Acts 27:22-24—“God hath given thee all them that sail with thee”

But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee (Acts 27:21-24).

 

COMMON GRACE ARGUMENT:

“God purposed that not just the elect among them, but that the lives of ALL who were in the ship would be saved ... Isn’t that a sign of a gracious favour and mercy of God towards all, including the reprobate (though non-saving in nature)?”

  

(I)

Robert C. Harbach (1914-1996)

[Source: Studies in the Book of Genesis (RFPA, 2001), p. 491]

[In] regard to the heathen on board ship with the apostle Paul who were saved with him from physical death, this is said to be a “common mercy” shown them. But then this “mercy” shown them in time exposes them in eternity to greater condemnation. God is then merciful to the finally impenitent in time, but in eternity His wrath abides on them. God’s mercy is “on,” then it is “off.” God changes. This view is an insult to the attributes of God.

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(II)

More to Come! (DV)