Acts 27: 9-11 and 21-25

Even when we fail to listen to Holy Spirit, if it is done in ignorance and not willful disobedience, God will provide a way out. He will work everything out for our good and for His plan for our life.

We can do the right thing for the wrong reasons. The wrong thing for the right reasons. Or God’s way…the right thing for the right reason!!

All things work for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

Acts 27: 9-11

9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul.

27:21-25

21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.

The Greek text here refers to a fast that would have occurred on the Day of Atonement, which falls in September or October. This would be near the end of the usual shipping season, when travel on the Mediterranean became too hazardous to attempt. Paul had said the conditions could result in the loss of life, but God has now revealed to him that no one will die. Faithlife Bible.

Paul had been at sea many times before. He had been shipwrecked at least two other times, so he had some basis for what he was saying. However, his counsel was rejected. Because Fair Havens was a little town, the sailors decided to try to reach Phoenix, the major port on the west side of Crete, some 60 miles away. It could be that the owner of the ship wanted to get his grain to a larger port so that he could sell it. Furthermore Julius, the centurion in charge, probably wanted a better place to winter his men. In other words, greed and the desire for comfort may have gotten in the way of good sense.

Paul had been given absolute assurance by the all-powerful and all-knowing God that no one would be lost on the ship. Paul warned that if the sailors were successful in escaping from the ship, the Roman soldiers would lose their lives. Because of Paul’s comments, the soldiers stopped the sailors from leaving the ship and everyone made it ashore alive. God fulfilled His purpose and promise through the warnings of Paul and the choices of the soldiers. NKJ Bible.