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In Acts 27 when Paul sailed just south of Cyprus, I wonder what was in his mind? It was in Salamis in Cyprus some 20 years previously, where he preached his first sermon on that first missionary journey. Did he consider what had been through during these intervening 20 years? We have read of the experiences he had had with men, and with the risen and living Lord Jesus Christ.

v. 10. There is a conference aboard that ship. Should we go on? Paul shared his concern and said, "No. It is far too dangerous. If we sail on just now, cargo, ship and lives will be at risk. Again we see his total concern - concern about every area of life.

But in verse 11, we see what very often happens - the words of the Christian are ignored. The Man of God is overlooked. The advice of the servant of Jesus is rejected, and in this situation the reason is MONEY. Potential Profit. The only thing on the mind of the master of the ship is PROFIT. If they listened to Paul the money from the grain would be at risk. They valued the cargo more than they valued human life. They listened to the owner rather than Paul. Profit or Human Safety? We'll go for Profit. Paul's advice was not considered. If we remain here water will get into the grain and it will be ruined. The grain - the grain - the grain!

A soft wind began to blow, and they grabbed their chance. They seized the slightest favourable breeze. A sign appears to favour their plans, just like Jonah, and off they go right into disaster. They experience shipwreck and lose everything - except the people.

This is a most wonderful passage to use when certain people ask - "How do we know the Bible is true?" This is usually asked by people who do not want the Bible to be true - for various reasons - morally - or they do not want to think they are sinners - and need to be converted and born again. There can be many excuses.

It is difficult to prove any historical event scientifically - because to do so you need -

1. A Reliable Record.
2. You need to be sure that the person who wrote the record was reliable and honest.

Take this passage - how do we know it is true? Check the facts - for example - the geography - the routes - the islands - the ports mentioned - do they exist? The places visited - the quicksands - the harbours? As you investigate and check out all these very physical things, you can chart this voyage right to the very bay in Malta.

Geographically, it stands true in every detail. Check the nautical facts. This is a most exciting sea adventure. Could ships hold 276 people? YES.

At Mira - verse 5 - Paul is transferred to a grain ship. We know these sailed regularly from Alexandria to Rome. They were 130 feet long - 30 feet wide - with a 30 foot draught - and could hold 500 people.

How were they steered? With two oars at the back. What happened in a storm? Every detail is so accurate. You can check the meteorological facts - the season of the year - it was nearing winter - probably early October when the prevailing winds change - 5/6/7 October. (verse 9 – refers to the fast – the Day of Atonement. That is how we know exactly when this grain ship sailed.)

For 14 days, this ship drifted at one and a half miles an hour. As you check that out, it would reach exactly where the passage says the ship reached. Here is a passage where you can make various checks and investigations, and you discover that God's Word holds true. The facts can be proved.

There are no myths or legends here - and yet, it is not a geography lesson - it is part of God's Word - and it reveals truths about men - not very nice truths.

And, it reveals truths about God - marvellous truths.

And, it reveals truths about God's man, Paul - and again, he is so different from all the others in this Chapter.

Don't let anyone put you off the Bible by their saying - it is not true - it cannot be trusted - it won't stand up to serious questioning.

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Inspired