I Appeal To Caesar!

* * * * * Their final ship transports them to Tyre in Syria; a longer ocean voyage, but the days on board are well spent. The nine men make friends with the crew and passengers, and, of course, share the good news of Jesus Christ. Each evening they have a prayer and Scripture session in which they give their testimonies and Paul teaches. Everyone on the boat, of course, is invited, and both crew and passengers find the meetings enlightening and informative. The team leads their audience in rousing Scripture songs. Prayer is offered for the sick and several visitors make their decision to believe in Jesus the Christ. A day before arriving at Tyre, still in route, a tragic accident happens! One of the crew is aft, attempting to re- secure the anchor and chain fastened near the stern of the ship.

Without warning, the ship lurches, causing the heavy iron anchor to smash the sailor’s hand, crushing his fingers.

The man is wild with pain, and the captain and crew panic at the sight of one of their strongest men writhing on the deck. Luke the physician kneels by the man, trying to calm him and examine the smashed hand. “All right, Paul,” booms the ship’s captain, “You have told us how your God heals . . . here is your chance to prove your bold statements!”

Paul gives no response. Instead, he circles his eight associates around the terrified sailor who is twisting, turning