Acts 27:9–12 (ESV)
Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.
Being after the fast (Yom Kippur—in early fall), it’s too late for safe sailing in the Mediterranean. Paul knows God wants him to go to Rome, but he knows Mediterranean fall weather too, so he announces, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” Since he’s a prisoner, his advice isn’t heeded. The majority decided to put out to sea.
They voted on this?! We cannot know if Paul even got a vote—his status as a prisoner was pretty low. So, not surprisingly, the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. They make the wrong call here, but it will all turn out providentially in the end.
This dialogue will play a role in what happens next, which is why it’s worth including in scripture.
When Paul said, “Sirs, I perceive …” he was speaking for himself. God hadn’t revealed this to him.
But God had revealed that he should go to Rome (and that he will get there). So why hesitate now? Is Paul having second thoughts about obeying God’s command to go to Rome?
Absolutely not. This is a great example of how Christians can be shrewd in obeying Christ. We need to be willing to take risks for the Lord, but not stupid ones. Paul took a lot of risks and made a lot of sacrifices, but this sailing is reckless.
This is one of the great challenges in following Christ—how to draw the line on taking risks. Some risks are just God’s wisdom trumping secular wisdom.
Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? — 1 Corinthians 1:20b (ESV)
But secular foolishness is still the model for what foolishness is.
One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. — Proverbs 14:16 (ESV)
The is way too deep a topic for a daily devotional, but the right balance comes from not being hasty—being careful and deliberative. Always check with what scripture says, and seek the advice of others.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. — Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. — Proverbs 12:15 (ESV)
