Acts 27:13

KJV

And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained [their] purpose, loosing [thence], they sailed close by Crete.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when the south wind {G3558} blew softly {G5285}, supposing {G1380} that they had obtained {G2902} their purpose {G4286}, loosing {G142} thence, they sailed {G3881} close by {G788} Crete {G2914}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When a gentle southerly breeze began to blow, they thought that they had their goal within grasp; so they raised the anchor and started coasting by Crete close to shore.

Berean Standard Bible

When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had their opportunity. So they weighed anchor and sailed along, hugging the coast of Crete.

American Standard Version

And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close in shore.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:13 describes a pivotal moment in Paul's perilous voyage to Rome, where a deceptive calm, manifest in a gently blowing south wind, lulled the ship's crew and the centurion into a false sense of security. Believing they had achieved their immediate objective of finding favorable sailing conditions, they weighed anchor from Fair Havens, a less-than-ideal winter harbor, and proceeded to sail cautiously along the coast of Crete, presuming a safe passage to a more suitable port. This seemingly opportune moment, however, directly preceded a catastrophic storm, highlighting the dangers of human presumption and the deceptive nature of outward appearances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 27:13 is situated within the dramatic narrative of Paul's journey as a prisoner to Rome, specifically after the ship had reached [Fair Havens](/acts/27-8 "Acts 27:8 - Fair Havens"), a harbor on the south side of Crete. Paul had already issued a dire warning against continuing the voyage, stating it would result in "much hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives" ([Acts 27:10](/acts/27-10 "Acts 27:10 - Paul's Warning")). Despite this prophetic counsel, the centurion, influenced by the ship's master and owner, chose to disregard Paul's words ([Acts 27:11-12](/acts/27-11-12 "Acts 27:11-12 - Centurion's Decision")). This verse, therefore, marks the moment of their fateful decision, immediately preceding the onset of the tempestuous wind called Euroclydon ([Acts 27:14](/acts/27-14 "Acts 27:14 - The Tempestuous Wind")), which would nearly destroy the ship and its occupants. It serves as a narrative pivot, illustrating the immediate consequence of rejecting divine wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Mediterranean seafaring was inherently dangerous, especially during the winter months (mid-September to mid-May), when travel was generally suspended due to unpredictable and violent storms. Paul's voyage took place outside this safe period, adding to the peril. Large grain ships, like the one Paul was on, were vital for supplying Rome and were often heavily laden, making them vulnerable to severe weather. Crete, a large island, offered some harbors, but Fair Havens was known to be exposed and unsuitable for wintering. The desire to reach Phoenix, a more sheltered harbor on Crete, was a practical necessity for survival. The Roman centurion held ultimate authority over the prisoners and the ship's course, often deferring to the expertise of the ship's master and owner, as seen in this passage. This highlights the practical realities of ancient navigation and the chain of command aboard such vessels.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Deceptive Appearances**, where a seemingly favorable condition—the "south wind blew softly"—masks impending disaster. This serves as a cautionary tale against relying solely on superficial circumstances, as they can lead to grave misjudgment, echoing warnings found in [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way That Seems Right"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Human Presumption and Autonomy**, as the crew and centurion "supposing that they had obtained their purpose" chose to trust their own judgment and the temporary weather window over Paul's inspired counsel. This illustrates the common human tendency to assert control and rely on self-sufficiency, often in contrast to [God's sovereign plan](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"), which unfolds regardless of human schemes. Lastly, it vividly demonstrates the **Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom**, as their decision to sail despite Paul's warning directly precipitates the life-threatening storm, emphasizing the biblical principle that ignoring Spirit-led advice can lead to severe repercussions, a theme frequently explored in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 1:24-33](/proverbs/1-24-33 "Proverbs 1:24-33 - Consequences of Rejecting Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **supposing (Greek, _dokéō_):** G1380. This word implies forming an opinion or thinking, often without full certainty or complete knowledge. It suggests a subjective belief or estimation rather than a confirmed fact. In this context, it highlights the crew's and centurion's presumption; they *thought* they had achieved their goal, rather than having *actually* secured a safe passage. This nuance is crucial, as their supposition proved tragically false.
* **obtained (Greek, _kratéō_):** G2902. Derived from _kratos_ (strength), this word means "to use strength, i.e., seize or retain." Here, it conveys the idea of having "grasped" or "secured" their objective. Coupled with _dokéō_, it emphasizes their conviction that they had successfully seized control of the situation and achieved their desired outcome, reinforcing their overconfidence in their own capabilities and the perceived favorable conditions.
* **loosing (Greek, _aírō_):** G142. A primary root meaning "to lift up," "take up or away." In the context of seafaring, it specifically means "to sail away" or "weigh anchor." This word marks the decisive action taken based on their mistaken supposition. They "lifted" their anchors and departed, initiating the next phase of their journey under a false sense of security, directly leading them into the impending disaster.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the south wind blew softly":** This clause sets the scene, describing the seemingly ideal weather conditions. The "south wind" (Greek: _notos_) was typically a favorable wind for westward travel in the Mediterranean, making the crew's subsequent decision understandable from a purely navigational perspective. The phrase "blew softly" (Greek: _hypopnéō_) emphasizes the gentle, non-threatening nature of the breeze, creating a deceptive sense of calm and safety.
* **"supposing that they had obtained [their] purpose":** This is the crucial interpretive core of the verse, revealing the human judgment and motivation behind their action. "Supposing" indicates a belief or opinion, not a certainty. Their "purpose" was to reach a more suitable winter harbor, specifically Phoenix (mentioned in [Acts 27:12](/acts/27-12 "Acts 27:12 - Seeking Phoenix")). They believed the soft south wind was precisely what they needed to achieve this goal, thus securing their safety for the winter. This highlights their overconfidence and misreading of the situation.
* **"loosing [thence]":** This phrase describes the immediate action taken as a result of their supposition. "Loosing" refers to weighing anchor and setting sail from Fair Havens. This was the point of no return, the physical act of committing to the perilous journey based on their flawed assessment of the conditions and their rejection of Paul's warning.
* **"they sailed close by Crete":** This final clause describes the initial phase of their renewed voyage. They did not immediately head out into the open sea but rather hugged the coastline of Crete, likely attempting to navigate around the island to reach Phoenix. This detail underscores their continued attempt at careful navigation, even as they were unknowingly sailing into the jaws of a devastating storm, emphasizing the irony of their situation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the "south wind blew softly," which typically signals favorable conditions, here paradoxically ushers in disaster. The very thing that promises ease and success leads directly to immense hardship, creating a sharp contrast between appearance and reality. This calm before the storm also functions as a powerful instance of **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the impending tempest described in the subsequent verses. The gentle breeze and the crew's confident "supposing" build a dramatic tension, preparing the reader for the sudden and violent change in circumstances. Furthermore, the "south wind" itself can be seen as **Symbolism**, representing the deceptive allure of seemingly opportune circumstances that, without divine wisdom or discernment, can lead to ruin. It symbolizes the fleeting and unreliable nature of human-perceived advantages when contrasted with the steadfastness of God's counsel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:13 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of human wisdom versus divine foresight, and the dangers of trusting in superficial appearances. It illustrates that even seemingly favorable circumstances can be deceptive, leading to disastrous outcomes when human presumption overrides divine counsel. The crew's and centurion's decision to "obtain their purpose" based on a gentle breeze, despite Paul's clear warning, underscores the human tendency to rely on immediate sensory data and self-will rather than seeking and obeying God's revealed wisdom. This narrative highlights God's ultimate sovereignty, demonstrating that even when human decisions are made in defiance of His will, He remains in control, working through circumstances to fulfill His greater purposes, such as Paul's eventual arrival in Rome. The passage implicitly reminds believers to exercise spiritual discernment and humility, recognizing that true security and success are found not in favorable external conditions, but in alignment with God's perfect plan and guidance.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")
* [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 27:13 offers timeless lessons for our spiritual walk, urging us to look beyond the surface of circumstances and to cultivate a deeper reliance on divine wisdom. In a world that often prioritizes immediate gratification and superficial indicators of success, this verse reminds us that not every "soft south wind" is a sign of God's blessing or an invitation to proceed. Sometimes, the path that feels easiest or appears most opportune can lead us directly into unforeseen storms. It challenges us to pause, to discern, and to prayerfully consider counsel, especially when it comes from unexpected sources or seems to contradict our immediate desires or perceptions. True wisdom lies in humility—recognizing the limits of our own understanding and trusting in God's omniscient guidance, even when the path He directs seems less conventional or more challenging. This passage encourages a posture of dependence on God, reminding us that His providence is our ultimate security, not the fleeting favor of circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "soft south winds" in my life might be leading me towards a path of unforeseen difficulty or away from God's best?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to rely on my own "suppositions" and judgments rather than seeking and heeding wise, godly counsel?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to distinguish between genuinely favorable circumstances and deceptive appearances?**
* **What steps can I take to more consistently trust God's guidance, even when it contradicts my immediate desires or what seems "purposeful" to me?**

### FAQ

**Why did the crew and centurion ignore Paul's warning?**

Answer: The text indicates that the centurion was persuaded by the ship's master and owner, who were experienced sailors and likely believed their professional judgment outweighed Paul's, especially given the "soft south wind" which seemed to offer a perfect opportunity to reach a better harbor. Their primary "purpose" was to find a more suitable and safer harbor for wintering than Fair Havens, which was exposed. The immediate, favorable weather conditions likely reinforced their belief that they were making the right, practical decision, leading them to disregard Paul's spiritual foresight. This is a classic example of human reliance on perceived expertise and favorable appearances over divine wisdom.

**What was their "purpose" that they thought they had obtained?**

Answer: Their "purpose" (Greek: _próthesis_) was to reach a more secure and convenient harbor for the winter. [Acts 27:12](/acts/27-12 "Acts 27:12 - Seeking Phoenix") explicitly states their intention to reach Phoenix, a harbor on Crete that faced both southwest and northwest, making it much more suitable for wintering than Fair Havens. The gentle south wind, which would have been favorable for sailing around the island to Phoenix, led them to believe they had successfully obtained the ideal conditions to achieve this objective.

**What happened immediately after they sailed from Fair Havens?**

Answer: Immediately after they set sail, believing they had obtained their purpose, a violent tempestuous wind called Euroclydon (or "the northeaster") struck the ship ([Acts 27:14](/acts/27-14 "Acts 27:14 - The Tempestuous Wind")). This storm was so severe that it drove the ship helplessly, causing immense damage and fear among all on board. The situation quickly deteriorated, leading to a desperate struggle for survival that lasted for many days, ultimately resulting in the loss of the ship but, miraculously, not the lives of those on board, thanks to God's promise to Paul ([Acts 27:22-26](/acts/27-22-26 "Acts 27:22-26 - Paul's Prophecy of Deliverance")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 27:13, with its depiction of human presumption leading to peril, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is the embodiment of divine wisdom and the true Master over all creation. The deceptive "south wind" that lured the sailors into a false sense of security stands in stark contrast to Christ, who is the [Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), never leading His followers astray. While the crew trusted in fleeting natural phenomena and their own limited judgment, believers are called to trust in the unwavering sovereignty of Christ, who [calms the raging seas](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm") and guides His people through every storm of life. The human "purpose" that proved so fragile and ill-conceived is superseded by God's eternal purpose, which is perfectly fulfilled in Christ's redemptive work. He is our ultimate "safe harbor," the one in whom we find true security, not in favorable circumstances or human ingenuity. Just as Paul, a servant of Christ, ultimately became the source of true guidance and hope amidst the storm, so Christ Himself is our divine pilot, ensuring that even through the most turbulent waters, His ultimate purpose for our lives will be brought to fruition, leading us safely to our eternal destination. He is the one who truly "obtains His purpose," not by human supposition, but by divine power and perfect wisdom, for the glory of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 12:55

And when [ye see] the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.

Song Of Solomon 4:16

Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, [that] the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

Psalms 78:26

He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind.

Job 37:17

How thy garments [are] warm, when he quieteth the earth by the south [wind]?