers would have a better chance to reach shore. 7 Biblical Models of Leadership | Lifeway 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. It was simpler, it seems, to forbid them from killing any of them. Jesus: A leader is a servant first. Paul was spared so that he could go to Rome, and there proclaim the gospel. It will, however, come eventually. Paul lived dangerously, in one respect, but no one could have been any safer. Looking at leadership honestly means looking at the best and the worst. Read Chapter All Versions. Luke now passes over the details of a number of the days that followed, indicating only that many days passed, and that the storm continued to abuse the ship and to terrify its passengers. It has long been acknowledged as one of the most instructive documents for the knowledge of ancient seamanship. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 474. Third, the port where they were anchored was not as ideal for wintering as some other ports, which were not that far away. Let me suggest a few characteristics of Pauls leadership in this crisis, which may provide fuel for future thought. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. He was not an "out front" kind of person, but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. Paul accomplishes all this without any formal leadership position or authority. Did Paul pray for their meal, as well as his own? For Pauls sake, all the passengers on board his ship were spared from the storm. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house (1 Corinthians 16:19). 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. (This also required a small boat, which was going to be taken by those abandoning the ship.) He has also just released his new book The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Here are seven whose leadership played a significant role in leading the early church and furthering the gospel. The need is great. I have always looked upon the Apostle Paul as a godly man, a zealous servant of Jesus Christ, and a powerful preacher of the gospel. 563 This seems to suggest that the charges against these prisoners were serious. If the prisoners were to make it to land, the soldiers would have to release them. By the way, Paul may not have been frightened so much for himself as for the others. He would build the walls on faith. 553 The storm was now heavy upon the lumbering vessel, as it came roaring out of the north-east. The broad issue is that of leadership. 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? Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 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. Furthermore, Paul was an apostle, a man through whom God had worked many signs and wonders. Even when John Mark was being severely ostracized by Paul, Barnabas stood by John Mark. He only said that their remaining on ship was necessary if these soldiers wanted to survive. And also for Pauls sake, all of the prisoners were spared from execution by the soldiers. Sailing past Cilicia and Pamphylia, they landed at Myra in Lycia (verse 5).546 It was here that they had to change ships. The great leaders of the Bible, men like Joseph, Moses, David, and Daniel, were men who had an impact because they were men of God, men of great skill and ability, and men who God raised up. 1. All 276 passengers were saved. 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. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. But we can still have hope, even when we are afraid. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com. They took bribes and perverted justice. Paul reminded his shipmates that they should have listened to him sooner. He was not a sailor; in fact he was not even a paying passenger. Why not get better at it? Focus on who you are and allow God to develop you into the leader he has called you to be. As the song goes, More secure is no one ever, than the loved ones of the Savior. When he spoke, there was no vote taken. Great leaders focus on serving those who follow them. Examples. You can look at the qualities and simply see how you measure up. The hour is hopeless. Since leadership is important, how does Godly leadership fit into the equation? When the ship is grounded and the passengers must swim for their lives, the soldiers plan to kill Paul, along with the other prisoners, to prevent any from escaping. Proud member Examples of Democratic Leadership More than half of the countries in the world with populations over 500,000 people use a democratic leadership style. At its heart, leadership for the Christian means loving God, walking in God's ways, acknowledging God's blessing, confessing personal limitations and corporate failures, doing justice, seeking peace and asking God for the gift of . Even running under the shelter of a small island (Clauda, verse 16), they could hardly get the ships dingy on board. There are many different styles and forms of leadership. 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. If you are a Christian, the same safety is yours, when you are walking in obedience to His commands, and within His purposes. The short version is that there was a plot to destroy the Jews, and Mordecai got wind of the plot. What he recognized was the person who had the ability to help bring deliverance to the Jews was Esther. Neither Lasea nor Fair Havens is mentioned by any ancient writer, two of the hundred cities of Crete. A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1930), III, p. 460. Featuring Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, Kristi McLelland, and more! While Paul had not lost hope, as had his shipmates, he must have been afraid. 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. Not one soul was lost. It may not come quickly. 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. They just happened to run aground at the place where two seas met.562 It seems that the action of the water created some kind of sandbar or shallows, on which the ship stuck fast. The winds seem to have blown the ship away from the island of Crete. There are many examples of Godly leadership in the Bible as God has always raised up men and women to lead others. However, there is no story of Esther without Mordecai. Obedient Daniel. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:28-39). Are You Expecting Too Much of Your Pastor. He must live a devout and disciplined life. The otherstwo hundred and seventy-six in allfollowed his example. Please see below for details. Allow me to make one last observation here. The prisoners (at least the dangerous or violent ones) may have been in chains. On the third day, some of the unnecessary tackle on board the ship was thrown overboard. Had they heeded his warnings, this would not have happened. The centurion found an Alexandrian ship,547 laden with wheat that was headed for Italy. Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. Paul knew that he would reach Rome, but he also strongly sensed that the ship and some of its passengers would not. This necessitated sailing close to the coast of Cyprus, which, to some degree, sheltered them from the contrary winds (verse 4). Paul believed in the power of God and in His infinite control over all things, in heaven and on the earth. Not once or twice the world has had to thank the great saints and mystics for providing timely help in moments of crisis when realistic, practical men of affairs were unable to supply it. Bruce, p. 475. Titus would be a good place to start, and there are other scriptures as well. 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. Famous Examples of the Democratic Leadership Style As Paul had already informed them, neither the ship nor its cargo would survive, only the passengers. Seeking the Gospel in Malachi, the Last Book of the Old Testament. Look at what was necessary for these men to be qualified to carry out this task. 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. Imagine this, they would have Paul to thank for their deliverance. My guess is that he had skills the like of which Moses himself admired, perhaps even envied. It was a coasting vessel, which was to call at various ports of the province of Asia; at one of these Julius knew he would find a ship, preferably a grain ship, bound for Italy. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 477. Paul thought of himself as nothing in the total scheme of things. In all of this God protected Paul. 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. Moses is remembered as the liberator, the leader, the law-giver, the prophet, and the intermediary in the covenant between God and the Jewish people. Humanly viewed, Paul was constantly in grave danger, but he was never more safe or secure than when he was on his way to Rome. They want to use numbers and influence decisions based upon voting power. The soldiers were acting, as it were, on Pauls orders. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. The dangerous season for sailing began about September 14 and lasted until November 11; after the latter date all navigation on the open sea came to an end until winter was over. Your family. The sovereignty of God is no excuse for careless or reckless living.
