The Sovereignty of God versus Human Responsibility

I love the interplay in this bit of Paul's story between God's sovereignty and Paul's responsibility.

In verse 10 Paul is pretty clear with the centurion in charge that if they set sail then there will be loss of life, that because winter has set in then it is highly dangerous to set sail. We aren't told how Paul knew that. Had God shown him that, had he studied the shipping forecast and realised it was going to be dangerous or was he just listening to his gut? We don't know. But he's pretty clear that if they set sail then people will die.

Then in verse 23 we find that an angel has appeared to Paul and given him some new revelation. Not only is Paul going to be safe, but so are all the crew.

So what does Paul do with this new revelation from God? Well he could be tempted to just go down below decks, get his head down and wait for it all to sort itself out. If God is sovereign then just let events run their course. But he realises that despite the angels words, he still has a part to play.

First of all he speaks faith and courage into the others on the boat - v25 "So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me". Luke and all the crew thought at this point there was no hope for them and they needed to hear Paul's declaration of faith.

Secondly he lets them know that things are going to go worse before they get better - v25 "Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island". He isn't unreal about the challenge they face.

Thirdly he organises those around him to make what God has promised come about. When the crew are trying to abandon the ship he tells the soldiers "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved".

Fourthly he begins to create the right environment for success, encouraging them all to eat and get their strength up ready for what was to come - v34 "I urge you to take some food, You need it to survive".

Fifthly he thanked God in advance for what he was going to do in v35 (undoubtedly there is also a remembrance of Christ in this breaking of break ahead of their deliverance).

Sixthly he relies on the skill of the team around him as they finally decide to beach the ship - v39-40.

And finally in the moments he could not influence he relied on God to change the centurions heart, such that the soldiers don't kill all the prisoners.

I reckon that series of actions provides a pretty cool metaphor for how we should live our lives, of the things God expects us to do even when we are clear about his will. For me as a pastor that means believing Jesus with my whole heart when he said "I will build my church", but at the same working with all my strength to make it happen.

It's never the sovereignty of God or human responsibility, but both working in parallel.

I hope that helped someone :-)

Created over 2 years ago