Acts 27:20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.
Paul’s journey to Rome aboard a freight and prison transport ship was getting hairy! God had revealed to Paul what was ahead. Paul warned those in charge, but they did not heed the warning. But as previously mentioned, that was no big surprise. After all, who was Paul to be giving sailing instructions?
(v.21) But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss.
Though Paul’s words were certainly true, saying, “I told you so!” is seldom the best approach. Usually when we have warned people who have not heeded our advice—especially if things went badly—we don’t need to remind them. They know. What is a more diplomatic and fruitful approach?
(v.22- 25) And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.' 25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me.
Encouraging words about what to do next graciously communicates true caring—which is what Paul did. This is still no guarantee that people will follow our counsel, but it may be more likely once they realize that they didn't follow wise counsel, kind words will show them that we still care.
A footnote: Am I contradicting scripture by what I have written about Paul’s “I told you so!” (v.21)? Certainly not. Remember that the Bible accurately records what was said and done, but that does not mean that everything that was said and done was done well or even correctly. When speaking about doctrine, the Apostle was always right. But that doesn’t mean everything he said or did was always best. The characters in the Bible (including Paul) were fallible people. The Bible does not shrink away from or try to whitewash that fact. We can learn from their mistakes. And this is why we do not base doctrine solely on narratives.