Acts 27a winds of circumstance

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March 6, 2013

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Acts 27 1 And when it was determined that we

should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and

certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a

centurion of Augustus' band. 2 And entering into a

ship of Adramyttium (its home port), we launched,

meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristar-

chus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

Luke was with Paul on this journey.

Aristarchus evidently accompanied Paul to be his

helper. Aristarchus stayed with Paul during his

Roman incarceration.The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.

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Bible Knowledge Commentary

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3 And the next day we

touched at Sidon. And Julius

courteously entreated Paul,

and gave him liberty to go

unto his friends to refresh

himself. 4 And when we had

launched from thence, we

sailed under (the lee or

protection of) Cyprus,

because the winds were

contrary.

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5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia

and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexan-

dria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. 7 And

when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce

were come over against Cnidus, the wind not

suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against

Salmone;

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8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is

called The Fair Havens; nigh whereunto was the

city of Lasea. 9 Now when much time was spent,

and when sailing was now dangerous, because The

Fast was now already past,

The Fast referred to here was probably the Day of

Atonement which occurred in late September to

early October. After that time of year the unsettled

weather patterns over the Mediterranean Sea made

sailing hazardous. In those days sea traffic ceased

by early November.The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.

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9b Paul admonished them, 10 And said unto them,

Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt

and much damage, not only of the lading and ship,

but also of our lives. 11 Nevertheless the centurion

believed the master and the owner of the ship,

more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

As a prisoner, we wouldn’t really expect Paul to be

in on any of the planning,

But he was an experienced traveler in that area, so

they let him speak, but didn’t heed.

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12 And because the haven was not commodious to

winter in, the more part advised to depart thence

also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice,

and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and

lieth toward the southwest and northwest.

They wanted a bigger city to spend the winter.

Better hotels, restaurants, and bars.

They risked their lives to have it.

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13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing

that they had obtained their purpose, loosing

thence, they sailed close by Crete. 14 But not long

after there arose against it a tempestuous wind,

called Euroclydon.

Too often we look at circumstances and think we

can do this or that, and it will be good.

But only God knows

the future.

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The man of God warned them not to sail, but they

sailed anyway, and sailed into trouble.

The centurion sailed because the master and owner

of the ship thought that they would be okay.

The majority wanted to sail because they could

perhaps find a more comfortable place to winter.

The winds of circumstance

can change so quickly.

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The majority of people are always looking

for pleasure and comfort above all else.

God’s Way is not always pleasant

to the flesh.

God’s Way is not always comfortable.

But God’s Way is always

right and blessed.