What can we learn from the centurion's decision-making in Acts 27:11? Setting the Scene Acts 27 finds Paul under Roman guard, sailing for Rome. Julius, the centurion, must choose whose advice to follow when winter storms threaten the voyage. The Crucial Verse “But the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and the owner of the ship rather than by what Paul said.” (Acts 27:11) What Julius Did—and Didn’t Do • Listened to professional voices (pilot, shipowner) • Discounted spiritual counsel (Paul) • Chose majority opinion over revealed wisdom • Acted quickly, without waiting on further confirmation from God Lessons for Our Decision-Making 1. Experts Are Valuable, But Not Infallible ‑ Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” ‑ Earthly credentials must never outrank divine guidance. 2. Spiritual Discernment Requires Humility ‑ James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God…” ‑ Julius had access to God’s spokesman yet dismissed him. 3. Majority Opinion Can Lead to Shipwreck ‑ Proverbs 14:12: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” ‑ Crowd-pleasing choices often ignore unseen dangers. 4. Consequences Reach Far Beyond the Decision-Maker ‑ Acts 27:18-20: Everyone on board suffered because of one choice. ‑ Our leadership affects families, churches, workplaces. 5. God’s Mercy Still Operates After We Err ‑ Acts 27:24: “Do not be afraid, Paul… God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.” ‑ Even misguided decisions can become platforms for God’s rescue and Paul’s witness. Cross-References That Reinforce the Point • Psalm 1:1-3 – Blessing follows those who avoid ungodly counsel. • 1 Kings 22:6-14 – Micaiah vs. four hundred prophets: truth is rarely in the majority. • Luke 5:4-5 – Peter obeys Jesus over his own fishing expertise and sees miraculous results. Practical Takeaways • Seek Scripture first, then weigh expert advice in its light. • Pause and pray—avoid rushed choices based solely on human calculations. • Surround yourself with godly voices who will speak truth even when unpopular. • When errors occur, repent quickly and look for God’s redemptive hand. Closing Challenge Every fork in the road offers two influences: human insight and divine direction. Julius shows where the former alone can lead; Scripture shows the blessing of the latter. Let Acts 27:11 steer us toward decisions anchored in God’s unchanging Word. |
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