Acts 27:9-10

Acts 27:9 – (NIV)  “Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. So Paul warned them,”

Acts 27:10 – (NIV)  “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.”

Note 21: Lost Time

Luke says, “Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous…” The time had been lost due to the course they were taking and the primary direction of the wind was against them.  It was getting later into the ‘sailing season’, which was the time of year when the sailors could count on a good wind and safer weather.  Why dangerous?  It was the time of year and it was just related to that calendar event.

Note 22: After the Fast

Luke continues the description about the danger they now faced and he describes why “because by now it was after the Fast.”    “The Fast” Luke is talking about is of no religious importance what so ever in this context. This was simply a date, or event, used as a calendar reference that marks the beginning of the storm season.  In this country people talk about the beginning of ‘Hurricane season’, after ‘Labor Day’.

Note 23: I can see.

This is the first time during the voyage, that we know of, where Paul interjects comments.  Notice it starts here with ‘So’, which indicates that Paul’s warning is a based on the previous comment about sailing being ‘dangerous because’ of the time of year.  Paul DOES NOT say, nor does the text imply, that he had some special knowledge or inspired message he was delivering here.  His comments here about weather and its danger are based on common knowledge of the time.  These facts could be and should have been considered by others, like the owner of the ship.  In fact, they may have considered what Paul said and just decided to go anyway.

Note 24: Bad Times they are a comin’

Luke records Paul’s warning in verse 10 which includes “great loss’ to ship, to cargo and loss of lives”.  Again, these predictions are not miraculous;  The dangers were probably known to everyone – so why did they leave this anchorage?