Acts 27: 4-12 | From Caesarea to Fair Havens

“I believe the Holy Spirit was giving him wisdom and guidance for this.” — Pastor Stacey Crawford 

In this Tree Church Bible Study, Pastor Stacey Crawford is joined by Pastor Chris Reed and Pastor Zach as they walk through Acts 27:4–12. The conversation centers on the challenge of discerning godly wisdom, especially when circumstances are uncertain and the obvious choice feels logical or safe.

This passage places the Apostle Paul aboard a ship on his journey to Rome. Despite difficult travel conditions and increasing danger, Paul speaks a warning rooted in experience and spiritual discernment. His counsel, however, is ignored in favor of majority opinion and perceived authority. The group uses this moment to explore how believers can learn to recognize God’s guidance in their own lives.

Acts 27 describes a difficult season of travel for Paul and those sailing with him. As the ship leaves port, strong headwinds and slow progress signal growing danger. Luke’s detailed account highlights that the journey takes place late in the fall, a time known for unsafe sea travel in the ancient world.

Pastor Chris explains how historical details such as the passing of the Day of Atonement help scholars date this voyage and emphasize the seriousness of the situation. Sailing conditions were deteriorating, and both remaining in harbor and continuing forward carried significant risk.

Paul recognizes the danger and warns the officers that continuing would result in loss of cargo, shipwreck, and danger to life. His words reflect both his past travel experience and the wisdom given by the Holy Spirit.

Despite Paul’s warning, the commanding officer listens instead to the ship’s captain and owner. The majority believes pressing on toward a better harbor makes the most sense. From a human perspective, this decision appears reasonable and practical.

The group discusses how easily people are influenced by authority, expertise, and majority opinion. In moments of uncertainty, it often feels safer to follow those who seem most knowledgeable or confident. Yet this passage shows that wisdom does not always align with consensus.

Paul’s counsel is not rejected because it lacks logic, but because it does not align with what others want to hear or believe.

“What we need is the power of God to speak and the wisdom of God to speak into our lives in those moments.” — Pastor Chris Reed

The conversation turns to the role of common sense in decision-making. Pastor Chris notes that God designed the world to function with order and wisdom, and much of Scripture reflects how life normally works. Proverbs, for example, offers practical guidance rooted in God’s design.

However, the group emphasizes that common sense is not sufficient in every situation. There are moments when God leads His people in ways that stretch understanding and challenge comfort. In these moments, obedience requires more than logic.

Acts 27 presents a situation where neither option is easy or safe. The question becomes which path aligns with God’s wisdom rather than human preference.

Each pastor shares personal examples of times when God’s direction did not initially make sense. Pastor Chris reflects on building a home without the experience or knowledge typically required, trusting that God would provide the right people and resources along the way.

Pastor Zach shares a moment of obedience related to a church giving commitment, where God prompted a decision that stretched trust and required surrender. Though the choice felt uncomfortable, God proved faithful through provision and peace.

Pastor Stacey discusses parenting decisions that prioritize faith and spiritual growth over cultural expectations. These choices, while difficult, reflect a long-term trust in God’s purposes rather than immediate results.

The study emphasizes several ways believers can discern godly wisdom. Scripture plays a central role, revealing God’s character and guiding principles. Prayer and intentional listening help believers remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

Community also matters. God often uses trusted, spiritually mature people to speak wisdom into difficult situations. Discernment is strengthened when believers invite counsel and prayer from those who genuinely seek God.

Ultimately, discerning godly wisdom requires faith. There are moments when clarity comes only after obedience. Taking a step in trust allows believers to see God’s faithfulness on the other side.

Acts 27:4–12 reminds believers that God’s wisdom does not always align with comfort, convenience, or majority opinion. Paul’s warning was rooted in a deeper understanding that came from both experience and spiritual discernment.

This Bible study encourages believers to slow down, seek God’s presence, and remain open to His leading. When faced with difficult choices, faith means trusting that God sees what we cannot and that His guidance leads to life.

The Tree Church is a welcoming church serving Lancaster, Ohio and Logan, Ohio, with Sunday services at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Our heart is to help people grow in their understanding of Scripture and follow Jesus in everyday life.

If you are searching for a church in Lancaster or a church in Logan, we invite you to join us at one of our campuses. Each location offers biblical teaching, meaningful community, and opportunities to grow in faith.