Acts 27:1-17
In order to prevent the spreading of the gospel, the Devil set men against Paul. Now he makes use of natural hindrances to obstruct his way.
Many Christians resemble the sailing ship: their walk depends on the way the wind blows. If it is the south wind which blows them gently along, all is well; they weigh anchor full of courage (v. 13). But if the wind turns to become contrary, they sail slowly, with difficulty; they are not able to go forward (vv. 7, 8) and they search here and there for human shelter against their difficulties (v. 4). In the end, when the stormy wind of a great trial arises, they cannot hold on and are forced to drift (v. 15). The steamer will keep to its course whatever the weather. Would that we, moved by an active and firm faith, could advance always thus towards our goal in spite of all the storms!
Even though he was kindly disposed towards his prisoner, the centurion trusted more in what the owner of the ship said than in Paul’s advice (v. 11). Do we not often put more trust in the advice and opinions of men, rather than the guidance of the Word and of the Holy Spirit? What great damage this does to us (v. 10)!