How to Respond to a Crisis. (Acts 27: 1-44)

For an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free  for listeners everywhere at;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

Welcome:

Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!
Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Chapters

• 24:08 [Ad] Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now!
• 24:55 (Cont.) How to Respond to a Crisis. (Acts 27: 1-44)

Transcript

How to Respond to a Crisis. (Acts 27:1-44)

Transcript:

Have you ever faced a life-threatening crisis? Not just a tough situation, but a moment where survival was on the line—and perhaps the lives of others' lives depended on it too. Maybe you were in the military, or perhaps you had a serious car accident or witnessed someone having a heart attack.

Crises like these can be overwhelming. What do you do in a moment like that? How do you respond?

Today, we’ll look at a story from Acts 27 where Paul faced a perilous crisis—a literal shipwreck—and we’ll learn from his response. His experience provides practical insights for how we can handle crises in our own lives with faith, wisdom, and courage.

Does that sound good….

As we’ve been walking through the book of Acts, we’re now nearing the end of Paul’s journey. Chapter 27 is one of the longest and most detailed narratives in the book. It contains 44 verses and offers a fascinating, vivid account of an ancient shipwreck—considered by historians as one of the best-documented in historical literature from the era.

 Normally, I would read the entire passage before explaining it, but today we’ll read sections and highlight key moments as we go.

Paul Sails for Rome.

1 When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. 2 We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.

3 The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. 4 From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. 5 When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. 7 We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. 8 We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.

9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement. So Paul warned them, 10 “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.” 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest.

(Acts 27: 1-9)

Let’s set the scene. Paul had been arrested and appealed to Caesar. Now he was being transported from Caesarea in Palestine to Rome under the guard of a centurion named Julius. Notice the word "we" in verse 1:

The use of "we" tells us that Luke, the writer of Acts, was present on this journey. The last time we saw this was back in chapter 21. After that, Luke wasn’t part of the action for a while, until now. His firsthand experience may explain the vivid details in this passage.

Their journey begins from Caesarea, stopping briefly in Sidon, where Paul is allowed to visit friends and receive care. Who were these friends? The text doesn’t specify, but "friends" likely refers to fellow Christians, as it does elsewhere in the New Testament. Whether they provided just hospitality or medical help as well, we don’t know but the point is that Paul was treated kindly.

As they continue sailing, they face contrary winds and take shelter near Cyprus. Eventually, they reach Myra, where they board a large grain ship bound for Italy. This wasn’t a small boat, it was a massive vessel, about 140 feet long and 36 feet wide, carrying both cargo and passengers. Later we will learn there are 276 people aboard!

However, these ships weren’t built for storms. They lacked rudders, relying instead on large paddles for steering, and had only one mast with a large square sail, making them difficult to control in rough seas.

From Myra, the journey grows even more perilous. The winds turn dangerous, and by verse 9, we learn that sailing had become treacherous noting the Day of Atonement had passed which marking the dangerous season beginning between mid-September and mid-November.

The Storm

13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure, 17 so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along. 18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

21 After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

(Acts 27: 10-26)

Paul, a seasoned traveler who had already survived shipwrecks, warns them that the voyage will end with disaster and loss—not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives."

Paul’s words offer more than sound advice; they reflect spiritual discernment and courage. As we walk through this story, we’ll see how his faith anchors him amid the storm—and how his actions can be used to guide us when we face crises of our own.

Paul’s first response to the impending danger was simple: he tried to prevent the crisis altogether. He wasn’t acting as a prophet at this moment—he was using common sense and practical wisdom. 

Paul warns them. Paul knew the dangers of sailing at that time of year. The Day of Atonement had already passed, signaling the dangerous season for Mediterranean travel. All the facts pointed to rough seas ahead in a ship not built for storms, and worsening weather conditions. Yet, despite this sensible advice, the centurion chose to listen to the ship’s owner and the majority.

Acts 27:11-12 explains why, telling us.

The centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority thought it was best to set sail to Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, and winter there.”

The decision to sail was based on majority decision, but majority opinion does not guarantee wise action. Here’s an important principle: don’t ignore sound judgment just because everyone else thinks differently. 

Initially, things seemed to go well. But appearances can be deceiving. What began as a favorable breeze soon turned into a nightmare. We are soon told.

“Not long after, a tempestuous headwind arose, called Euroclydon, meaning a “North-Easterner.”

The term "tempestuous" is derived from the Greek word typhonikos, referring to a violent windstorm akin to a what we today call a typhoon or a hurricane. The ship was at the mercy of the storm, they had lost all control.

The crew took every measure to survive. They secured the skiff (a small boat) with difficulty, reinforced the hull with ropes, and lightened the load by throwing cargo overboard. By the third day, they even cast the ship’s tackle into the sea. Yet all these efforts would not have been necessary if they had simply heeded Paul’s warning.

The best way to handle a crisis? Avoid it if possible. Many disasters are preventable with foresight and wisdom:

Paul’s advice was simple common sense: don’t go there. Yet, just like the sailors then, we too often ignore wise counsel. If we listen to advice that aligns with truth and reason, we can sidestep many crises before they ever begin.

Of course, some storms in life are unavoidable. But when we find ourselves in the midst of a crisis, we can use Paul’s next actions as guidance. After a long silence, he addresses the crew saying

“You should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster.”

He wasn’t gloating or saying, “I told you so,” like an exasperated parent. He was establishing his credibility to prepare them for his next instructions. Paul remained calm and level-headed—a crucial quality in any crisis.

It’s easy to react emotionally when disaster strikes, but panic only worsens the situation. Paul’s composure set the tone for the entire ship. His faith, wisdom, and calm demeanor provided a foundation for others to trust him. 

Similarly, in our own crises in life, staying rational and grounded in truth can make all the difference. Avoiding crises when possible is wise, but when the storm is unavoidable, a calm spirit and clear thinking are invaluable.

We are told the waves are assaulted the ship with relentless fury, but Paul remained calm, a picture of peace amid chaos. The next time a crisis strikes, remember this: the first step isn’t to panic or act on impulse. Instead, be deliberate and ready to respond with every ounce of common sense and calm reasoning God has given you.

Paul faced a literal storm, but he had something we all need in moments of crisis—an anchored trust in God’s promises. Paul tells them.

"Stay strong, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel spoke to me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So, keep up your courage, he says, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me."

Paul’s calm confidence wasn’t wishful thinking—it was grounded in a direct word from God. He declared, “I believe God.” That’s the key! When crisis hits, the second step after trying to avoid it is this: calmly trust the Lord.

Paul could trust God because God had already assured him when earlier in Acts 23:11, the Lord had appeared to Paul, saying, “You will testify about me in Rome.” And the angel confirmed that promise now.

The storm was fierce, but Paul stood on a sure promise: “You will get to Rome, and everyone on this ship will survive.”

Notice Paul’s confidence wasn’t just optimism—it was anchored in the truth of God’s word. In his explaination, Paul says, “The God to whom I belong and whom I serve.” Those phrases are profound. Let that sink in. We belong to the Lord, and we serve Him. That’s what you need to remember when trouble comes.

Does this mean that faith in God guarantees a trouble-free life? No. But it does mean this:

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose”

(Romans 8:28).

Even when loss or suffering occurs, God is working for His glory and your ultimate good.

So, trust Him. You belong to God like sheep belong to a shepherd, like children to a loving Father, like a husband to a wife. These aren’t mere metaphors; they’re deep truths that remind us of our security in Christ. In the storm, remember that you belong to the Lord—trust Him.

Paul’s third action in the storm is equally vital. He couldn’t prevent the crisis, and he trusted the Lord, but then he did something remarkable: he ministered to others.

Paul ministered in the midst of the Storm

Paul didn’t just survive the storm; he saw it as an opportunity to serve. 

The first way he ministered was spiritually. He shared a word of encouragement. He tells the crew: “Do not be afraid.” He speaks the truth God revealed to him—“You’re all going to be okay.”

I’m reminded of the opening verses of the letter of James, which reminds us to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Trials can strengthen us if we let them.

One of the greatest ways to minister in a crisis is to help people see it as a chance for growth. Trials responded too well, means you will spiritually mature. Fail to respond, and you stagnate. There is always a spiritual dimension to trouble for those who belong to God.

The second way Paul ministered was by confronting reality. In verse 26, he said, “Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.” They wouldn’t lose their lives, but they would lose the ship. He didn’t sugarcoat it—there would be great loss.

This is a biblical truth we often avoid, but it’s unavoidable: trouble is coming. The scripture is full of warnings. Yet today, some of the most popular preachers promise a life free from hardship. That’s not what the Bible teaches.

The truth is this: problems are part of life. Trusting God doesn’t eliminate trouble, but it does prepare us to face it. Growth comes when we adjust, learn, and persevere.

The storm in Acts 27 continues, with the crew taking soundings and making desperate efforts to save themselves. And just as Paul predicted, they ran aground. Crisis came—but so did God’s provision.

The Shipwreck

27 On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 28 They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet deep. 29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.

33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38 When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

39 When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40 Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41 But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.

42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.

(Acts 27: 27-44)

What a vivid account.

So, what’s happening here? The sailors—those responsible for managing the ship—were attempting to abandon it in the middle of the crisis. Instead of facing the danger head-on or thinking of others, they were only looking out for themselves. They were ready to jump ship. But Paul, keeping a clear head and ministering to those around him, warned the centurion and soldiers that, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.”

Now, notice this tension: earlier in verse 22, Paul had confidently told them that no one would lose their life. Yet here, he makes it clear that if the sailors leave, survival is not guaranteed. How do you reconcile these two ideas—God’s promise of safety and the necessity of action?

This is one of the great challenges of theology, philosophy, and even psychology. It’s the classic tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Some call it determinism versus free will; others know it as predestination versus choice. And here we find both truths in action. 

On one hand, God’s plan was certain: no lives would be lost. But on the other, actions still mattered. The sailors needed to remain with the ship for that plan to be fulfilled.

The truth is, we won’t fully understand how God’s sovereignty and human choices interact this side of heaven. But the tension exists, and this story illustrates that beautifully.

Paul’s actions show us what it looks like to trust God while also acting wisely. He ministered spiritually by sharing God’s promise, faced the reality of their situation, and offered practical advice to preserve life.

Let me ask you: when a crisis hits, do you apply spiritual truths while also using common sense? Sometimes the most powerful wisdom is embarrassingly simple. It’s easy to overlook plain common sense.

Paul’s advice was practical—don’t abandon ship!—but how often do we ignore practical wisdom? How many times has someone given you advice that boiled down to plain common sense, yet it was exactly what you needed to hear?

Think about this: storms are unavoidable. They’re part of life. No one gets through without them. Paul’s storm was literal, but your storm might take another form—an illness, a job loss, or a personal failure.

Unfortunately, sometimes the simplest actions aren’t what come to mind in a crisis. (Driving in the ice)

When life throws you into a storm, remember these steps:

1.   Stay calm – Don’t let fear or panic control your response.

2.   Trust the Lord – This is foundational. God’s promises are true, even in chaos.

3.   Minister to others – Spiritually and practically. Speak truth, face reality, and offer sound advice.

Let me offer a final reflection on storms.

First, storms are inevitable, but God’s presence is certain. And that makes all the difference.

Secondly, storms reveal character.

Look closely at the people in this story. Paul was focused on saving lives—he was thinking about others. Meanwhile, the sailors were only looking out for themselves, ready to abandon the ship and save their own skins. Same storm, different reactions. The crisis exposed their true character.

It’s often said that Paul was a practical man in an emergency. He kept his head while others lost theirs. He balanced concern for safety with a willingness to take risks for the sake of truth. He wasn’t reckless, but neither was he controlled by a desperate need for self-preservation. Paul’s actions reflected his integrity, while the sailors’ actions showed their selfishness. Storms test who we are at the core.

Thirdly, storms provide an opportunity to minister to others.

The most useful people in the world are those who, without necessarily being brave themselves, help others to be brave; and who, having found confidence, help others discover it too.” 

Paul was that kind of person. As followers of Christ, we are called to be steadfast in the face of life’s tempests, bringing courage and calm to those around us.

Paul ministered to others in the heart of the storm. His example reminds us that a crisis is not only a test of faith—it’s an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus, offering strength and comfort when others falter.

Finally—and this is the most important point—storms are an opportunity to trust the Lord.

Yes, the truth may seem simple. But in a crisis, simplicity often gets lost. Like the sailors, we panic. We focus solely on survival. We forget God.

Paul’s perspective in the storm can anchor us too. He declared, “The God to whom I belong and whom I serve…” That identity shaped his response. He knew he belonged to God. He served God. And because of that, he trusted God to lead him through the storm, teach him through the trial, and develop his faith along the way.

Storms are not only moments to minister; they are moments to grow. Trust grows when we remember who we are, when we remember we belong to the Lord. He is our God. He will take care of us.

That’s the picture I want you to hold onto today: Your Father in heaven has all of you in His care. Trust Him in the storm. Amen.