Having been falsely accused and imprisoned, Paul was transported by ship to Rome under military escort.  During the storms, an angel told Paul that he and every man on board would be saved. Heavy storms blew the ship off course and caused it to break up near the island of Malta.  God's protection meant Paul finally arrived in Rome after surviving a storm, a shipwreck, and even a snake bite.

When we are in danger, we can ask God to protect us.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 27:1 through 28:16

Outline:

1. Paul and a Roman guard set sail for Rome (Acts 27:1-12)
2. A Storm and a Shipwreck (Acts 27:13-440
3. Paul on the island of Malta (Acts 28:1-11)
4. Paul travels from Malta to Rome (Acts 28:11-16)

Tips for teaching children:

• Trace Paul’s trip on a map
• Spread a blue cloth or bedsheet and have children hold it along the outside edges. Place a toy boat inside. Children can have fun moving the cloth around and watching the boat toss around like a storm.
• Provide a printed copy of the scripture for each child. Older children can follow your instructions and examine the scripture.  Instruct them to:
  • circle the place names
  • underline the names of people
  • highlight stated emotions
  • draw pictures in the margins

Tips for teaching adults:

• Check out the VizBibleMaps website for an excellent map of Paul’s mission journeys, including his journey to Rome. Be sure to note the copyright information on the More Info tab at the bottom of the page.
• Read these two chapters but with a twist.  When you get to Acts 27:24, have someone play the link to the sounds of a storm at sea while the text is read all the way down to the end of chapter 27. 
  • Storm at Sea 1
  • Storm at Sea 2 (StormAtSea.mp3 – Pixabay)
• Here are some questions you can ask the class: 
  • Who has experienced a storm at sea? 
  • What emotions did you experience? 
  • What did you do?  
  • How does God reveal himself in this story?   
  • How does Paul demonstrate his faith on this voyage?  
  • How would you want to demonstrate your faith?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Paul Survives a Shipwreck 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org