The Last Voyage of the Emir

by David Riley

  He yanked open the door and saw a flash of silver light quickly fading away. It appeared it had come from outside the window, and he had the odd impression it was the figurehead itself that had been glowing a moment before. He wiped his eyes and shook his head to clear it. Maybe he had dozed off while he was waiting and was still dreaming. Now, all he saw was Paul standing alone, head bowed, tears on his face with an expression of overwhelming contentment and peace now visible where before he had looked so discouraged.

  “Paul, are you ok?” he asked. “What happened?”

  Paul looked up, seemingly startled to see him standing there. “What? Oh, everything is just fine now. I know we will be safe.”

  Gaius looked at him dubiously. They both stumbled as a large wave poured over the railing drenching them. “How can you say that? What makes you so sure?”

  Paul looked at him smiling, seemingly oblivious to the danger of the storm now. “The angel of God told me.”

  “What are you talking about!? Did you bump your head? Are you delirious?”

  “No, I am sure of it.”

  Gaius was dumbfounded, not sure what to say. “Let’s take you to Dr. Luke. I think he needs to check on you.”

  Paul nodded in agreement. “Yes, I think I need to share this with him and Aristarchus. Let’s go there now, please.”

  Gaius grabbed Paul’s arm, now concerned that he had some problem with his head, and they made their treacherous way back to Luke’s quarters. Gaius was aware of the danger with each wave and was in a state of fear the whole way, but Paul was smiling and appeared content as if he did not notice the danger around them.

  Gaius pounded on Luke’s door and opened, not waiting for an answer.

  “What? What is it?” Luke cried out, startled by the sudden entrance. He saw Gaius and Paul and sat up. “Come in. What’s going on? Is everything ok? Did someone attack him again?” he asked alarmed.

  “No, nothing like that, but he is definitely not ok!” Gaius reported. “He claims to have spoken to angels. I’m afraid he is losing his mind!”

  Paul actually laughed at this. “Gaius, I am fine. I am not going crazy. But yes, I did speak with an angel just a few moments ago, and I truly needed the encouragement he brought!”

  Luke was now wide awake, and Temeros, who had not been able to sleep, heard this as well. Both were sitting up in bed. Aristarchus was also awake but lying down with his arm wrapped and resting across his chest. Luke stood and motioned to a chair. “Sit! I need to know what happened!”

  Paul sat and was quiet for a moment as he considered what had happened. Luke, Temeros, and Gaius waited in anticipation, as Aristarchus rolled over to listen as well.

  “After the attack, I found myself discouraged and losing hope,” he began. “I am ashamed to say I was doubting God’s goodness in spite of all He has done for me. I knew I was slipping into despair, and even while feeling the fear and hopelessness welling up in me, I knew God was good and that He had a plan. In my head, I knew whatever His plan was, it was for His glory and kingdom, but in my selfishness, I wanted to be relieved of my doubts and fears, for the storm to cease. Finally, after wrestling with this, I got up to relieve myself. While I was in the “head,” looking out the small window at the bow, I was praying. All of a sudden, I saw…” he paused considering how to describe what happened.

  “What? What did you see?” Luke prompted, eager for more information.

  “Well, I saw the face of the lady in the figurehead come alive!”

  The others gasped at this, and Gaius’ look of concern deepened.

  “I know it sounds strange. I know it was not really the figurehead but an angel sent from God. I was startled and fell back against the wall, but then she spoke. I did not understand the spoken words, but I know in my heart what she was saying, as clear as I am speaking to you. She told me not to be afraid. God knows our circumstances and has not left us alone in the storm. She spoke words of encouragement for my despair, reminding me that I belong to God and he is aware of my service.” As he spoke, Paul looked embarrassed to be saying this. “She rebuked my doubts, reminding me that God has ordained that we be on this ship at this time. His plan is for me to reach Rome and appear before Caesar. I confessed my fear that the storm was too much for the ship and that it had lasted for so many days, but she assured me that God has granted me the lives of all aboard.”

  At these words, the men in the room felt a great sense of hope return. All had been fearful, wondering when the ship would finally succumb to the waves leaving them to drown. Now with these words, and Paul’s absolute assurance of their truth, their faith was strengthened. Even Gaius felt peace for the first time in a few days.

  “Did she say anything else? How long the storm will continue, or when we will reach shore?” Temeros asked hopefully.

  “She did not tell me those specifics but she did tell me we will run aground on an island somewhere. And she again assured me that all will survive if we just trust God.”

  “Thanks be to God,” Luke said. “I am running low on supplies, and the sooner we reach land, the better. I am so glad to have reassurance that God will see us ashore. I hope there are not many injuries in the process! Master Paul, will you pray for us?”

  Paul led them in prayer, thanking God for the reassurance and encouragement of their sure salvation both bodily from the storm and spiritually from their sins.

  As they prepared to return to the hold for the remainder of the night, Gaius considered these events. He could see that Paul was not insane, and the others had no doubt that his story was true. Even his own doubts diminished as he observed Paul’s conviction that this was what really happened. He knew he had to talk to Julius about this since it involved the safety of the ship and those on board but decided there was no reason to wake him (although he doubted whether he was sleeping). He planned to go to him early in the morning, a few hours away. Knowing the fantastic nature of this tale, he decided it may be best to have Paul there to confirm the truth of the story.

  Before leaving the relative quiet of the room, he grasped Paul’s arm and, in a low voice, spoke to him. “Paul, I need to pass this information to Julius, and if he agrees, the captain will need to know this as well. I think you should be with me to relay your story to them directly. I will escort you to Julius early in the morning.”

  Paul nodded in affirmation. “Of course. I will be happy to speak to them.”

  They exited into the storm, which somehow seemed less menacing, though no less fierce, and made their way carefully below decks. Both of them felt more relaxed now, and after settling to the floor in the hold, they both dozed off quickly.

  Notes:

  9 See Romans 8:31ff.

  10 Romans 8:37

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Gaius slept more restfully than he had for several days and woke early in the morning to his own internal clock. He sat up, looking around the dark hold. He had dreamed of angels and solid ground and dry weather, and although the ship was still rocking wildly on the waves, and water was still dripping through the hatch from the rain-washed deck above, his heart was at peace. He found it strange he felt so assured by this fantastic story Paul had related. He seemed to be so far from where he started three weeks ago, not just in distance physically but spiritually as well. He shook his head with a smile, imagining what his father would think of him in this situation. Guarding prisoners and spending time with people who follow Jesus: two things his father would never in a million years condone.

  He got up and straightened his uniform as he made his way to where Paul was sleeping. He, too, appeared to be enjoying deep sleep unlike all of the other prisoners in the hold. The soldiers standing watch over the prisoners snapped to attention as he approached, and Gaius saluted as he made a quick inspection. He informed them that he was taking Paul to see Julius and they nodded in understanding. One of them went to where Paul slept and nudged him with the toe of his sandal, careful to not appear too rough under the watchful eye of
his commander.

  Paul woke quickly and sat up.

  “You are being summoned to see the centurion,” The soldier informed him. “Get up!”

  Paul complied, brushing the dirt off his damp robe. He had long ago grown weary of being constantly wet but was in a much better frame of mind to tolerate it today than before. External circumstances may not have changed, but communication with angels always seemed to have a positive effect on his outlook. He smiled slightly as he nodded a greeting to Gaius.

  “Good morning,” Gaius said. “Did anything else happen during the night?”

  “Well, I slept better than I have in days! But no more visions. I believe God has already given us His message for now.”

  “Fair enough. I have not talked to Julius yet. I think we need to speak to him first about your, um, vision. Then, he can decide if we need to talk to the Captain about it,” Gaius explained as they walked together.

  Julius had claimed a somewhat private space for himself in the hold. As they approached, they found him awake, a scowl on his unshaven face. He glanced up at their approach and nodded at Gaius’s salute. “What is it now?” he asked wearily.

  “Sorry to disturb you, Centurion,” Gaius said formally. “Something happened last night that I think you need to hear.” He motioned for Paul to step forward. “Tell him what you told us last night.”

  Paul cleared his throat. “I was given a message from God most high. He assured me that all on board will survive but that we will run aground on an island somewhere.”

  Julius stared at him slack-jawed for a moment as he processed this straightforward declaration. He shook his head briefly and then looked at Gaius to see if this was some sort of joke, but Gaius surprisingly showed every sign of believing this tale. “Uh, ok, um.” He paused considering his response. “When did this happen?”

  Paul showed no hesitation or embarrassment with this tale. “During the night. I had gone up on deck to relieve myself, accompanied by Gaius.”

  Julius turned to Gaius. “Did you see this happen? Did you also talk to God?” he asked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

  Gaius dropped his gaze briefly, feeling more doubt now than before this conversation started. “No sir, but I heard more than one voice through the door of the “head.” There was a bright light shining under the door, and I am sure it was not lightning playing tricks on me. When I opened the door to check on Paul, I caught a glimpse of the light fading quickly through the little porthole. Julius, I know it sounds incredible, but I felt I had to bring this to you. You know of Paul’s reputation for signs and wonders and miraculous doings before he was imprisoned.” Julius nodded as he considered the truth of these words. “I admit I thought he had lost his sanity when he told me what happened. I took him to the doctor, Luke, to be checked out. I was surprised that all three of the men there had no doubt this really happened.”

  “Three?” Julius asked, trying to hide his interest in this tall tale. He had known Gaius to be as skeptical as he was, and for him to believe a story such as this deserved his consideration.

  “There was Dr. Luke, his apprentice, and then the other prisoner that was injured in the attack last evening. All three seem to be followers of Jesus and they truly believe what Paul says happened. All of them can’t be insane, can they?” Gaius had become more excited and hopeful as he recounted what happened.

  “So do you know any details? Did God tell you when we will run aground? Or where we are?”

  “No, I’m afraid not,” Paul answered. “Sometimes God does not give us all of the details, but in all of my years of serving Him, his word has never been shown to be false. I believe it will be soon, but I don’t know when or where.”

  Julius considered this thoughtfully as he studied Paul. “Well, you were correct when you said we should stay at Fair Havens. I think you even told us if we tried to go to the next port, it would end in disaster and much loss. Maybe you can foretell the future.”

  Paul shook his head, “No, that is not the case. I claim no magical ability. I am not a fortune-teller. I am a servant of God, and He is merciful enough in our distress to give us a word of encouragement through His message to me. It has nothing to do with me and is all from Him.”

  Julius observed him silently for a moment and then seemed to come to a decision. Pushing himself up from the deck, he said “Well, regardless, this impacts all of us as well as the ship. I think we should go talk to Captain Sahaq. Maybe he will know where this island is that you referred to.”

  The three men climbed up to the deck. The wind and rain continued unabated, and they braced against the heaving of the deck now without much thought. The last fourteen days of the storm had given them plenty of time to adapt to the constantly changing footing. They supported each other as they held onto the lifelines strung out across the deck. They made unsteady progress to the captain’s quarters aft. When they arrived, Julius pounded firmly on the wooden door.

  “What is it?! What do you want?” was the grumpy reply from inside.

  “It’s Julius, the centurion. I have some information I think you need to hear!” Julius called out loud enough to be heard over the wind and rain.

  “Come in, then.”

  They opened the door and hurried into the relative shelter of the cabin, hastily closing the door against the wind and rain. They turned to see Captain Sahaq sitting at his table with Rayiz. Both men were unshaven, with bags under their eyes and scowls on their faces that had become permanent. They sat with their elbows on the table, shoulders slumped. They looked up at the three men.

  “Oof, there’s a whole group of you!” the captain exclaimed. “Well, out with it. What do you want?”

  Julius paused. Now that he was faced with relaying this fantastic story, he was hesitant. But he took a deep breath and plunged ahead.

  “Gaius and the prisoner Paul came to me this morning with some, uh, information that I think you need to hear. It will sound strange and maybe even crazy but please hear him before passing judgment.”

  Captain Sahaq and Rayiz looked at each other with raised eyebrows and then turned to the men with wary, skeptical expressions.

  “Ok. Lets’ get this over with. What do you have to tell me?” the captain said gruffly.

  Julius and Gaius gestured to Paul to tell his story.

  “Gentlemen, we have been caught in this storm for fourteen days now. I had told you before we left Fair Havens that we should remain there instead of leaving for Phoenix, and I told you we would meet disaster if we left. I wish you had listened to me!” Paul said in the oratorical style he had developed over the past few years of preaching.

  The Captain’s countenance darkened at these words. He took a breath and was about to speak when Paul continued.

  “However, I tell you now to take courage! There will be no loss of life but only the ship.”

  He definitely had their attention now. Captain Sahaq and Rayiz both stood to their feet, their eyes blazing.

  “What do you mean by this?” Rayiz demanded. “How can you know such a thing?”

  “All of us have been in fear of our lives, even me. Days without sun or food or hope have brought us despair. Last night, as I was crying out to God for rescue, an Angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me. He said ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar. But God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So I tell you, Captain, to take heart! I believe God that it will be just as I was told! However, we must run aground on some island.”

  The Captain and his first officer were silent for a moment, dumbfounded.

  Captain Sahaq found his voice. “You come to me speaking of Angels and God speaking to you, telling me we will run aground somewhere! How am I supposed to believe that? Did God tell you where we are or when this will happen?”

  “No,” Paul said. “But as I told these soldiers, God has never been wrong in all of my years of serving Him.”

  Julius cleared his throat. “Capt
ain, I know this is an amazing story, and I too had trouble believing it, but keep in mind sir. Paul was accurate in predicting our current troubles. And in addition to that, he has traveled around Greece and the eastern Empire preaching. Everywhere he goes, there are stories of the incredible deeds he has done. There are witnesses to these deeds that are credible beyond reproach. Whether you believe in his God or not, I believe we cannot ignore this. Since it involves the safety of the ship and running aground, I needed to bring this to you.”

  Rayiz and the Captain considered this. They could not deny the truth of what Julius had said. The fact that a Roman centurion and his first officer were here bearing witness to what their prisoner had to say was, in itself, reason to consider this information rather than dismissing it out of hand. They settled back to their seats at the table, contemplating what they had heard.

  “Let’s say this is true,” Captain Sahaq began. “And I’m not saying I believe it all, mind you!! But let’s pretend it is true. We have been in this storm for fourteen days now, no landmarks and no way to navigate. And even if we knew where we were, there is no way we can direct our ship even if we saw an island. If we are to run aground somewhere, then I would have to believe this God of yours must be real because no man on earth can say with certainty what you have told me.”

  Gaius spoke up for the first time. “But captain, are there any islands in this area of the sea that you know of?” he asked hopefully.

  Both sailors shook their head. “No. After we passed Cauda on the first day of the storm, the rest of the sea is empty. If we go too far south, we may run aground on the Syrtis sands, but we passed the eye of the storm yesterday to our port side. The winds would be blowing us more to the north and west now. Maybe we are getting close to Italy but we have no idea. We are at the mercy of the sea gods, hoping to find any port anywhere. Is your God greater than the storm and the sea?” The captain’s question to Paul was said in defiance, but there was also a pleading, hopeful expression on his face.