John Calvin Commentary Acts 27:11

"But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship, than to those things which were spoken by Paul." — Acts 27:11 (ASV)

But the centurion. The centurion is not rebuked because he listened more to the master and governor of the ship than to Paul. For what should he have done? For although he valued Paul’s counsel in other matters, he knew that Paul was unskilled in sailing.

Therefore, he allowed himself to be guided by those who were expert, which was characteristic of a wise and modest man. Indeed, sheer necessity almost compelled him to do this, for the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in. Nor did the governor advise committing the ship to the open sea, but rather to make for the next harbor, which was almost in sight.

So that, with a little effort, they could comfortably spend the winter. Luke recounts this not in vain, but so that we may know that Paul was from the beginning endowed with the insight of the Spirit, so that he saw more clearly what was beneficial than the shipmasters did.

We do not know whether he was taught by oracles or whether he gave this advice through secret inspiration. What is certain is that it later served to his credit. Furthermore, when he says that they sailed along the coast of Crete, until they were caught and carried away, our friend Beza rightly corrects the error of interpreters regarding this word ασσον, who turn an adverb into the name of a city.