Paul and Jonah (Acts 27)

What story is this?

A Jewish prophet heads west on ship.

There’s a storm.

The pagan sailors throw their cargo into the sea.

The prophet is central to the saving of the sailors.

He ends up in the water.

But then he is saved on the beach.

And the boat’s crew and many pagans are saved.

 

What Old Testament story is that?

 

Jonah!

But it’s Paul’s story too, isn’t it?

 

Paul is a new and better Jonah.

In some ways he’s an anti-Jonah.

Jonah was fleeing from God’s purposes; Paul was obeying them.

Jonah was running away; Paul was under arrest.

Jonah was reluctant but compelled; Paul was willing and compelled.

The sailors are saved by getting rid of Jonah but by sticking with Paul.

Jonah’s message was one of judgement; Paul’s is one of salvation.

But in both cases a great many pagans are saved as a result of their messages.

Both of them will bring the Word of God to a great pagan city.

 

So Paul is shown to be a true prophet.

God has spoken to him.

What he says comes true.

His word can be trusted.

Believe the word of God through Paul and you will be saved.