The Storm at Sea

(Jonah 1:4–10)

13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had their opportunity. So they weighed anchor and sailed along, hugging the coast of Crete. 14 But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island. 15 Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. So we gave way and let ourselves be driven along.

16 Passing to the lee of a small island called Cauda,[fn] we barely managed to secure the lifeboat. 17 After hoisting it up, the crew used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor [fn] and were driven along.

18 We were tossed so violently that the next day the men began to jettison the cargo. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the great storm continued to batter us, we abandoned all hope of being saved.

21 After the men had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete. Then you would have averted this disaster and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because you will not experience any loss of life, but only of the ship. 23 For just last night an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’

25 So take courage, men, for I believe God that it will happen just as He told me. 26 However, we must run aground on some island.”