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From this passage we learn —

I. THAT A SPECIAL COMMUNICATION FROM HEAVEN IS AMONGST THE SUREST FOUNDATIONS FOR FAITH (vers. 23, 24). Of that communication we may remark —

1. That it comes to man in his greatest extremity. They had tried many plans of escape, and all had proved vain. It was when intellect had done all it could that Christ came.

2. That it is adapted to all men's spiritual wants. The communication made to Paul was suited to the circumstances, and told them what they must do to be saved. The Divine message to man is adapted to all the moral necessities of our nature, and makes known a salvation for lost humanity.

3. That its Divine origin is most evident. The apostle knew that it was no dream — no fancy of a heated imagination, but a true and indubitable revelation of the Divine will. The Christian has the evidence of his own consciousness, of the power and efficiency of the gospel of the ever-blessed God.

II. THAT THE CHARACTER OF GOD INSPIRES THE BELIEVER WITH CONFIDENCE IN HIS WORD. Paul was on the shattered deck of a sinking ship, and yet felt confident of safety. God had said they should be saved if they obeyed His will, and that was enough for Paul. There is the same reason for the Christian's confidence now; because —

1. What God says He wills. God's Word assures us that it is His will that all who obey the gospel shall be saved. "This is the will of Him that sent me," etc.

2. He is able to do what He promises. God was greater here than the storm. There are mighty obstacles in the way of men's salvation; but "Christ is able to save to the uttermost."

3. His mind is unchangeable. Paul felt that he had to do with the word of One whose purposes were not vacillating. The purposes of God, made known to us for our salvation, are those of One "with whom there is no variableness neither the shadow of turning."

III. THAT THE VALUE OF FAITH IS BEST SEEN IN DIFFICULT AND TRYING CIRCUMSTANCES. What a difference there was between Paul and those around him! The value of faith appears —

1. In the calmness of mind it produces. The seamen, used as they were to plough the deep, were terrified; the soldiers paralysed with fear. Not so Paul. Faith gives peace to the soul amidst the wildest storms.

2. In the final safety it ensures. Had that vessel gone down with all on board, Paul would still have been safe.

3. In the honour it puts upon God. "I believe God," etc. He was a noble witness for God amidst those godless beings. When the Christian is "strong in faith," then does he most effectually "give glory to God."

IV. THAT THE POSSESSOR OF CHRISTIAN FAITH MAY BE A GREAT BLESSING TO OTHERS.

1. By directing their thoughts to God. "I believe God."

2. By enabling him to cheer the downcast. "Be of good cheer."

3. By effecting their salvation.

(S. A. Browning.)

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KJV: Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

WEB: Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me.