For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
Paul brings God Himself as witness and author of his promise, lest he seem rash. He had no fear of Satan's tricks because God gives His servants plain tokens and the Spirit of discernment to know true visions from false. Before these pagan men he openly names his God, so they see that his cause is approved from heaven.
AI summary
Paul stands forth among them not as a prisoner but as their counselor and comforter, rescuing them first from despair, for a man will starve himself in despair sooner than any storm can drown him. He assures them in God's name that all their lives shall be saved, and this word pulls them back from the grave when human hope is utterly gone.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 27:21-44
The angel was sent by God and appeared to Paul, likely while he prayed for deliverance in that dreadful storm. When Paul says whose I am and whom I serve, he speaks of God, not the angel. By election, redemption, and calling grace he belongs entirely to God; he serves the Gospel with diligence and faithfulness, constrained by love.
AI summary