Now when the south wind blew gently, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to the shore.
They fled a mere inconvenience and ran straight into mischief, as we often do. The harbor was bleak in winter, yes, but better to be safe in an uncomfortable haven than lost in a tempestuous sea. God's wisdom provided both the waters to sail on and the natural harbors to shelter in.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 27:12-20
And when the south wind blew softly,.... Or moderately, which was a good wind for them: supposing that they, had obtained their purpose; that things would succeed according to their wish, and favour their design: loosing thence; from the Fair Havens; the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions render it, "loosing from Assos"; which could not be Assos of Troas, mentioned in Act 20:13 which was...
Verse 13. The south wind. The wind before had probably been a headwind, blowing from the west. When it veered round to the south, and when it blew gently, though not entirely favourable, yet it was so that they supposed they could sail along the coast of Crete. Had obtained their purpose. The object of their desire; that is, to sail safely along the coast of Crete. Loosing thence.