Беседа 53

Acts 26:30–32. When he said this, the king and ruler, Bernice and those sitting with them stood up; and, stepping aside, they said to each other that this man was not doing anything worthy of death or chains. And Agrippa said to Festus: this man could have been released if he had not demanded trial from Caesar. Therefore, the ruler decided to send him to Caesar. Wisdom of Paul. - Faith is a reliable haven. 1. Look at the sentence they pronounce again. And after it was said: “You are mad,” they recognized him as free not only from death, but also from bonds, and would have completely released him if he had not demanded judgment from Caesar. But this happened according to the providence (of God), and not only this, but also that he went away in chains. That is why he said: “even to the point of being bound as an evildoer” (2 Tim. 2:9). If his Lord is “counted among the evildoers” (Mark 15:28), then how much more could he; and just as the Lord did not become involved in their dishonor, so did he: it seems surprising that, having participated in them, he did not suffer any harm from them. “When it was decided that we should sail to Italy, they gave Paul and some other prisoners to the centurion of the Augustan regiment, named Julius. We boarded the Adramite ship and set off, intending to sail near the Asian places. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us. The next day we landed at Sidon. Julius, treating Paul kindly, allowed him to go to his friends and take advantage of their zeal” (Acts 27:1-3). Look to what place Aristarchus accompanies Paul. It was for good and good that Aristarchus happened here; he could tell about everything in Macedonia. “Julius, acting kindly towards Paul, allowed him to go to his friends and take advantage of their zeal. Having departed from there, we sailed to Cyprus due to contrary winds” (Acts 27:3-4). “Julius,” he says, “dealt kindly with Paul.” He does well, allowing (Paul) to go to his friends and receive benefits; Probably (Paul) needed this after many disasters from bonds, from fear, from constant change of place. Look how (the writer) does not hide the fact that he wanted to receive benefits. Then again temptations, again contrary winds. Look, this always happens in the lives of saints: they are delivered from the judgment seat, and are subject to shipwreck and storm. Pointing to this, (the writer) continues: “and, having crossed the sea against Cilicia and Pamphylia, they arrived at the Lycian Worlds. There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy and put us on it” (Acts 27:5-6). “I found,” he says, “the Alexandrian ship.” Well this happened, so that some could notify about Paul in Asia, and others in Lycia. Look how God does not do anything special here and does not change anything, allows you to sail in contrary winds, but even through this he performs a miracle. And so that they could sail safely, He did not allow them to go out to sea, but they constantly kept to the shores. “Sailing slowly for many days and barely catching up with Cnidus, due to the wind being unfavorable to us, we sailed to Crete at Salmon. Having made their way past it with difficulty, they arrived at a place called Good Marinas, near which was the city of Laseya. But when quite some time had passed, and the voyage was already dangerous, because the fast had already passed, Paul advised, saying to them: men! I see that the voyage will be difficult and with great harm not only to the cargo and the ship, but also to our lives. But the centurion trusted the helmsman and the captain of the ship more than the words of Paul” (Acts 27:7-11). Fasting is spoken of here, I think, in the Jews. After all, they sailed long after Pentecost, and therefore they could have arrived in Crete around winter. It is no small miracle that others were saved for Paul’s sake. “Men! “,” he says, “I see that the voyage will be difficult and with great harm not only for the cargo and the ship, but also for our lives.” Thus Paul commanded them to stop and predicted the future; but they, in a hurry and seeing the inconvenience of the terrain, wanted to spend the winter in Phenicia. 2. And look at the economy: first they launched the ship and sailed away; then, when the wind rose, they gave in to its current and barely escaped. “And since the pier was not suitable for wintering, many gave advice to leave from there, in order, if possible, to reach Finik, the Cretan pier, lying against the south-west and north-west wind, and spend the winter there. The south wind blew, and they, thinking that they had already received what they wanted, set off and sailed near Crete. But soon a stormy wind called Euroclydon arose against him. The ship was grabbed so that it could not resist the wind, and we rushed around, surrendering to the waves. And, having run onto one island called Klavda, we could hardly hold the boat. Having picked it up, they began to use the benefits and tie the ship; fearing not to run aground, they lowered the sail and thus rushed about. The next day, due to severe overwhelm, they began to throw out the cargo, and on the third we threw things from the ship with our own hands. But as neither the sun nor the stars were visible for many days and a considerable storm continued, then finally all hope of our salvation disappeared. And when they had not eaten for a long time, Paul stood in the midst of them and said: Men! you should have listened to me and not departed from Crete, in which case you would have avoided these difficulties and harm” (Acts 27:12-21). Look, after such a storm, he talks to them not to reproach them, but, wanting them to believe him at least for the future. Therefore, he cites what happened as evidence of the truth of what he intends to say. He predicts two circumstances: that they will have to go to the island, and that the ship will perish, and those sailing on it will be saved (this was not an assumption, but a prophecy), and that he was to appear before Caesar. He said the words: “God gave you everyone,” not out of vanity, but, wanting to convert those who were sailing, he said not so that they would thank him, but so that they would believe his words. “God has given you all” was said to Paul; this expresses, as it were, the following: they are worthy of death because they disobeyed; but it is only by your grace that this happens. “And when they had not eaten for a long time, Paul,” says (the writer), “standing in the midst of them, said: Men! you had to listen to me and not leave Crete, which would have avoided these difficulties and harm. Now I urge you to take heart, because not a single soul of you will perish, but only the ship. For the Angel of God, to whom I belong and whom I serve, appeared to me that night and said: “Do not be afraid, Paul! you must appear before Caesar, and behold, God has given you all those who sail with you.” Therefore, be of good cheer, men, for I trust God that it will be as I have been told. We should be marooned on some island. On the fourteenth night, as we were floating in the Adriatic Sea, around midnight, the shipmen began to guess that they were approaching some land, and, having measured the depth, they found twenty fathoms; then, at a short distance, measuring again, they found fifteen fathoms. Fearing that they would not fall into rocky places, they dropped four anchors from the stern and waited for the day. When the shipmen wanted to escape from the ship and lowered the boat to the sea, pretending that they wanted to throw anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers: if they do not stay on the ship, then you cannot escape. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and it fell” (Acts 27:21–32). Here (the writer) shows that the shipmen wanted to escape, not believing what was said; but the centurion and the soldiers believed; That’s why Paul tells him: if they run away, then “you cannot be saved,” he says in order to hold them back, so that the prediction does not remain in vain. See how Paul teaches them wisdom, as in the Church, and saves them in the midst of danger. According to God's will, they did not believe Paul at first, so that events themselves would teach them to believe - which is what happened. He then convinces them to take the food and they agree; he himself accepts the first, instilling not only in word, but also in deed, that the storm did not harm them at all, but also brought benefit to their souls. “Before the day came, Paul exhorted everyone to take food, saying: Today is the fourteenth day that you, waiting, have been left without food, eating nothing. Therefore, I ask you to take food: this will serve to preserve your life; for none of you will lose a hair from his head. Having said this and taking the bread, he thanked God in front of everyone and, breaking it, began to eat. Then everyone took heart and also took food. There were two hundred and seventy-six souls of all of us on the ship. Having had their fill of food, they began to lighten the ship, throwing the wheat into the sea. When the day came, they did not recognize the land, but saw only a certain bay with a sloping shore, to which they decided, if possible, to land with the ship. And, having raised the anchors, they set out across the sea and, untying the rudders and raising a small sail to the wind, steered towards the shore. They hit a spit and the ship ran aground. The bow stuck and remained motionless, but the stern was broken by the force of the waves” (Acts 27:33–41). 3. Again the devil tries to prevent the fulfillment of the prophecy: the soldiers wanted to kill some, but the centurion held them back in order to save Paul: he was already tied to him! “The warriors agreed to kill the prisoners so that someone who would swim out would not escape. But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from this intention, and ordered those who knew how to swim to rush first and go to land, while the rest should be saved, some on boards, and some on something from the ship; and thus all were saved to earth” (Acts 27:42–44). “And when they were saved, they that were with Paul knew that the island was called Melitus” (Acts 28:1). Do you see what good came from the storm? Therefore, the storm was not due to abandonment (of God). But how, they will say, did they bear it without food, without tasting anything? Fear took possession of them and did not allow them to feel the need for food, since they were in extreme danger. What happened was due to the time of year; but here the greater miracle is that at such a time both Paul himself and others through him were saved from the impending danger. "Raising a small sail to the wind". (The writer) said this, wanting to show the strength of the storm that they experienced, because it is often done wrong. They lowered the sails, that is, the sails (this is done when there is a strong wind) in order to reduce the wind pressure. They suffered a storm in the Adriatic Sea, where escape is difficult. “There were all of us on the ship two hundred and seventy-six souls.” How did you know that so many people were sailing? They were probably asked why anyone was sailing, and they found out everything. They did not eat anything because they had no time for food in the midst of such great danger. And see how neither the slowness nor the disasters of the voyage were fruitless for Paul: he made this time a time of learning; and it is not a small matter if all these (people) believed. But let's turn to the above. “But when quite some time had passed, and the voyage was already dangerous, because the fast had already passed, Paul advised, saying to them: men! I see that the voyage will be difficult and with great harm not only for the cargo and the ship, but also for our lives.” Look how devoid of pride he is. So that it would not be noticeable that he was prophesying, but as if speaking by assumption, he said: “I see”; they would not have believed (the prophecy) if he had expressed it directly. And before he began to prophesy, he said: God, “Whom I serve,” to prepare them. Did the souls really have to perish? They would have perished if God had not saved them. According to the natural order of things, they could have died, but God did not allow this. “But the centurion,” says (the writer), “trusted the helmsman and the captain of the ship more than the words of Paul.” To make it obvious that (Paul) did not speak by assumption, the helmsman, experienced in the matter, says the opposite; therefore, the words (of Pavlov) were not spoken by assumption. “And how the pier was not adapted.” Look, the terrain shows that he was not speaking by assumption: it was inconvenient; rather, those spoke by assumption, who advised sailing further; but no benefit came from it; on the contrary, they were exposed to a storm and abandoned the ship's cargo. This is what (the writer) points out, adding: “for fear of running aground, they lowered the sail.” All this is allowed so that afterward they do not remain in unbelief: a strong storm arises, great darkness occurs, and in order to be saved from destruction, wheat and everything are thrown out; This is exactly what the words mean: “Fearing that they would not run aground, they lowered the sail. You should have listened to me and not left Crete, which would have avoided these difficulties and harm.” Do you see how much the storm and darkness contributed to his inspiration? And look how obedient the centurion becomes: he cuts off the boat and throws it away. And that the shipbuilders did not yet believe, but only believed later, do not be surprised at this; They are a rude people and slow to obey. Notice how wisely Paul acts here too; he does not reproach them and is not irritated, but says meekly: “they should have obeyed.” He knew that whoever reproaches during the disaster itself will not be quickly listened to, but when most of the disaster has passed, then they will sooner listen. Therefore, he begins to speak again when all hope of salvation has disappeared; then he predicts good things. “On the fourteenth night,” says (the writer), “fearing... they waited for the day.” So that no one would say that nothing like that happened, he added these words, showing that it all happened. And their fear proves that it was: they prayed, he says, “they waited for the day, fearing.” And the place was dangerous: it happened in the Adriatic Sea; and there was a long hunger: “today is the fourteenth day since you, while waiting, have been left without food, not tasting anything.” From everything it is clear that they were dying. That’s why he continues: “I ask you to take food: this will serve to preserve your life,” i.e. So that you do not die of hunger, take food. “And taking the bread,” says (the writer), “he thanked God.” 4. See how the gratitude given to them (God) for what happened not only strengthened them, but also encouraged them. “There were all of us on the ship,” he says, “two hundred and seventy-six souls.” Paul said about them: “Not one soul among you will perish.” It was necessary to have perfect confidence to say that they would be saved. “When they were full of food, they began to lighten the ship, throwing the wheat into the sea.” Do you see: they were only persuaded to take food, but they relied so much on Paul for everything that they threw away the wheat? However, they also take human measures (towards salvation), and Paul does not prevent this. “When the day came,” says (the writer), “they untied the rudders and raised a small sail to the wind, and held them to the shore.” The ship is destroyed during the day so that they do not die of fear, so that you too can see the fulfillment of the prophecy. “The soldiers agreed to kill the prisoners.” You see, they owe their gratitude to Paul for this too. For him, the centurion did not allow them to kill the prisoners. It seems to me that there were notorious villains here, if (the warriors) intended to kill them; but since they were restrained from fulfilling their intention, this did not happen, but some of them swam, others were carried on boards, and thus everyone was saved and the prophecy was fulfilled, although not extraordinary in time, because Paul predicted this not several years earlier, but in the most natural course of things. When there was no longer any hope left, then, having received salvation, they knew who Paul was. But, someone will say, why was the ship not saved? So that they know what danger they avoided, and how all this was not a matter of human help, but of the right hand of God, saving even without a ship. So the righteous, even if they are exposed to a storm, even if they are in the middle of the sea or the abyss, do not suffer any disaster, but save others along with them. If the prisoners were saved from a ship that was in danger and wrecked through Paul, then imagine what it means to have a holy man in your home. Many storms befall us, and much more severe than those (at sea); but God can save us too, if only we obey the saints, like those (Paul’s companions), if we do what they command. And they were saved not just, but when they brought their faith. A saint, even if he was a prisoner, does more than non-prisoners. And look what happened here: the unbound centurion needed the bound one (Paul); a skilled helmsman received help from a non-helmsman, or better yet, from a true helmsman. After all, Paul did not rule such a boat, but the church of the universe, having been taught from the Lord of the Sea himself not human art, but spiritual wisdom. With this ship there are also many wrecks, a lot of troubles, spirits of wickedness, “attacks without, fears within” (2 Cor. 7:5). Therefore, he truly was the helmsman. Look at our whole life: isn’t it like that? Now we take advantage of God’s mercy, now we experience a storm, now through our own foolishness, now through negligence we are exposed to countless disasters, especially because we do not listen to Paul, we rush to go where he does not command. So, he is now sailing with us, only not in chains, as then; and now he inspires and says to those sailing on this sea: “Take heed to yourselves... after I am gone, fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:28–29); and again: “Know this that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unfriendly” (2 Timothy 3:1-2). This is the most dangerous of all storms. 5. Let us abide where he commands, in faith, that safe haven; Let us listen to him more than to our helmsman, i.e. mind; Let us do not what this pilot suggests, but what Paul, who went through thousands of storms, suggests. Let us not expect edification from experience, but rather avoid grief and harm before experience. Listen to what he says: “those who desire to get rich fall into temptation” (1 Tim. 6:9). Let us believe him: you see what those who did not believe him suffered. In another place, he suggests what kind of shipwrecks there are: “some,” he says, “having rejected, suffered shipwreck in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:19): “continue in what you have been taught and what has been entrusted to you, knowing by whom you were taught” (2 Tim. 3:14). Let us obey Paul; By listening to him, we, even if we were exposed to a storm, will certainly get rid of danger, even if we remained without food for fourteen days, even if we lost the hope of salvation, even if we were surrounded by complete darkness, we will get rid of dangers. Let's imagine that the whole universe is a ship; in it there are criminals who have committed many evils, there are rulers and guards, there are righteous people like Paul, and prisoners bound by sins. If we obey Paul, we will not perish in bonds, but we will be freed from them: God will entrust us to him too. Don’t you think sins and passions are heavy bonds? They bind not only the hands, but the whole person. Tell me, in fact, when someone, having collected a lot of property, does not spend it and does not use it for business, but keeps it for himself, is he not bound worse than any prisoner by the indissoluble bonds of greed? Also, whoever surrenders himself to fate, is he not also bound by bonds of a different kind? Also, when they believe in omens or magic signs, when they indulge in unreasonable lust and voluptuousness, is this not worse than any bond? Who will break these bonds of ours? God's help is needed to break them apart. And one of these things could put us in danger; and when the bonds and the storm are together, then imagine how many dangers there are. Truly, what cannot destroy us? Famine, storm, anger of companions, unfavorable times? But the glorious Paul resisted all this. So we too will have fellowship with the saints, and will not endure a storm, or better yet, when a storm happens, we will have peace, silence and safety. That widow was in friendship with the saint, and her son was delivered from death, and she again received her son alive (2 Kings 4). Where the feet of the saints tread, there will be nothing regrettable; and if this happens, it will be for testing and for the greater glory of God. Let their feet often trample the platform of your house, and the devil will not enter it. That's true. Just as where there is incense, stench does not exist, so where there is the ointment of holiness, the demon cannot exist; there is the joy of those present, pleasure and spiritual pleasure. Where there are thorns, there are wild animals; and where there is hospitality, there are no thorns: the mercy shown is sharper than any sickle, stronger than any fire, it destroys thorns. Don't be afraid; The devil fears the traces of saints, like foxes fear lions. “The righteous,” says (the Wise), “is bold like a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). Let us bring these lions into our house and all the animals will flee, although they will not cry loudly, but speak simply. The roar of a lion does not put wild animals to flight, just as the prayer of a righteous man drives away demons: as soon as he uttered the word, they disappeared. Where do you say these men are? Everywhere, if we believe, if we search, if we strive. Where did you look for them, tell me? When did you do this business? When did you care about this? If you are not looking, then do not be surprised that you do not find, because “he who seeks finds” (Matthew 7:8), and not he who does not seek. Listen to those who live in the deserts; bring gold and silver there; they are all over the universe. If you do not accept a saint in your home, go to him yourself, stay with him, visit his home to find him and receive a blessing from him. A great thing is the blessing of the saints! Let us try to receive it, so that, with the help of their prayers, we may be worthy of mercy from God who strengthens them, by the grace and love of His Only Begotten Son, with whom to the Father with the Holy Spirit be glory, power, honor, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. These conversations were delivered by the saint in Constantinople in 400 or 401. The paragraphs in the text were arranged by us – Editorial staff of “ABC of Faith” You might be interested in: