And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
Here is another clear example of when a majority vote was not the best route.
I am reminded that the founders of the United States understood something very few seem to grasp today: a pure democracy is not a wise form of government. The best system they could devise—and I believe it remains the best man has produced—is a republic, a representative form of government in which the people elect leaders to govern.
Within the ship were several different kinds of leadership.
There was the captain of the ship.
It was his place and duty to lead, guide, and make the best decisions for the ship, its cargo, and its crew.
There was the centurion.
He was responsible for the prisoners he was escorting to Rome and for the soldiers guarding them.
There was Paul.
Though it appeared he had no authority whatsoever, before this journey was finished, every man on board would find his life resting in Paul’s hands.
The centurion may have had the power to order the captain to do as he wished, but that would not have been good order. Being a man of authority, he understood authority—and he understood the danger of overstepping it
The captain appears to have been weak. I have known people who, though technically in charge, are intimidated and unsure of themselves. Such leaders become easy prey for illegitimate authority—mob rule.
The more part based their decision on one thing: their comfort. The haven was not commodious to winter in. They had lost time because of calm winds. The captain knew it was dangerous to sail during that season. Perhaps the crew knew it as well, at least the more experienced among them. But the majority cared nothing for the ship, the cargo, or the lives on board. They may not have understood the danger. All they knew was that they were behind schedule and did not want to spend another day in that “God-forsaken place.”
Paul warned them that it would result in harm and loss.
But to no avail.
The best leadership—in government, in faith, and in the family—is spiritual leadership.
- Not the mob.
- Not the military.
- Not financial pressure.
- Not even religion.
The safest leadership—the leadership that brings everyone home safely—is the voice tuned to the God of heaven.
- Everyone is respected.
- Everyone is heard.
- Everyone’s concerns are considered.
But in the end, the safest course is always the one laid out by God.
#TheMorePart #MajorityIsNotAlwaysRight #SpiritualLeadership #GodsWayIsSafe #Acts27Lessons
Majority Rule on a Stormy Sea: The More Part was Wrong!
When the Bible leaves us wondering why God allowed something, the answer is often found in the details He never wastes. 📖✨
David’s time in Ziklag reminds us that even when faith feels shaky, the Lord is still working out His purpose.
Have you ever looked back and seen God moving while you were just trying to survive?
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