Sailing against the Wind

Acts 27:1-20

Paul, after being in Caesarea for two years, appeals to Caesar to avoid danger in Jerusalem. Festus arranges for his journey to Rome.

Purpose of the journey: to witness to Gentiles, Caesar, and the Roman Empire, establishing the Christian Church in Rome.

In Acts 25–26, Paul defends himself before Festus and King Agrippa, almost persuading Agrippa.

Luke, Aristarchus, and other companions travel with Paul, providing support through hardships. Timothy is notably absent, possibly on another mission.

Paul travels via several ports, changing from a coastal ship to an Alexandrian grain ship bound for Italy. The ship carried 276 people and was heavily affected by adverse winds.

Sailing in late September/early October was dangerous; Paul warned of disaster, but the centurion trusted the ship’s crew instead.

A violent storm (“Euroclydon”) drives the ship south; the crew undergirds the vessel, discards cargo, and struggles to avoid sandbars.

After many days of darkness and tempest, hope of survival fades.

The account in Acts 27 is detailed and matches known ancient sailing practices, indicating eyewitness accuracy.

Spiritual lessons: God provides people to support us in trials; the Holy Spirit sustains us through struggles; trust God’s timing and actions during life’s storms.