271 When it was decided that we would sail for Italy , they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius . 2 And embarking in an Adramyttian ship , which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of Asia , we put out to sea accompanied e by Aristarchus , a Macedonian of Thessalonica . 3 The next day we put in at Sidon ; and Julius treated Paul with consideration and allowed him to go to his friends and receive care . 4 From there we put out to sea and sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were contrary . 5 When we had sailed through the sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia , we landed at Myra in Lycia . 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy , and he put us aboard it. 7 When we had sailed slowly for a good many days , and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus , since the wind did not permit us to go farther , we sailed under the shelter of Crete , off Salmone ; 8 and with difficulty sailing past it we came to a place called Fair Havens , near which was the city of Lasea . 9 When considerable time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous , since even the fast was already over , Paul began to admonish them, 10 and said to them, "Men , I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with damage and great loss , not only of the cargo and the ship , but also of our lives ." 11 But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul .
12 Because the harbor was not suitable for wintering , the majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there , if somehow they could reach Phoenix , a harbor of Crete , facing southwest and northwest , and spend the winter there.
13 When a moderate south wind came up, supposing that they had attained their purpose , they weighed anchor and began sailing along Crete , close inshore. 14 But before e very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind , called Euraquilo ; 15 and when the ship was caught in it and could not face the wind , we gave way to it and let ourselves be driven along. 16 Running under the shelter of a small island called Clauda , we were scarcely able to get the ship's boat under control . 17 After they had hoisted it up, they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship ; and fearing that they might run aground on the shallows of Syrtis , they let down the sea anchor and in this way let themselves be driven along. 18 The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed , they began to jettison the cargo ; 19 and on the third day they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands . 20 Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days , and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned .
21 When they had gone a long time without food , then Paul stood up in their midst and said , " Men , you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss . 22 "Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage , for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship . 23 "For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24 saying , 'Do not be afraid , Paul ; you must stand before Caesar ; and behold , God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.' 25 "Therefore , keep up your courage , men , for I believe God that it will turn out exactly e e as I have been told . 26 "But we must run aground on a certain island ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 27:1-26
Commentary on Acts 27:1-11
(Read Acts 27:1-11)
It was determined by the counsel of God, before it was determined by the counsel of Festus, that Paul should go to Rome; for God had work for him to do there. The course they steered, and the places they touched at, are here set down. And God here encourages those who suffer for him, to trust in him; for he can put it into the hearts of those to befriend them, from whom they least expect it. Sailors must make the best of the wind: and so must we all in our passage over the ocean of this world. When the winds are contrary, yet we must be getting forward as well as we can. Many who are not driven backward by cross providences, do not get forward by favourable providences. And many real Christians complain as to the concerns of their souls, that they have much ado to keep their ground. Every fair haven is not a safe haven. Many show respect to good ministers, who will not take their advice. But the event will convince sinners of the vanity of their hopes, and the folly of their conduct.
Commentary on Acts 27:12-20
(Read Acts 27:12-20)
Those who launch forth on the ocean of this world, with a fair gale, know not what storms they may meet with; and therefore must not easily take it for granted that they have obtained their purpose. Let us never expect to be quite safe till we enter heaven. They saw neither sun nor stars for many days. Thus melancholy sometimes is the condition of the people of God as to their spiritual matters; they walk in darkness, and have no light. See what the wealth of this world is: though coveted as a blessing, the time may come when it will be a burden; not only too heavy to be carried safely, but heavy enough to sink him that has it. The children of this world can be prodigal of their goods for the saving their lives, yet are sparing of them in works of piety and charity, and in suffering for Christ. Any man will rather make shipwreck of his goods than of his life; but many rather make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, than of their goods. The means the sailors used did not succeed; but when sinners give up all hope of saving themselves, they are prepared to understand God's word, and to trust in his mercy through Jesus Christ.
Commentary on Acts 27:21-29
(Read Acts 27:21-29)
They did not hearken to the apostle when he warned them of their danger; yet if they acknowledge their folly, and repent of it, he will speak comfort and relief to them when in danger. Most people bring themselves into trouble, because they do not know when they are well off; they come to harm and loss by aiming to mend their condition, often against advice. Observe the solemn profession Paul made of relation to God. No storms or tempests can hinder God's favour to his people, for he is a Help always at hand. It is a comfort to the faithful servants of God when in difficulties, that as long as the Lord has any work for them to do, their lives shall be prolonged. If Paul had thrust himself needlessly into bad company, he might justly have been cast away with them; but God calling him into it, they are preserved with him. They are given thee; there is no greater satisfaction to a good man than to know he is a public blessing. He comforts them with the same comforts wherewith he himself was comforted. God is ever faithful, therefore let all who have an interest in his promises be ever cheerful. As, with God, saying and doing are not two things, believing and enjoying should not be so with us. Hope is an anchor of the soul, sure and stedfast, entering into that within the veil. Let those who are in spiritual darkness hold fast by that, and think not of putting to sea again, but abide by Christ, and wait till the day break, and the shadows flee away.