The Book of Acts

The Storm at Sea

Acts 27:13-26 _NLT

“When a light wind began blowing from the south, the sailors thought they could make it. So they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete. But the weather changed abruptly, and a wind of typhoon strength (called a ‘northeaster’) burst across the island and blew us out to sea. The sailors couldn’t turn the ship into the wind, so they gave up and let it run before the gale.” (vv. 13-15)

            You may recall from my last post that Paul warned the captain and his crew about a storm they would be heading into should they continue on to Phoenix. He said to them “Men, I believe there is trouble ahead if we go on - shipwreck, loss of cargo, and danger to our lives as well.” They didn’t heed his warning.

                  The following morning there was a light wind that came out of the South. The sailors were confident they could make it to Phoenix, so they pulled up anchor and sailed close to the coastline of Crete. Suddenly, the weather changed. The wind gusts rose to 90 mph and the situation almost instantly became deadly. The wind burst came from the Northeast; thus the name of the storm was called by the sailors “Euroquilo” or quite literally, “Northeaster”. The wind gusts were so intense that they pushed the boat away from the coast and out to sea. The wind was so strong that the sailors were unable to turn into it, so they dropped the anchor to slow the ship. They tossed cargo and gear overboard to lighten the load. 

                  For a 2^nd time Paul spoke to the men reminding them of his initial warning, then sharing a vision he had. The Lord appeared to him and assured him that he would indeed stand trial in Rome. The Lord also said that all who were with him would not perish. It’s important to realize that when a calamitous situation threatens a life, material possessions become inconsequential.

                  Paul ended by saying that things would take place just as the Lord had said, however, they would be shipwrecked on an island. Not a bad trade off to remain alive. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; Expositor's Bible Commentary: New Testament.