Congregational Book Study, Week of May 12 to 18, 2025, Chapter 26, paragraphs 9 to 17. Answers.

Congregational Book Study, May 12-18, 2025, Chapter 26, paragraphs 9 to 17. Answers.

Congregation Bible study (30 mins.) bt chap. 26 paras. 9-17.

9, 10. What difficulties did they face near Crete?

Near Crete they faced strong contrary winds that prevented them from advancing normally. Although they took advantage of the protection of the island, the northwest wind dragged them south, forcing them to skirt the coast with great difficulty.

Even being close to the island, controlling the boat was very difficult and progress was slow and dangerous. The situation was even more critical because winter was approaching, increasing the risks of sailing.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Near Crete, the crew faced unfavorable winds that prevented them from advancing westward. As they moved away from the current that helped them, the wind pushed them south. Although they found some protection on the island of Crete, the approach of winter still posed a danger to them.

At Bellos Puertos they were able to stop for a while due to poor conditions, but they knew that the longer they waited, the more dangerous it would be to continue, as winter was approaching.

Despite the temporary protection offered by the island of Crete, the crew continued to face difficulties with winds and unstable weather. The mention of “unfavorable wind” highlights how the forces of nature could dramatically alter the course of voyages, testing the endurance of sailors.

The fact that they could not stay for long in Bellos Puertos underlines how the passage of time increased the danger of the journey. The approach of winter posed a constant threat, and the longer they waited, the riskier the situation became. This shows the urgency of making decisions quickly in adverse conditions.

11. What did Paul recommend, but what decision was made?

Pablo recommended not continuing to sail, warning that the journey could cause great damage, material loss and even death. However, the pilot, the owner of the boat and the majority decided not to listen to him and chose to continue forward until they tried to reach Fenice, believing that they would be safer there to spend the winter. The decision was made based on the apparent calm of a gentle southerly breeze, which led them to trust and set sail.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Pablo recommended not continuing sailing, as he warned that they could suffer “damage and serious losses,” including possible deaths. However, the pilot, the ship's owner and most of the passengers decided to continue ahead, confident that they would reach a safer port. Finally, they decided to advance towards the port of Fenice, where they hoped to find a suitable shelter for the winter.

Paul, with his experience from previous travels, recommended caution in pointing out the imminent dangers. However, the decision to continue reflects how logic and experience are sometimes ignored in the hope of finding a quick solution. This contrast highlights the importance of listening to wise advice, especially in risky situations.

The gentle southerly breeze made the crew feel safe and confident in continuing the journey, despite the warnings. This detail shows how, sometimes, a favorable signal can lead to hasty decisions, without considering the long-term dangers, which often leads to negative consequences.

12. What dangers did they face when they left Crete, and how did the sailors try to avoid a tragedy?

As they left Crete, they faced a very strong northeasterly wind that threatened to sweep them toward the dangerous sandbanks near Africa. To avoid the tragedy, the sailors brought the skiff on board, reinforced the ship's hull with thick ropes and gathered the rigging to try to control the ship.

They tried to keep the ship against the wind, but the storm still tossed it violently, and on the third day they had to lighten the ship by throwing the rigging overboard. Despite all their efforts, the situation was critical and distressing.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

As they left Crete, they faced a very strong northeast wind that threatened them with being blown toward the African coast and running aground on sandbanks.

To avoid a tragedy, sailors took desperate measures, such as reinforcing the ship's hull with ropes and chains, furling the sails, and fighting to keep the ship pointed into the wind. Furthermore, on the third day, they threw the rigging overboard to lighten the ship.

Despite their efforts, such as reinforcing the ship and throwing equipment overboard, the storm continued to rock them violently. This shows how, even with all the precautions and measures taken, there were factors beyond their control, highlighting human vulnerability to the natural elements.

The action of throwing the rigging overboard reflects the desperation of the sailors. This act shows how, in times of crisis, difficult decisions must often be made to try to save what is left, even though success cannot be guaranteed, underscoring the uncertainty in extreme situations.

13. What must life have been like on board the ship during the storm?

Life on board the ship during the storm was extremely distressing, with everyone scared to death except Paul and his companions, who trusted in the promise of Jesus. The storm hit relentlessly day and night, while constant rain and dark skies prevented proper navigation.

Hunger, cold, fear and seasickness meant that no one could eat, further increasing the desperation on the ship. It was an environment of great suffering and total uncertainty for the majority of the passengers and crew.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Life aboard the ship during the storm must have been extremely difficult. Everyone was terrified, but Paul and his companions remained calm, confident that they would survive, because Jesus had assured Paul that he would reach Rome.

The storm battered the ship day and night for two weeks, with the rain never ceasing or the sky clearing. The pilot could not orient himself due to lack of visibility. Furthermore, the sailors could not even eat, due to fear and the extreme conditions.

Despite the widespread fear, Paul remained calm, trusting in the divine promise that he would reach Rome. This highlights how faith and trust in divine promises can grant peace, even in the most terrifying situations, showing the contrast between the distress of others and the security Paul found in his relationship with God.

The storm was not only affecting the ship, but also the crew's ability to function. Lack of food, constant fear, and extreme conditions such as cold and rain stripped sailors of their physical and emotional strength. This shows how, in extreme situations, basic needs such as food and well-being are overshadowed by fear and adverse conditions.

14, 15. a) When talking to the people on the ship, why did Paul remind them of what he had already warned them?

Paul reminded them of his warning not to reproach them, but to make them recognize that his words were worth heeding. He wanted them to trust the advice he was going to give them now, since it was backed by God. Their goal was to strengthen their credibility so that they could have hope and act bravely in the midst of the crisis.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Paul reminded them of what he had already warned them, to make it clear that his advice was worth listening to. He did so not to reproach them, but to make them understand that following his warnings could have saved them suffering. The reminder was a way to encourage them, since, although the ship would be lost, their lives would be saved.

Paul's reminder highlights how, although his advice was not heard before, the gravity of the situation showed the validity of what he had said. This underscores the importance of heeding wise warnings, as wrong decisions can have consequences, but it is never too late to change course.

Paul not only remembered his previous words, but he also used them to give them hope in the midst of the storm. His intervention reflects how, despite adversity, the role of a spiritual leader is to offer encouragement and hope, always pointing to the faithfulness of God and his promises.

14, 15. b) What reminds us of the hope that Paul gave to the people?

The hope given by Paul reflects that Jehovah is a compassionate God who offers salvation even in extreme situations. It reminds us that we must not lose sight of the value that each life has to Jehovah. Therefore, our work in sharing the good news must be tireless and motivated by the love that Jehovah feels for everyone.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The hope Paul gave them reminds us that even in desperate circumstances, faith in God's promises can offer comfort and security. Despite the storm, Paul assured them that they would all survive, reminding them of divine intervention through the angel, reaffirming their confidence that God would keep his promises.

The hope Paul conveyed highlights how faith in God's promises can be a source of peace, even in the most frightening times. His certainty that God would fulfill his promise gave him the confidence to face the storm without fear, a reminder that faith can provide calm in the midst of the storm.

The hope given by Paul was not only based on the promise of survival, but also on the fact that God had a plan for each of those on the ship. This reflects the mercy of God, who not only protects, but also intervenes to guide people through difficulties, demonstrating that divine hope is always present, even in the most difficult circumstances.

16, 17. a) What time did Paul take advantage of to pray, and what effect did his prayer have?

Paul took advantage of the moment when the ship was more stable to pray and thank God in front of everyone. His prayer had a very positive effect, encouraging all who heard it and giving them confidence in Jehovah's protection. Thus, he strengthened the faith and spirit of those who were terrified by the situation.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Pablo took advantage of the moment when the boat was a little more stable, after they had dropped anchor to avoid being swept away. At that time, he encouraged everyone to eat and publicly thanked God for their survival.

His prayer had a significant effect, as everyone perked up and began to eat, giving them the emotional and physical strength to face what was coming.

Paul prayed gratefully before everyone, and his example of faith and gratitude brought great relief and encouragement to the crew. This highlights how prayer, especially when shared in times of crisis, can strengthen others and offer them peace by reminding them of divine sovereignty and provision.

Paul prayed not just for help, but thanking God. This attitude of gratitude, even in the midst of the storm, is a powerful testimony of faith. In difficult times, gratitude can be a powerful tool to shift people's focus from despair to hope.

16, 17. b) How was what Paul had predicted fulfilled?

Pablo's prediction came true when the ship ran aground and broke up, but everyone managed to reach the shore by swimming or clinging to the remains of the ship. Despite the dangers, God's promise that there would be no human loss was fulfilled, confirming the faithfulness of Jehovah's words.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

What Paul had predicted came true when, despite the soldiers' attempts to kill the prisoners, the 276 passengers reached land safely. Paul had assured that although the ship would be lost, everyone would survive, and his prediction came true when the ship ran aground and the survivors swam or floated to shore.

Paul's prediction was fulfilled exactly as he had said, demonstrating God's faithfulness to fulfill his promises. Although the situation seemed hopeless, divine intervention guaranteed the safety of everyone on board, showing that God always keeps what he promises, even in the midst of extreme circumstances.

The fulfillment of Paul's prediction also underscores how God uses his servants to communicate hope and security in the midst of chaos. Paul's certainty not only inspired the crew, but showed that when divine will is followed, God's promises can be trusted to come to pass, regardless of the circumstances.