But he was wrong about the loss of passengers. He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong (Titus 1:9). The winds seem to have blown the ship away from the island of Crete. Paul encourages all on board to eat, and they do. Their arrival had not been without difficulty, but things were only to go from bad to worse. Thus, he did not expect a miracle, nor did he even ask for one. He must live wisely and be just. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. This proposal pleased the whole group. [1] It is important to note that he learned leadership principles and faith from his parents (Hebrew 11:23 . Paul was overruled. The approaching land brought a new temptation to the sailors, who better than anyone else knew they were coming upon land.559. This was a Jewish couple who were deported from Rome. 555 From verse 38 we know that all the cargo was not thrown overboard at this time. He was obscure in comparison to other great Old Testament heroes, but faithfulness separated him from mediocrity. If their safety was assured then let them do what they could to help themselveslet them eat. They were not men who manipulated people or their circumstances in order to further their own power or position. Their troubles to this point would seem insignificant compared to what was soon to come. The question was where the ship would make port for the winter. The seas were closed to sailing until the beginning of February at the earliest; the three months spent in Malta must therefore have corresponded roughly to November, December, and January, so they must have left Fair Havens not much before mid-October. "I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47). Paul had a fair bit of experience with sea travel. What he recognized was the person who had the ability to help bring deliverance to the Jews was Esther. Proud member This inside information was, I think, a factor in their plan to abandon ship. Regardless of where you find yourself, you have to lead. If you are a Christian, the same safety is yours, when you are walking in obedience to His commands, and within His purposes. Leading others is just too big of a responsibility for us to handle without continual prayer. They could not see the sun nor the stars (verse 20) and so they were unable to navigate. Peter, the most well-known disciple of Jesus, denies even . They were now well into the dangerous season; as Luke notes, even the Fast had now gone by. Romans 13:1-3 ESV / 3 helpful votesNot Helpful. 31 What then shall we say to these things? He is the author ofThe Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. 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. They could not handle the ship in the stormy waters. If you see shortcomings, those are the areas that you can ask God to help you develop. What Does It Mean That There Is No One Holy Like God? A late night visitation by an angel of God and Pauls words of encouragement to his shipmates is reported in verses 21-26. Pauls leadership emerges on board the ship, on which he was headed toward Rome. Democratic Leadership Style in the Workplace: Pros and Cons Paul was told by the angel not to be afraid, because he was going to stand before Caesar. If Paul had been incompetent and impotent in this time of crisis, who would have wanted to hear him tell about faith in Jesus as the Messiah? The lives which Paul warned would be lost were those lives which were spared by God, for Pauls sake (see verses 22-24). These passengers were spared, I suspect, so that they could not only hear the gospel, but experience the hope which the gospel gives, and the power by which the gospel saves unworthy sinners. Paul's leadership emerges on board the ship, on which he was headed toward Rome. 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. Because of one prisoner on board that ship, all the other passengers were spared. Unsaved men do not have the answers. Just about every pastor has "struck the rock" at one time or another; but then, like Moses, the same pastor usually has the resilience to see things through. The soldiers who were guarding them were not as concerned about their survival as much as the possibility of an escape. 1. 563 This seems to suggest that the charges against these prisoners were serious. Take aids, or drugs, for example. To Paul, the sovereignty of God was not an excuse to avoid his human obligations or his personal responsibility; it was the motivation for him to live responsibly. Obedient Daniel. Joshua had been in the presence of God. (This also required a small boat, which was going to be taken by those abandoning the ship.) On the third day, some of the unnecessary tackle on board the ship was thrown overboard. Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. If there were but ten righteous in the city of Sodom, God would have spared the city for the sake of those righteous (Genesis 18:22-33). 561 Before, adrift in the sea, they made no effort to guide the ship. As it was the middle of the night and the storm was still fierce, the sailors put out anchors, to drag along the bottom, to slow down their drifting. 10 Examples of Democratic Leaders - Examples Lab Paul was a prisoner, on his way to stand trial before Caesar in Rome. They had to be full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. If the sailors didnt believe Paul, the soldiers did. Nobody said it would be easy. While it is great to learn from others, you dont have to try to be like others. Whatever God has promised to do, He will do. 554 The wind would tend to blow the ship much more quickly than the current, and so a sea anchor would reduce the force of the wind on the ship by using the sea as a brake. Paul is one of a number of prisoners, on his way to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. The sovereignty of God means not only that God is able to intervene supernaturally, but that He is also able to work naturally, through human instruments (like the Roman soldiers, and in our story, like the centurion, in Pauls behalf). Elijah had both. To sail on, therefore, was a foolish decision in Pauls opinion, and thus he discouraged it as strongly as he could, but to no avail. If we are not in Christ, who has weathered the storm, then we must endure the storm ourselves, to our eternal destruction. The most probable account is that they dropped a floating anchor or drift anchor, which was dragged astern at the end of a rope of suitable length so as to offer the maximum resistance every time the ship plunged down from the crest of a wave. Bruce, p. 486. They were not in control of the ship. Your Bible study. Here are some examples of their leadership. They had little to gain and much to lose. Paul did not seek to sanctify his words by giving them any spiritual flavor. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to {obtain} an inheritance {which is} imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 4. Remember this applies whether you are leading one or many. Featuring Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, Kristi McLelland, and more! Whatever dangers might arise, He will protect His people, in accordance with His purposes and promises. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. What kind of leadership did Paul exercise, and how did this impact the gospel? The Bible is pretty clear about what Godly leadership looks like. 544 We know that Luke was on board ship because of the we references, and because of the great detail that he includes, as an eyewitness of the journey, the storm, and the safe landing of the passengers. 551 Although there almost certainly would have been some loss of life, apart from divine intervention. 1 Peter 5:3. The first 8 verses of the chapter take Paul from Caesarea to a harbor named Fair Havens, not far from the city of Lasea. In the early church there was a problem. 72-73, p. 480. Had people ceased eating, in part perhaps, because they thought they were going to die anyway? Behind every support specialist, Bible study editor, graphic designer, and accountant is a Sunday School teacher, kids volunteer, or small group leader. Few managers or politicians understand that. 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. The God whom Paul served was a God who was (and is) in control. Paul: "Believe in something bigger than yourself." "I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth" (Acts 13:47). If this was all that Paul said to these soldiers, he did not tell them that these men were attempting to abandon ship. The wise leader will work hard at blinding his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Several days before, Paul had told the passengers, who had lost all hope, that they would all be saved, although the ship would run aground (verses 21-26). Democratic Leadership Examples at work - Leadership Ahoy! Beyond this, God is free to act or not to act in any way that He chooses. The ships crew tried to hug the shore of Crete, until they could reach Phoenix, a harbor not all that distant. Paul believed in the power of God and in His infinite control over all things, in heaven and on the earth. That sounds like leadership to me. Bruce writes. Indeed, the fate of the ship was not exactly as Paul had warned, for there was no loss of life.551 He simply spoke as a seasoned traveler, an astute observer, and one who had experienced dangers at sea. And He has come forth from death and the grave, to give us new life. The sovereignty of God means that we dare not presume that God will work a miracle for us, at the time and in the way we choose, due to our foolishness, carelessness, or sin. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023, Verses 14-20: A Sudden Storm and Lost Hope, Verses 21-26: Pauls Night Visitation and Words of Encouragement, Verses 30-32: Sailors Stopped From Abandoning Ship, Verses 33-41: Pauls Encouragement and the Ships Grounding, Verses 42-44: Prisoners and Passengers Spared From Death. Mordecais words influenced Esther to take an action that she would have otherwise not taken. They all waited for the morning light. But more than this, God had already assured Paul that he would reach Rome. The Fast is the day of atonement (Yom Kippur), which falls on Tishri 10. If the prisoners were to make it to land, the soldiers would have to release them. Paul tells the soldiers that the sailors must remain on board ship, if they themselves are to be saved. The ship did not make it all the way to that beach toward which they were steering it. Your family. Pauls safety and deliverance was so certain that it was sufficient for others as well. The sovereignty of God is the basis for our safety and security, but it is not an excuse for our sloppiness. It was Paul who showed caution, warning those in charge of the dangers ahead. As the journey to Rome continues, there are yet to be more signs and wonders accomplished through the hands of Paul (see 28:3-10). After all, a number of the passengers could not even swim (see verses 43-44). "Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Salem Media Group. Paul accomplishes all this without any formal leadership position or authority. 7 Best Democratic Leadership Examples to Know in 2023 Paul encouragement the passengers to trust God to do all that He promised. Effective leaders have the courage to speak even when it is unpopular to speak because they speak the truth with love. He was nicknamed "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36). During the night, an angel of God had appeared to Paul, with a sure and certain word about the future, a word that would bring encouragement to all on board ship. I do not agree. The image of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples in John 13 is a striking one. 564 Would he not have dared to command the soldiers not to kill Paul, but to have allowed the others to be put to death? Here are 12 examples of inspiring leaders in the Bible who teach us what a great leader could and should be as well as how leaders should carry themselves. His church was a murmuring people. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately (Acts 18:26). 3 Servant Leadership Examples in the Bible - Crosswalk.com To ensure you receive the best experience on Lifeway.com, we use cookies to process information about your visit. Myra lies due north from Alexandria, and its bay is well calculated to shelter a windbound ship. Bruce quoting J. Smith, Voyage, pp. In 1925 Nellie Tayloe Ross became the first woman to serve as a governor in the United States when she was inaugurated in Wyoming. By the way, Paul may not have been frightened so much for himself as for the others. Moses | Biblical Leaders - Seminar - WordPress.com He portrays Paul in many roles throughout Acts, but here he shows him standing out as the practical man in a critical emergency--keeping his head when all about him are losing theirs. Reminder: You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. Airline pilots must constantly monitor weather conditions, and make decisions as to the route they will take, their altitude, and even their destination. This was probably due to seasickness, and perhaps to the difficulty of cooking under such circumstances. Priscilla and Aquila are an example of Godly leadership that was displayed or exhibited in a married couple. Their safety was contingent on the presence of Paul and the patience of God. They invited Apollos into their home and spent time explaining the truth to him. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. It was too late in the sailing season to travel on to Rome by sea. Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. The prisoners (at least the dangerous or violent ones) may have been in chains. The name of this leadership style is derived from the word "democracy," which means "run by the people." Democratic leaders welcome and value others' input, rely heavily on team participation, and facilitate discussions that enable multiple members of their group to weigh in on decisions. Just so you know, the person they are talking about in Acts 18:26 is Apollos. {For I am} confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Progress was slow, due to wind conditions. It was still late at night, too dark to try to make shore until it was light. The centurion did not seem to be concerned with any of the prisoners, except one Paul. Now they were ready for the days activities. What was it about Paul that made him a leader among men, even in matters pertaining to sailing and storms? In one of the more popular set of verses in the Bible, here is what Mordecai told Esther. Paul took bread, and giving thanks to God before all, he began to eat. A democratic leader encourages open conversation and helps their employees set goals, evaluate their own performance and motivates them to grow. 1. Because it was a part of Gods sovereign plan, God did purpose to spare Paul and the ships passengers, but in a way that would to some seem only like good luck. The miraculous aspect is seen in Pauls prediction of what happened in complete agreement with all that did happen, even to the minute details. They had to move quickly now to get off the ship and to swim to shore. 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose. Now, in our text, Paul is again in great danger. A true leader has to be brutally honest with all those he comes in contact with. If you want to know what type of leader God wants you to be, there is your answer. What did Paul do to bring about such a change? 4. 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. Authoritarian Church Leadership and the Individual Freedom - CULTWATCH When the outcome is known, and the One who determines it is both faithful and sovereign (in control), the danger of harm is removed, along with the need for fear. He had the courage to speak to the evils of his day. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, {being} more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:3-9). A theophany had taken place in Joshua 5:15: "The commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, "Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy." You are the church, and Lifeway is here to serve you with biblical resources for everything life brings your way. This was a Jewish couple who were deported from Rome. While Paul had not lost hope, as had his shipmates, he must have been afraid. When he spoke, there was no vote taken. 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. It would seem that they had fasted nearly two weeksthroughout the entire time the storm was raging. This journey began on an Adramyttian ship, which took them as far as Myra, where they boarded an Alexandrian ship, headed for Italy. 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. {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). 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. Pauls influence was not the result of his political maneuverings, but mens response to his personal competence. As time went on, as Paul was better known, and as the crises on board the ship became more pronounced, Paul stepped forward, giving both direction and hope to all the others on ship. For others it extends beyond the walls of your home possibly into your community, your job, or even your ministry. The following post is adapted from my personal academic coursework. Paul reminded his shipmates that they should have listened to him sooner. He's Where the Joy Is by Tara-Leigh Cobble, Black Church Leadership & Family Conference, 10 Gift Ideas for Pastor Appreciation Month, Pastor Appreciation Month: 5 Ways to Say Thanks, Why Prayer is Essential in the Life of a Leader. No one followed Paul because he was a man of God, or even because they concluded the God was with him. When the ship set sail, they began to encounter unfavorable winds. And Joshua did so.". But Moses brought him to the table of leadership because he was the best person for the job. Gods Word gives us those answers. Bureaucratic leadership is defined as a form of leadership in which there is a hierarchy of authority that creates rules for management and decision making. 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. When Samuel became old, he made his sons judges over Israel. They also loosened the ropes which lashed down the rudders and hoisted the sail.561 They were on their way toward land. If you want to be a godly leader, I encourage you to focus on the qualities that God identifies as necessary in a leader. For more information, see ourPrivacy Policy. There are also plenty of real-life examples of leadership in action. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. 7 Biblical Models of Leadership | Lifeway Nevertheless, they decided to press on to a better harbor. The safety of the passengers, involved their actions, in eating a good meal, in lightening the ship, and in swimming to shore or in clinging to some wreckage and floating to shore.
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examples of democratic leaders in the bible