12 and the haven being incommodious to winter in, the more part gave counsel to sail thence also, if by any means they might be able, having attained to Phenice, 'there' to winter, 'which is' a haven of Crete, looking to the south-west and north-west,
13 and a south wind blowing softly, having thought they had obtained 'their' purpose, having lifted anchor, they sailed close by Crete, 14 and not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, that is called Euroclydon, 15 and the ship being caught, and not being able to bear up against the wind, having given 'her' up, we were borne on, 16 and having run under a certain little isle, called Clauda, we were hardly able to become masters of the boat, 17 which having taken up, they were using helps, undergirding the ship, and fearing lest they may fall on the quicksand, having let down the mast—so were borne on. 18 And we, being exceedingly tempest-tossed, the succeeding 'day' they were making a clearing, 19 and on the third 'day' with our own hands the tackling of the ship we cast out, 20 and neither sun nor stars appearing for more days, and not a little tempest lying upon us, thenceforth all hope was taken away of our being saved.
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.