The Storm At Sea
THE STORM AT SEA
ACTS 27:13-32
Sometimes we must trust God’s promises even though we can’t see how they’re going to work out.
Verses 13-20. The sailors were deceived into thinking that a gentle southerly wind was a good augury (27:13). The ship put out from Fair Havens and coasted along the shore of Crete, only suddenly to be struck by the fearsome Euraquilo—a fierce north-easterly gale which, sweeping down from Mount Ida in Crete, quickly had the vessel out of control (27:15). The danger was that the strong waves would overwhelm the ship or smash her structure (hence the measure which was taken of undergirding the ship, 27:17); or else she would be driven helplessly on to the Syrtis, a dreadful whirlpool and quicksands off the North African coast.
27:21-26. Paul’s commanding position is evident. Not for the first time he had faced the perils of the storm (2 Corinthians 11:26); and out of his past experience and present faith he speaks words of: (a) cheer (27:22); (b) explanation, giving grounds for his confidence and courage (27:23); and (c) testimony (27:25). One man’s presence and faith made all the difference.
27:27-32. After two weeks of drifting at the mercy of the elements, the first signs were recognized that Paul’s promise (27:26) was true. The sailors sensed that they were nearing shore as they took soundings (27:28) and possibly heard the sound of breakers on the shore. Anchors were dropped to brake the vessel (27:29) and Paul again showed his leadership in preventing a party of sailors from saving their own skins at the expense of the rest (27:30-32).
Notes 27:17: the measures included passing a cable round the ship several times, pulling it taut, to ease the strain and prevent the timbers working loose and the seams opening (Findlay). 27:18: as in the scene of Jonah 1:5. 27:21: perhaps the food was sodden—or the mariners were seasick! Paul’s remarks are a mild “I told you so.” 27:24: cf. Genesis 18:26 for the principle that good men protect the community (Genesis 19:22).