This was to be Paul's last sea journey. He was sailing to Caesar's court in Rome, in company with indicted criminals, escorted by a centurion and soldiers. Paul had not been charged with any crime so he was allowed travelling companions, among whom was Aristarchus (Acts 27:2) and the physician-historian Luke (note: 'we' in Acts 27:1-28:16). The destination was God's plan (Acts 27:24), but the journey was not going well.

They had set off too late in the year and the strong north westerly winds were early. From Sidon, their route had to be modified: instead of sailing north west, they set a northerly course until close to the coast of (what is now) south east Turkey, in the lee of Cyprus. From there they went west to Myra (south west Turkey). Click here for a helpful map. From Myra the ship lost even more time. The ship was battling the worsening weather, and the centurion, the skipper and the ship owner were all battling wisdom.

In their minds, they wanted to get to Italy before winter. But that option was fast disappearing. As they edged westwards along the relatively-sheltered but rocky south coast of Crete, they reached Fair Havens. It was a useful summer port but lacked the protection needed from the violent north east winds which usually blew through the winter. Phoenix, on the other hand was a deep-water bay with good protection and four sources of fresh water. But to get there the ship would have to attempt to sail west into the strengthening north west winds. Paul said that it was foolish to even try, but the centurion decided that they should set sail for Phoenix. The ship's company and passengers (276 in total – Acts 27:37) also voted against Paul's wise assessment, risking the cargo of grain from Alexandria (Acts 27:6-38) and their lives.

It is good to be determined, but very foolish to battle against wisdom. The Lord gave the captain, ship owner and centurion opportunities to make different decisions. They should have stayed in the well protected port of Myra. But they allowed their commercial greed and military objectives to overrule wise navigation, and God's messenger. Pride, pressure, money and Satan can all make us think we can live independently from reality and wisdom. Judas Iscariot is a classic example (Luke 22:3-6). So, accept wise advice, the urge of conscience and the Word of God; do not be propelled into irreversible folly. Do not battle against God's will because you think you know better even if others agree with you. Stop!