‘And When We Had Sailed Over the Sea . . . We Came to Myra’, Acts 27. 5.

‘And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra’, Acts 27. 5.

Of course, this is really the Mediterranean Sea but the section of it described lies off the coast of Cilicia. As Thomas Constable states, ‘Prevailing winds in the Mediterranean during spring and fall [autumn] usually blow from west to east and often from the northwest. Consequently, this ship sailed north up the east side of the island of Cyprus . . . Proceeding north it came to the coast of Cilicia’ (Expository Notes on the Bible).

As Luke records, Paul was on his way to Italy and Rome, v. 1, in fulfilment of the divine promise, 23. 11. In the sea off the coast of Cilicia the ship would progress slowly, relying largely on wind, which was contrary, and tidal currents. How different from the journey that was to follow all too soon! Being only less than halfway to their destination, the rest of the journey would be far more exposed and, as we know, far more dangerous.

It is easy to be critical of the centurion who ignored Paul’s advice, vv. 10, 11, yet he was following the advice of an experienced mariner and his observed judgements regarding the weather. F. B. Hole notes, as ‘the wind veered and blew gently from the south, it looked as though God was favouring the centurion’s decision’ (New Testament Commentary). From the record of scripture, we know that the decision brought disaster, ‘with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives’, v. 10. In a practical sense, what a profound lesson for all of us. Should we allow circumstances alone to be our true guide in life? We might say, as the centurion, that things looked as if the voyage would be possible and the destination achievable. How dangerous a decision that proved!

As believers, we should employ far more checks in our decision making. We have the inspired word of God, and experienced spiritual guides to help us, as seen in the words of Paul. What significance do we attach to them alongside the circumstances of life?