This harbour would protect them for a time from the winds. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. Pauls caution is rather interesting. The chapter may therefore be outlined in this way: One way or the other, Festus must have found some way to explain Pauls appearance before Caesar. She had entered the election the previous year following the death of her husband, the incumbent governor who was campaigning for a second term. (1) A look at leadership. The centurion found an Alexandrian ship,547 laden with wheat that was headed for Italy. 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. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. But there was a problem. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. It was a coasting vessel, which was to call at various ports of the province of Asia; at one of these Julius knew he would find a ship, preferably a grain ship, bound for Italy. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 477. What has happened over the course of these events, so that a lowly prisoner, a man at the bottom of the ladder, so far as position and influence are concerned, is now the outstanding leader? This was, I think, to cause the ship to draw less water, and thus to float higher in the water, so that it would not as easily drag bottom.560 The ship would therefore be closer to shore when it struck bottom, making it a shorter swim (or float). Since leadership is important, how does Godly leadership fit into the equation? 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. And so Paul was correct, though not speaking at the moment with prophetic inspiration, authority, or inerrancy. What was required for this situation was Godly leadership. 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. Priscilla and Aquila are an example of Godly leadership that was displayed or exhibited in a married couple. 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." One of the most outstanding examples of leadership in the Bible is the example of Moses. They also loosened the ropes which lashed down the rudders and hoisted the sail.561 They were on their way toward land. And so they were strengthened, both in spirit and in body. 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. 1. This inside information was, I think, a factor in their plan to abandon ship. It was simpler, it seems, to forbid them from killing any of them. Paul was frequently the instrument through which Gods power was manifested. They were not going to get to Rome until after winter was over anyway, and they could stay right where they were, with no real problems. They made port in Sidon, a city about 70 miles north of Caesarea. And also for Pauls sake, all of the prisoners were spared from execution by the soldiers. 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. This created a serious problem. That safety is only in Christ. Up to this point in time, they had gone a long while without food. Paul knew that he would reach Rome, but he also strongly sensed that the ship and some of its passengers would not. . You can learn valuable and unique lessons on leading the church and furthering the gospel from these men of the Bible. Paul's leadership emerges on board the ship, on which he was headed toward Rome. If you see shortcomings, those are the areas that you can ask God to help you develop. Paul believed in the power of God and in His infinite control over all things, in heaven and on the earth. But Pauls concern here was not for himself, but for others. This channel is the place between two seas. Here the ship, in Smiths words, would strike a bottom of mud graduating into tenacious clay, into which the fore part would fix itself and be held fast, whilst the stern was exposed to the worst of the waves. After the long battering which the ship had endured for the past two weeks, its exposed part could not take this further punishment, and it quickly disintegrated. Bruce, p. 494. Moses. Take aids, or drugs, for example. Since leadership happens inside and outside the church, these examples are good wherever you lead. Mordecais words influenced Esther to take an action that she would have otherwise not taken. Few managers or politicians understand that. He was thoroughly subservient to the will of God, and he was committed to a specific, meaningful mission. Here are some examples of their leadership. And who would not be afraid in such a storm. Scripture offers examples of both. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. Effective leaders have the courage to speak even when it is unpopular to speak because they speak the truth with love. 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. The most memorable aspect of effective leadership of a pastor is when he has survived the polarities of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the other's. The meeting's facilitator will be acting democratically if they actively seek out the team's thoughts and opinions and encourage them to voice them. Here is one passage that talks about the qualifications of a leader. Thus, the safety of the ship, according to Pauls words, required the presence of the crew. Examples of democratic leaders. 4 The United States is one. Reminder: You are currently impersonating {{userSessionData.email}}. The image of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples in John 13 is a striking one. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:12-14). 565 In particular, much may be learned from Lukes portrayal of Pauls character and behavior in circumstances in which the real man is most likely to be revealed. To ensure you receive the best experience on Lifeway.com, we use cookies to process information about your visit. Related Topics: Issues in Church Leadership/Ministry, Leadership, Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. 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? He has been beaten by the storm of Gods anger toward sin. Pauls leadership emerged in a democratic society. We are told that the majority reached the decision to sail on, rather than to winter in Fair Havens. For our examples, I want to look at leaders that may be a little more obscure. Since this was not an ideal place to spend the winter, and sailing conditions looked favorable at the moment, they decided to press on to a more accommodating port. Far to the south, off the African coast, lay the notorious Syrtes (17), the graveyard of many ships, as underwater archaeology has vividly revealed in recent years. He would later, on the island, work signs and wonders. Nevertheless, they decided to press on to a better harbor. It was only some forty miles to Lutro. Robertson, p. 461. Except for Paul, they had all reached the conclusion that the situation was hopeless and that they were doomed. It was Paul who showed caution, warning those in charge of the dangers ahead. Paul strongly urged them to stay where they were, at Fair Havens. Pauls skillfulness and leadership gave the gospel a credibility it would not have otherwise have had in the eyes of these people. Paul was spared so that he could go to Rome, and there proclaim the gospel. Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. 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. Looking at leadership honestly means looking at the best and the worst. Democratic leaders: Encourage group members to share their ideas: The leader asks for and considers employee input. Food supplies may have been washed overboard or ruined by moisture. Engage group members: The leader involves members and encourages them to involve others. God does not jump through our hoops and thus Paul never presumed that he had Gods power on tap to use when and how he chose. Would any have heeded Paul or the gospel as seriously as they did, had the trip to Rome gone quickly and smoothly? He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money. Nelson Mandela (1918-2013).South African political leader victim of the racial policies of Apartheid that segregated black and white, in favor of the former. He was generous and that in itself bridges the gaps of selfish and greedy people if God's grace is given the opportunity to be operative. Christianity is not a fair weather religion. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your fathers family will perish. What kind of leadership did Paul exercise, and how did this impact the gospel? He was not an "out front" kind of person, but rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. They eventually connected with Paul and became his partners in the ministry. Fearing that they might drift into shallow and dangerous waters some distance to the south,553 they put out a sea anchor of some kind, perhaps something like a parachute, which filled with water and slowed the ship down.554, The storm continued through the night, and the next day things looked even worse. Doing so would be certain death, for the larger vessel offered more protection, so long as it held together. The smaller boat, was much more easily handled, and would have been the logical choice when trying to make shore, especially in such circumstances. I confess, I am distressed at the ways in which Christians are trying to take control of the political and governmental positions of authority. 551 Although there almost certainly would have been some loss of life, apart from divine intervention. He wanted to spare him, and so he forbade them from killing any of the prisoners.564 All of the prisoners were spared, on account of one personPaul, just as all of the passengers were spared for Pauls sake. On the third day, some of the unnecessary tackle on board the ship was thrown overboard. In verses 27-29, Luke describes the ships approach to some body of land. Fourth, a moderate south wind had come up,552 which seemed to promise fair sailing to a better port. But the storm brought men and women face to face with death, and with the truth of the gospel. Remember this applies whether you are leading one or many. Others decided Paul and the other prisoners should set sail, and so Paul and they were turned over to Julius. Verses 9-13 describe a crucial decision that was made. This was probably due to seasickness, and perhaps to the difficulty of cooking under such circumstances. What is the relationship between spiritual leadership and secular leadership? 33 Who will bring a charge against Gods elect? I take it that this was a form of democratic rule. 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). With difficulty, they finally arrived off Cnidus, but were then forced by the winds to sail under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone. Let me suggest a few characteristics of Pauls leadership in this crisis, which may provide fuel for future thought. He was going to survive. 562 St. His leadership was built not so much on ancestry from the Jewish lineage as by faithfulness. Some things dont change. 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. When Esthers words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: Do not think that because you are in the kings house you alone of all the Jews will escape. Examples of Democratic Leadership More than half of the countries in the world with populations over 500,000 people use a democratic leadership style. Paul took bread, and giving thanks to God before all, he began to eat. Because of their very limited visibility, they might not see the land until it was too late. Democratic Leadership Examples President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was famously democratic in his leadership style, once said that "leadership consists of nothing but taking responsibility for everything that goes wrong and giving your subordinates credit for everything that goes well." No doubt there were some anxious thoughts racing through the minds of the passengers. They all waited for the morning light. I would like to have heard that prayer, but Lukes silence here requires us to wait till heaven to find out what was said. The precise status of Julius is difficult to determine: from the authority which he assumed when once (from Myra onward) he found himself on board a ship of the Alexandrian grain fleet, it might be inferred that he was a frumentarius, an officer charged with supervising the transport of grain (frumentum) to Rome. Bruce p. 477. Bruce writes. 1 Peter 5:3. This centurion was to develop a deep respect for Paul, so that he would extend considerable liberties to him, take seriously his advice, and make every effort to protect him. After all, a number of the passengers could not even swim (see verses 43-44). 1 Timothy 4:12. {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). Democratic leadership is an effective leadership style but can sometimes be too slow when fast decisions are needed. los lderes demcratas (41) dirigentes socialdemcratas (18) lderes democrticos (15) lderes demcratas (13) demcratas (8) If elected in free elections, the usurpers of power are usually democratic leaders. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them (Acts 6:3-6). Democratic style on the other hand refers to leadership style in which leaders are the final decision makers with the input of followers. Behind every support specialist, Bible study editor, graphic designer, and accountant is a Sunday School teacher, kids volunteer, or small group leader. In every effective leader's life, there is a time for love, but also a time for courage. I do not agree. At its heart, leadership for the Christian means loving God, walking in God's ways, acknowledging God's blessing, confessing personal limitations and corporate failures, doing justice, seeking peace and asking God for the gift of . Many of the great democratic leaders in history are today cult object and recognition, as an example to follow in the fight for more just, peaceful and orderly societies.. (The term Augustan, i.e., His Imperial Majestys, was a title of honor bestowed on several cohorts of auxiliary troops.) And were all in it for the same reasonto fuel the churchs mission of making disciples. The ship did not make it all the way to that beach toward which they were steering it. He had had enough. Tim Cook became CEO of Apple in 2011. In the early church there was a problem. But in addition to his surviving this storm, God promised to spare all the other passengers on board as well, not for their sakes alone, but for Pauls sake. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company [photolithoprinted], 1966), p. 191, quoting Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveller and Roman Citizen, p. 319. For some, your leadership responsibilities are limited to yourself and your home. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:28-39). 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. Vision Statements of 12 Great Leaders in the Bible 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? Verse Concepts. The final verses (42-44) tell of the plan of the soldiers to kill the prisoners, of the intervention of the centurion, and the safe arrival on land of all 276 passengers.