Thoughts on the book of Acts (191) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, 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. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. 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 south west and north west. 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. 15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. 16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: 17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, struck sail, and so were driven.
Acts 27:9-17

Thoughts on the book of Acts (191)
In Fair Havens they waited for more favourable winds, but in vain. The fast of the Jewish day of atonement in early October had passed; sailing was possible solely under difficult conditions until the middle of November, then the winter storms ruled out any continuation of the voyage.
Paul was not a sailor, yet intimately acquainted with the conditions of the Mediterranean. He suffered shipwreck three times, once drifting helplessly in the sea for 24 hours (cf. ). Therefore he warned urgently against the dangers of proceeding. As the representative of the state, the captain had the final decision; he laid more weight on the estimate of the ship-owner and the helmsman, who both advised sailing on to the port of Phoenix, also in Crete.
A light southerly wind was blowing that appeared to favour their intention. Soon, however, a terrific storm arose, seriously endangering both the ship and the crew.
(to be continued next Sunday)
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 6