Acts 27:12 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Because Fair Havens was a poor winter harbor, the majority votes to press on to the better port of Phenice.
What Does Acts 27:12 Mean?
Fair Havens was ill-suited for wintering, so the majority — including the officers — favors pushing on, hoping to reach Phenice, a more sheltered harbor further along the Cretan coast. The decision is made by counsel of the many against the warning of the one.
Numbers and consensus are not the same as wisdom. The crowd's reasoning was practical, but it set aside the warning God had given through Paul. Scripture cautions, 'Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil' (Exodus 23:2). When the many move one way and a faithful word points another, the believer must weigh whose counsel rests on God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 27:12
What does Acts 27:12 mean?
Because Fair Havens was a poor winter harbor, the majority votes to press on to the better port of Phenice.