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 .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 27:12-20
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.