Julius, a Centurion

A centurion named Julius had the job of delivering Paul to Rome. A tough job because at least one of his prisoners—Paul—was unjustly incarcerated, and because some of his prisoners were surely dangerous.

Julius respected Paul. They'd become friends of sorts. When the ship stopped at Sidon, he arranged for Paul to receive assistance from friends.

Yet he failed to heed Paul’s revelation from God. When the owner wanted to make up for lost time, Paul recommended waiting out the winter in a port named Fair Havens, but Julius agreed to leave. [He] was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship. . . . (Acts 27:11a NKJV)

Of course, they had problems. During a storm, Paul received another revelation: all must stay aboard until the ship ran aground. Meanwhile, they should strengthen themselves by eating.

The soldiers routinely planned to kill all prisoners. But Julius, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purposes, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard . . . the rest, some on boards and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land. (v. 43a,44)

Paul prayed, trusted God, and shared his insight. And so, after making a mistake, Julius adjusted and God's plans prevailed.

Originally published May 27, 1988.