Paul's Shipwreck
Ilumi Kids · Stories
The apostle Paul was a prisoner on a large sailboat. He was traveling to a very distant city called Rome. The sun was shining and the wind was gentle; it seemed like a perfect trip.
Paul, who loved God very much, felt that something was wrong. He warned the captain, 'I feel this trip will be dangerous.' But the captain and the owner of the ship didn't listen and decided to continue.
Paul was traveling to Rome as a prisoner on a ship when a terrible storm lasted for many days. Everyone lost hope, but an angel told Paul that no one would die. Paul encouraged everyone to eat. The ship ran aground and broke apart, and all 276 people reached the island of Malta safely, where the islanders welcomed them with kindness.
Where it is in the Bible: Acts 27—28
God keeps his promises even in the middle of the storm.
After reading, use these questions to help your child remember and apply the story.
The apostle Paul was a prisoner on a large sailboat. He was traveling to a very distant city called Rome. The sun was shining and the wind was gentle; it seemed like a perfect trip.
Paul, who loved God very much, felt that something was wrong. He warned the captain, 'I feel this trip will be dangerous.' But the captain and the owner of the ship didn't listen and decided to continue.
Suddenly, a terrible wind began to blow with great force! Giant waves crashed against the ship, tossing it from side to side. The sky became so dark that for many days no one saw the sun or the stars.
Everyone on the ship was very scared. They thought all was lost and that the ship would sink. No one could even eat, they were so worried.
In the middle of the storm, Paul stood up and spoke bravely to everyone. He told them that an angel of God had appeared to him during the night. The angel brought a message of hope from heaven.
Paul told everyone not to lose faith and to eat something to regain their strength. He trusted that God would take care of each one of them.
Paul (relaying the angel's message): Don't be afraid! No one will lose their life, only the ship.
Finally, they saw land! But the ship got stuck on a sandbar, and the waves began to break it into pieces. The centurion, who was the chief of the soldiers, gave an important order.
He ordered everyone who knew how to swim to jump into the water first. The others were to hold onto planks and pieces of the ship. Everyone needed to try to reach the shore.
'...not one of you will lose a single hair from your head.' — Acts 27:34
And it happened exactly as God had promised! All 276 people on the ship reached the shore safe and sound. No one was hurt; it was a true miracle!
They discovered they were on an island called Malta. The islanders were very kind; they lit a large bonfire to warm them and took care of everyone. God protected Paul and everyone who was with him.
