Acts 27:30-32

The ship’s crew was about to abandon ship and make for land in the lifeboat leaving the passengers to fend for themselves. Paul probably realized that anchors in front of the ship were unnecessary and sensed their plan. The sailors would have been valuable on board to help beach the ship safely. They were the experts at maneuvering it. Perhaps the soldiers let the dinghy drift free so the sailors would not try another escape. This small boat would have been useful later when the passengers had to swim to land.

"Verses 24 and 31 provide an interesting illustration of the Biblical viewpoint regarding divine sovereignty and human responsibility. God knew that all on the vessel would be preserved (and if God knows it, it is certain and cannot be otherwise). At the same time God’s sovereignty which insured their safety was not intended to discourage human effort, for this was the means by which God would achieve the end in view." [Note: Kent, p. 189.]

There is no adequate basis for concluding that because God gave Paul insight and wisdom during this voyage that all Spirit-filled Christians, therefore, have more wisdom than unbelievers. God gave Paul intelligence and perception that He does not give all His servants. Some Christians think that they can assess situations and that people should follow their advice simply because they are Christians or Spirit-filled Christians. Jesus taught that often unbelievers demonstrate more wisdom than believers, unfortunately (cf. Luke 16:8).