Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. And because the harbour was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbour of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.
Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore. But soon a tempestuous wind, called the northeaster, struck down from the land. And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along. Running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with difficulty to secure the ship’s boat.
Comment: The owner is interested in profit and sitting in port going nowhere means money lost. We’ve read before that the centurion respected Paul, but after all Paul’s expertise was souls not ships. Cautiously, but as it proves unwisely, when there is a break in the weather, they set sail and just manage to get to Cauda. This was certainly not an ideal place to end up!
Prayer: You do not always allow us to go by the smoothest way, Father. But thank You for travelling the road with us.
As I read it! 