The Prow Stuck Fast — by Keith Petersen

 “The prow having stuck itself fast remained unmoved”

August 2020    It has been a concern for quite some years that a number of important, fundamental Biblical values and precepts concerning the very foundation of Christianity are being either discounted by some true, believing Christians—or, worse yet, practically set aside.  This concern has recently been heightened due to certain conversations with particular Christians.  We must take the Scriptures as one whole—the inspired Word of God—if we commence, even in degree, to pick and choose what can stay and what can be set aside, we, in principle, are eroding the validity of the Bible itself  as established by Divine Persons for our instruction.  This dismissive thinking seems to be largely as a result of prior abuse and misuse of the same or similar scriptures.  Perhaps, at least some of this activity is being conducted more unknowingly than being a determined assault on Scriptural values; however, the end result of devaluing aspects of God’s Word is the same.

The heading above is from Acts 27:41, and in this latter part of the Book of Acts we see the apostle Paul in captivity and on his way to Rome to face Caesar.  Prior, he had been making his way to Jerusalem and was even prepared to lose his life in what could be referred to as a last-hour attempt to convince his Jewish brethren that Jesus Christ was the Messiah. 

Although activated by his natural affection for his Jewish brethren by birth (see Romans 9:1-3), with his focus on Jerusalem Paul was at that time, speaking carefully, actually moving contrary to the thrust of his service in our dispensation.  The Lord had distinctly told this great servant at the outset of his appointment as the apostle to the nations (Romans 11:13 and 2 Timothy 1:11) that the Jews, as a nation, would not hear him—"Make haste and go quickly out of Jerusalem, for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me” (Acts 22:18). 

We are reminded in this part of his history that Paul, arguably the greatest servant in Scripture after the Lord Himself, and clearly motivated by affection for his Jewish brethren, through this deflection opened the door to Satan’s heightened attention.  By the time that Paul had reached Jerusalem on this journey, it is clear that not only were Satan’s forces being arrayed against him; but, it was only the Lord’s intervention that saved him from being killed out of hand by a mob (Acts 21:31-36).

Paul is shown to be the great architect of the assembly—"According to the grace of God which has been given to me, as a wise architect, I have laid the foundation” (1 Corinthians 3:10).  This was, then, a work of the greatest possible importance.  In his desire to go to preach at this time in Jerusalem he was ready to give up his life for the Jewish nation—"we and those of the place besought [him] not to go up to Jerusalem.  But Paul answered, What do ye, weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:12-13).  Yet, the Lord had in mind that Paul still had four more, necessary epistles to write (Philippians, Colossians, Philemon and, perhaps most importantly, Ephesians).  These were vital epistles and Satan, in trying to silence Paul, would have effectively (speaking intelligently) forestalled what was to become centuries of critical, foundational Biblical Christian teaching.

It is of all importance that we understand as Christians that God’s greatest thoughts are connected with the assembly.  We see in Revelation 21 that the Church is used in the display of God’s glory in His universe:  “And he carried me away in [the] Spirit, [and set me] on a great and high mountain, and shewed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of the heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her shining [was] like a most precious stone, as a crystal-like jasper stone …. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”

Paul’s ministry is critical to our full and proper understanding of Christianity—he has the distinctive place, as mentioned (of course, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit), of being the chief architect of the assembly/Church.  It is important, also, to recognize that the Church is a living entity, if we can use this phrase, as it is not only the Body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-13); but, it is, also, “a habitation of God in [the] Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).  This living side is vital—my Dad used to say that Christianity is not an effete system—by which he meant that we have to do not only with a living God but with other Christians and, ultimately, with men at large.  God’s Church/assembly is not a place, per se, it is not man-made, it is not a national religion, it is not derived from natural, human intellect—it is a living entity composed of Christians from all parts of the globe and all walks of life who, as “living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). 

As with any system or organism—or, relationship—there is in Christianity a God-given design which involves organization and maintenance.  The many corrective epistles of Paul (who wrote about 50% of the New Testament) all speak to these realities.  God has not, speaking reverently, handed off the Church to men and said, “You work it out the way you see fit.”  Rather, the Bible is explicit—the Church has a heavenly calling (already shown in the prior quote from Ephesians 2:6), the Church is composed of many members (1 Corinthians 12) with varying abilities, each true Christian has been made a king and priest to God (Revelation 5:10), each is a Son of God (Galatians 4:6), each has become partaker of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) and each has the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). 

Much else could be said; but, having said the above, the next two, most important statements to be made are that (1) the Lord is the Head—i.e, He is governing His Body (the Church) just as the natural head governs the movements of the natural body and (2) the Holy Spirit has been sent to capacitate the true Christian so as to be able to fit into and move intelligently in what is a spiritual realm.  It is this latter guidance that enables us to apprehend and to fulfill what is in the mind of God.  If we grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) we are, at the least, upsetting the equilibrium, speaking intelligently, of our relationship with Divine Persons.  If we quench Him (1 Thessalonians 5:19) we have lost our moral guidance and are fully on the way to shipwreck as to faith (1 Timothy 1:19).

We can see from many scriptures—and, be especially helped by the many types presented in the Old Testament both as to the tabernacle system under Moses and, also, the house as built by Solomon—that there are inherent features to Christianity that God insists be maintained.  Holiness is one, and it is paramount—" but as he who has called you is holy, be ye also holy” (1 Peter 1:15).  Another, similar scripture says, “Pursue peace with all, and holiness, without which no one shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14), and here we see that peace, as well, is to be part of our Christian estate (see, also, Matthew 5:9).

Spirituality—clearly linked to holiness—is mandatory—" God [is] a spirit; and they who worship him must worship [him] in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).  We see, also, that this spirituality is derived, as already touched upon, from the indwelling presence and the guidance of the Holy Spirit (“the Spirit of truth, he shall guide you into all the truth”—John 16:13).  As an aside, we cannot ever complain that we lack spirituality due to some reticence on God’s part in His provision to us, as “God gives not the Spirit by measure” (John 3:34).  As our brother JT Taylor, Sr. has ably and sensibly stated (of course, said with all reverence), “Take advantage of the Holy Spirit” (i.e., His presence, power and service).

Much, much else could be stated in this section as to the nature of God’s Church; but, we would have to virtually reiterate Paul’s and the other apostles’ epistles to fully catalogue it all.  We can trust that the reader knows that the Church as held in God’s mind and presented in Scripture is to be a unique, holy, heavenly vessel that is to be, even while yet here on Earth, representative of, in calling and nature, God Himself—and, that the Lord as the Head is to govern His people, and the Holy Spirit provides the active power for the Christian.  Throughout, the natural mind of man is set aside.

In this section of the book of Acts—chapter 27—we see that the apostle Paul has become in spiritual command of the ship—"Paul then standing up in the midst of them said, Ye ought, O men, to have hearkened to me …. And now I exhort you to be of good courage, for there shall be no loss at all of life of [any] of you”—and we see that, subsequently, he broke bread and, finally, “thus it came to pass that all got safe to land.”  He is preeminent—on the island of Melita the viper coming out of the fire and seizing his hand had no effect, and he then healed the father of Publius the chief man of the island and, subsequently, all others who were sick (Acts 28).

How does this all relate to the shipwreck and the prow of the vessel sticking fast; but, the stern broken by the waves?  Prior to this, due to the tempest, those on the ship had cast first the cargo and then, subsequently, the ship’s furniture into the sea.

The relationship is this.  However much the turmoil, conflicts and divisions of this dispensation have been real and apparent (i.e., the storm in which Paul and all with him were caught)—however much the difficulties have been and are such that the baggage and even the furniture (representing the circumstances and events of the last almost two thousand years) might have had to be discarded, no matter how the Church has been hounded by Satan (the stern broken by the waves)—in short, no matter what are the past, current or future issues of Christians anywhere and everywhere in facing the storms and strifes of this life—“the firm foundation of God stands”. This is represented in the prow sticking fast in the direction in which it was headed.  This is Paul’s ministry to us all, as written to Timothy.

Satan tried to have Paul killed in Jerusalem (and, prior), the storm at sea could have caused him to perish, the viper seizing his hand would typically have been a death sentence (as evidenced by the reaction of the inhabitants of Melita)—and, when Paul arrived at Rome, Caesar himself might have at any moment decided to have Paul executed (“I was delivered out of the lion's mouth”—2 Timothy 4:17).  But, Paul and his pending ministry had to be preserved—and the Lord not only accomplished that; but, continues to guard the ministry of this “wise architect”.  The firm foundation of God stands.

This is not only a wonderful assurance of stability for any concerned soul in such days of breakdown and confusion as are extant everywhere today; but, it shows a clear provision by God Himself that such times would be coming and could be met by what He has designed in the assembly.  A foundation is of little use if nothing is built upon it, and the Lord showed clearly in Matthew 16 that, “on this rock I will build my assembly, and hades' gates shall not prevail against it.”  In connection with this we see in 1 Corinthians 3 that Paul writes, “But let each see how he builds upon it.  For other foundation can no man lay besides that which [is] laid, which is Jesus Christ.”  In 1 Peter 2 the apostle writes that, “the stone which the builders cast away as worthless, this is become head of [the] corner.”

We see, as just quoted, that the “sure foundation” is Christ Himself and all that He has provided in the rich ministry of Scripture.  Christians are called to build upon this great heritage—"But let each see how he builds upon it …. Now if any one build upon [this] foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, grass, straw, the work of each shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare [it], because it is revealed in fire; and the fire shall try the work of each what it is” (1 Corinthians 3).  But, if the individual and/or general attempts at building on the foundation of Paul’s Church ministry in this dispensation don’t stand when tested under the action of the fire—the power and authority of Paul’s ministry still persists.  The prow having stuck itself fast remains unmoved.

Why is this important today?  It is important because Satan is trying to undermine the value of this firm foundation of God.  How?  He is doing this by attempting to foster the notion that any number of scriptures relative to this subject have been so broken by the waves that they have less or little relativity today.  But, the prow is both stuck fast and is unmoved by the force of the waves.  Only the stern was broken—we live in broken, confused Christian times, and the history of this dispensation involves much that Satan has brought to bear to break Christianity down; but, the firm foundation stands.

When Paul wrote his second epistle to Timothy in which, in chapter 2 verse 19 this reassuring statement as to the permanency of God’s foundation is set out, it was in the context of breakdown in the early Church having already commenced—i.e., “all who are in Asia, of whom is Phygellus and Hermogenes, have turned away from me” (2 Timothy 1:15).  Think what this would have meant to the beloved apostle—all his much labor was already being assailed by Satan.

Think what it means to Divine Persons to have their words and precepts in Scripture devalued or modified in any way.  It is “the truth as it is in Jesus”—and, while God may allow declension, He is very watchful as to this.  We have to keep in mind that, in this same 2nd epistle to Timothy, the apostle Paul writes, “Every scripture [is] divinely inspired, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”  God is absolutely not going to allow His Word to be either reduced or displaced.

How is this fundamental teaching as to God’s foundation to be applied today in our many Christian circumstances in which, regularly, Christians find themselves in broken conditions and, frequently, in ever smaller gatherings?  We must remember, also, the admonition in Zechariah 4:10 which rhetorically asks, “For who hath despised the day of small things?”, and, keeping that in mind, we can follow through on Paul’s important teaching on this subject.  First, Paul writes, “Strive diligently to present thyself approved to God, a workman that has not to be ashamed, cutting in a straight line the word of truth.”  That is the backdrop, as it were, to our Christian path here.  Do we want to be an approved workman?  This can be quite a challenge—especially in view of our relationships with other Christians—i.e., we have to allow God’s word to have its way rather than to accommodate what can be natural considerations—even in respect to other ones we love (see Matthew 19:29). 

Paul then follows this by saying, “Let every one who names the name of [the] Lord withdraw from iniquity.”  What does this mean?  We have to be separate from what is wrong to be able to be in the gain of what is right.  This is even common sense.  A brother called Mr. JN Darby wrote a seminal work entitled “Separation from Evil:  God’s Principle of Unity” explaining this simple, Biblical precept—and, yet, he is being assailed today by many as if his paper is something unscriptural.  Worse yet, some even are going so far as to assign to him a personal blame, in particular, as having purportedly, somehow, instituted a strange line of teaching which helped lead to the gross evil of a yet-existent (as this paper is written in 2020) sect of  “Exclusive Brethren”, so-called.  It is a reality that there is much confusion and many errors in teaching everywhere in Christendom today; and, it is, also, a fact that this sect just named has most grievously twisted and misapplied any number of Bible verses to support their agenda—including a terrible skewing of the Biblical principle of separation to the end result that very families have been ripped apart.  But, that was never Mr. Darby’s teaching. 

It should also be said in passing—and, relative to our subject—that not only is there no warrant to such accusations against our brother JN Darby; but, there are other brothers—FER, CAC, JBS and JT, Sr. come to mind—that are also being accused by some of having continued and propagated what is viewed by them as an unscriptural and ill-favored line of teaching.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  It can readily be ascertained that, if these brother’s ministries are honestly read that, throughout—in character as well as in detail—they bespeak a clear refutation of such charges.  Having said this, there is no attempt to say that there was absolute perfection in any of their—or,any other—paths here (there was only One found in perfection); but, there cannot be found anywhere in their ministries any teaching that could be construed by any honest-minded Christian as propagating the type of evil as to which they are being accused.  This lst statement would, in particular, certainly apply to their treatment of the Biblical principle of separation from what is wrong.

If any think that, as true and believing Christians, we can pursue a righteous and proper Christian path here without separating from evil—such are being deluded.  This is a strong statement; but, true— “what participation [is there] between righteousness and lawlessness? or what fellowship of light with darkness? and what consent of Christ with Beliar ….. Wherefore come out from the midst of them, and be separated, saith [the] Lord, and touch not [what is] unclean, and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6).  We must notice that the reception by the Lord is based upon the disassociation of—the separation from—what is lawless.

It should be added that there are additional, important,  scriptures relative to the circumstances of separation.  These help us to understand that, as Christians, none just approaches another Christian(s) with the attitude of, “You’ve done wrong and I’m leaving.”  The tenor of the Bible’s teaching—from the very first pages of Genesis until the closing verses of Revelation—is that God is always seeking to recover mankind from sin and failure.  Christians are called upon to do the same, and we have many scriptures to that effect.  Matthew 18, for example, shows us in verses 15 – 20 that every attempt is to be made to adjust any particular sin.  In a similar way, James 5:19-20 says, “My brethren, if any one among you err from the truth, and one bring him back, let him know that he that brings back a sinner from [the] error of his way shall save a soul from death and shall cover a multitude of sins.”

Always, always, the attempt is to reconcile with other Christians (and, as a lateral reality, to keep peace with men in general—"if possible, as far as depends on you, living in peace with all men”—Romans 12:18) over matters that will negatively impact the integrity of God’s House.  However, if righteous admonitions are refused it then becomes apparent that evil is being acquiesced in and permitted.  At that point, 2 Timothy 2 provides a necessary, essential, Biblical groundwork for maintaining righteousness and holiness as is due to the House of God—the Christian simply separates from what is wrong.  We must be prepared to do this on an individual basis—this section under discussion in 2 Timothy 2 is written to the individual—”Let every one who names the name of [the] Lord withdraw from iniquity.” Why has the Holy Spirit written in this way with an emphasis on the individual? That is simple—we are in times in which much has been broken—we must be prepared to move on individual lines. Don’t look at the next Christian, don’t look to your wife, your relatives—YOU and I have to act on the basis of our fidelity for and our respect for the rights of the Lord! I think sometimes of the childhood Christian saying: “Dare to be a Daniel; dare to stand alone!”

The next step is to “pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart.”  We have to notice that “righteousness” is listed first.  I believe that it was Mr. Taylor, Sr. who well said that, viewed broadly and as shown here by being listed first, “righteousness is our leader”.  Of course, the characteristics enumerated in this verse are all shown as linked together—they should be—they are all Christian attributes.

What are we shown in this section of Scripture in 2nd Timothy as being the ultimate result of Paul’s teaching regarding this discussion of God’s firm foundation?  It includes this:  “If therefore one shall have purified himself from these, [in separating himself from them], he shall be a vessel to honour, sanctified, serviceable to the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21).  Here is a substantial teaching.  God is saying that, if a Christian has separated from what would constitute moral hindrances in their Christian path, they are then serviceable to the Master.  It must be said that, by simple extrapolation, the Christian not separate and not pursuing righteousness is not properly serviceable to God—no matter what they may presume.  God honors anything that is rightly done in this world by anyone—believer or unbeliever—but, that is not the same thing as being dependable in service to the Master. 

There are no gray areas in Christianity—the word of truth has to be cut in a straight line.  Hebrews 4:12 is definitive:  “For the word of God [is] living and operative, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and penetrating to [the] division of soul and spirit, both of joints and marrow, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of [the] heart.”  So to speak, one side of the cut is the truth; the other side is not.

It needs to be stated at this point that, as Christians here, “we all often offend” (James 3:2).  We are simply not found here as being perfect and flawless in our Christian path.  We should be perfect, of course, as God shows in Scripture that we are capacitated to be able to walk without sin (see, for example, 1 John 3:9 where it is said, “Whoever has been begotten of God does not practise sin, because his seed abides in him, and he cannot sin, because he has been begotten of God”). Amazing language.  However, we do fail because we allow the “old man” to raise his head and whisper to us as to some natural advantage or desire. 

But, it is clear that constitutionally we can be righteous.  This is critical to understand.  A man may at intervals get the flu or a cold; but, constitutionally be healthy.   In the same way, we need to be decided in heart and mind to serve God (“but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah”—Joshua 24:15) and, while we will err on the way, we can acknowledge our errors and infirmities (“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us [our] sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”—1 John 1:9).  The simple truth is that, if we “put off the old man with his deeds, and …. put on the new” (Colossians 3:9-10) we are capacitated to walk righteously here.  Ephesians 4:24 tells us this:  “put on the new man, which according to God is created in truthful righteousness and holiness.” We do fail, as said; but, God attaches no failure to the new man.

To recapitulate all the foregoing in what has become a bit of a lengthy paper—God is not abandoning His primary thoughts just because outwardly conditions bespeak broken and divided circumstances in Christendom today.  We must keep that thought intact and uppermost in mind and heart.  Satan is energetically seeking to devalue this vital truth.  Keep in mind that, while the stern of the ship was broken, the prow was stuck fast and unmoved (notice, “unmoved”—i.e., it didn’t move an iota).  Relative to this, “all got safe to land”—an assurance that this dispensation will close with every single one of the redeemed included on the “heavenly shore”.

God always ensures that His truths stand.  Jude says, “I have been obliged to write to you exhorting [you] to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints”.  How important this is—especially today with so many divisions and declensions throughout Christendom.  What an anchor the Scriptures are for the Christian soul that might be tossed about in any way by the wind and the waves of Christian conflict.  Included in this—and never more important than today—is the fact, as we’ve been emphasizing, that the great apostle Paul’s ministry concerning the Church is preserved and viable.  The sure foundation of God stands.  Last, and connected with this, we are always able to exclude and separate from what can be scripturally proven to be wrong and then, in reflex, pursue what is right with others who have done the same thing.  This provides a scriptural basis for right fellowship.  Many have left wrong conditions only to go into other wrong conditions—this is not fulfilling righteousness.

One of my most constant prayers to the Lord is that He helps us all to be stimulated to do what is right in our Christian circumstances here.  Being right simply means fulfilling righteousness in our path here.  The Name of the Lord is the standard—nothing is to be attached to His Name that would sully its value before God.  It is surely a great encouragement—and, carries with it a great peace—that “the sure foundation of God stands.”  Amen.