Today’s Bible Text, Acts 27:9-13, with the verse numbers still in place for easy reference …
“9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul ADMONISHED them, 10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. 11 NEVERTHELESS the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. 12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. 13 And when the south wind blew softly, SUPPOSING that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.”
Paul is under arrest and being transported to Rome, to stand trial. Yet he seems to sense some unnecessary danger! (Being tried before Caesar is perilous enough!)
So the Apostle warns the Centurion (guard, chief soldier) and the ship’s crew … with Luke using the Greek verb “paraineo” for “admonished.” Basically the word means “to recommend.” And literally it carries the idea of “telling a story.”
The verb as used here is not an imperative, Paul is not issuing commands! (He being a preacher and a tent maker … not a sailor!)
But still he has an uneasiness in his heart, soul, spirit! About the next leg of the journey!
But up against Paul’s counsel was both the pressure to deliver their cargo sooner (this is a merchant vessel, hence the ship’s “owner” is mentioned) and a harbor not as convenient as they would have liked!
Two flimsy reasons when compared with one’s life!
Anyway, Paul’s caution was disregarded and the ship set sail. Money and comfort determined the next move!
And you know the result … a violent storm and the loss of the ship and all its cargo!
Oh, the danger in ignoring mature, spiritual advice!
Folks, Psalm 1 essentially encourages us to walk in the “counsel of the godly.” And Proverbs 12:15 thunders: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
Proverbs 19:20 applies here as well. “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” Godly counsel, that is.
Listen to Wisdom (personified as a godly Lady) in Proverbs 1:30, lamenting her Counsel being spurned by the world! “They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.”
Wow!
I trust the point has been made this morning.
Danger ahead, life threatening danger … because a wise and godly man’s (Paul’s) counsel/advice was not heeded!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Are you listening to those wise men and women God has strategically placed in your life?
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
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