BIBLE IN TEN

Acts 27:23

Friday, 10 May 2024
 
“For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, Acts 27:23
 
A bit more literally, it reads, “For a messenger of the God stood by me this night, whose I am and whom I serve” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul told those gathered on the ship to be of good cheer because there would be no loss of life. Only the ship would be lost. Now, to explain how he knows this, he says, “For a messenger of the God.”
 
The Greek word aggelos means a messenger. It can be human or divine. In this case, there is no indication which it is. One could say, “Obviously it was a non-human angel from heaven because they are on a ship at sea.” However, it could be one of the two anointed ones noted in Zechariah 4, who are surely humans. As it is, a messenger of the God came to Paul and, he says, “stood by me this night.”
 
The words would otherwise be incredible unless one is willing to believe in the supernatural. How could a messenger come to a person on a ship that has been lost at sea for an extended period of time, even while the sea raged and roared around them?
 
And yet, this is the claim Paul has made. Therefore, those gathered must decide if he is bonkers or if he is telling the truth. The fact that the messenger waited this long, however, is its own sort of validation. Why would God allow the ship to be tossed around so long and then send a messenger, unless what he says to Paul is true?
 
The people had, as it said already, given up all hope of being saved. And yet, there is suddenly a ray of hope shining through to them. With their physical and mental strength completely used up, this would have a much more profound effect on them. Where their works had failed them, a note of grace is extended from above, and it has come from the God, as Paul says, “whose I am and whom I serve.”
 
Paul is a Hebrew. The people on the ship would probably have known this. But at least those in charge were aware of it. The words are not unlike the account of Jonah. There is a difference, however. In Jonah, the remedy was to cast Jonah into the sea. That was an anticipatory type of Christ. With Paul, he is a servant of Christ Jesus.
 
Instead of being the instrument of the salvation of those on the ship, as Jonah was when he was cast into the sea, Paul’s God will bring about their salvation apart from any effort of, or use for, Paul. The types of the past, seen in Jonah, are no longer needed. Christ has come. Paul serves Him, and He will provide the delivery.
 
Life application: Notice the difference in the KJV and NKJV in these words –
 
KJV – the angel of God.
NKJV – an angel of the God.
 
In the Greek, there is no article before angel (messenger), but there is one before God. Therefore, either way, the KJV is wrong. However, the NKJV, despite having the articles right, might lead someone to a false understanding of what the intent of Paul’s words is. Look now at the difference between the placement of the words by the NKJV, the YLT, the SLT, and the CGT –
 
NKJV – For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve.
 
YLT – for there stood by me this night a messenger of God -- whose I am, and whom I serve.
 
SLT – For the messenger of God stood by me in this night, whose I am, and whom I serve.
 
CGV – For a messenger of the God stood by me this night, whose I am and whom I serve.
 
The NKJV directly connects the words “of the God” to “to whom I belong and whom I serve. This could then lead to a false conclusion, that Paul’s God is one of many.
 
Regardless of the use of the article before God, the other three separate the thoughts. Thus, it separates the thought of God and man in the mind of the reader. The SLT and YLT chose not to include the word “the” before God.
 
This is a common way of treating the article when it is before God, especially in a verse where it is understood that there is one God. However, including the article as the CGT does is perfectly acceptable because of the separation of the God and Paul in the clauses.
 
As for the article before “messenger” in the SLT version, that is incorrect and should not have been included. Likewise, the word “there” in the YLT should have been italicized as it is not in the Greek. Despite this, the order of the words in the Greek is more closely matched by the YLT than the CGT.
 
Here is the exact order of the Greek: 
 
παρέστη γάρ μοι τῇ νυκτὶ ταύτῃ ἄγγελος τοῦ θεοῦ οὗ εἰμι ᾧ καὶ λατρεύω
(Stood by) for me the night this messenger the God whose (I am) whom and (I serve).
 
Now it is your turn to look at the words and see how you would make them fit both the intent and the English so that it is understandable. Test at 9. Be ready...
 
Lord God Almighty, may we carefully and respectfully contemplate Your word. There is intent in how it is presented, but there is also a need for it to be understandable to us. Help us to have the two match in our minds so that our thoughts about You are correct. We want to know You and Your word intimately. So be with us in our time in fellowship with You through Your word. Amen.

Acts 27:22

Thursday, 9 May 2024
 
“And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. Acts 27:22
 
A literal rendering of the Greek would be, “And now, I admonish you to be cheerful, for there will be no off-casting of soul from you, except the ship” (CG).
 
Paul had just noted that those on the ship should have listened to him and stayed in Crete. By doing so, they would not have incurred the damage and loss that was now being experienced. Now, having set forth that his words are worth listening to, he will provide good news to the worn-out people before him, saying, “And now, I admonish you.”
 
Paul uses the same word, translated as “admonish,” that Luke used to describe Paul’s words in verse 27:9 –
 
“And much time having elapsed, and the sailing being already dangerous – and the Fast already passed by – Paul admonished” (CG).
 
This is the second and last time the word is used in Scripture, paraineó. It means to exhort or advise. However, HELPS Word Studies notes that it is “to urge acknowledging what is praiseworthy, i.e. ‘recommend, advise, urge.’” It is an up close and personal form of admonishment.
 
One can see that when Luke penned Acts, he remembered Paul’s word and used it in verse 27:9 when giving his narrative about what Paul would say now in verse 27:22. Luke’s precision of recording events and even single words is highlighted in this. Next, Paul says for them, “to be cheerful.”
 
It is another new word in Scripture, euthumeó. HELPS Word Studies says it is used “to show positive passion as it proceeds from a sound disposition.” It will be used again in verse 27:25 and once in James 5:13.
 
The people were certainly disheartened and dejected of soul, having (as it said in verse 20) no hope of being saved. But Paul now tells them to have this positive passion and be cheerycherry in their disposition because, as he next says, “for there will be no off-casting of soul from you, except the ship.”
 
And, once again, Luke uses a new word, apobolé. It comes from two words meaning “away” and “cast.” Thus, “off-casting” is an exacting translation. This word is found only one more time, in Romans 11:15 when speaking of Israel –
 
“For if their being cast away [apobolé] is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”
 
As for Paul’s words to the people, the good news is that no person’s soul would be cast away. Every person aboard would survive the ordeal. However, the bad news is that the ship would be lost. This then would mean that all of the cargo would be lost as well.
 
Those who owned and operated the ship would receive their lives as a prize, but nothing more. It is not unlike the word of the Lord spoken to Jeremiah’s scribe, Baruch –
 
“The word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at the instruction of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying, 2 ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: 3 “You said, ‘Woe is me now! For the Lord has added grief to my sorrow. I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.’”’
4 ‘Thus you shall say to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, what I have built I will break down, and what I have planted I will pluck up, that is, this whole land. 5 And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,’ says the Lord. ‘But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.’”’” Jeremiah 45:1-5
 
Life application: For those who owned the ship and/or the cargo, the lesson is similar to that of verse 37:19. What value are the things of the world in comparison to life itself? If the ship were saved, but the owner was lost, it would mean nothing to the owner that the ship was saved.
 
And, like those on the ship, the Lord has said that He would lose none of those who would come to Him. Difficult times have come to many, but in the end, all will safely arrive on the promised shores of His safe haven.
 
Should you be facing great loss in some way, remember that this is a fallen world and that difficult times are inevitable. But God promises us something better. Hold fast to that thought should things get out of control. Wonderful times of rest are ahead for the weary soul.
 
Heavenly Father, may we hold fast to the sure promises that Your word has given us because of Jesus. No matter how good things are at any given moment, total loss or great sadness may be just around the corner. If we can remember to fix our eyes on Jesus now, then should such things come to pass, we will already have our attention focused properly. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Acts 27:21

Wednesday, 8 May 2024
 
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. Acts 27:21
 
More literally, “And being much abstinence then, Paul having stood in their midst, said, ‘Indeed, O men, you ought to have hearkened to me not to go up from Crete, and to gain this disaster and loss’” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Luke noted that it had been many days without sun or stars while the tempest beat upon them. This led to the point where they had given up all hope. With that noted, he now records Paul’s words, beginning with, “And being much abstinence then.”
 
The abstinence from food that is mentioned here is probably as much because of having thrown over the equipment as for any other reason. This may have included much of the cooking equipment, and so the people on the ship would have been put on reduced rations of things that didn’t need to be cooked.
 
The Pulpit Commentary argues that the word translated as “abstinence,” asitia, “is only found here in the Bible; but it was the common medical term for loss of the appetite, and such is the most natural rendering here. There is nothing about ‘long abstinence’ in the text.”
 
Their comment, however, does not square with the words of Paul in verse 33. There was, in fact, a long abstinence and the people were certainly weak from the lack of food. Despite this, Paul was both strengthened in the Lord and an encouragement to them. But before he encourages, Luke says, “Paul having stood in their midst, said, ‘Indeed, O men, you ought to have hearkened to me.’”
 
This isn’t Paul rubbing their bad decision in the faces. Rather, it is an obvious truth that he did his best to get them to avoid disaster. They didn’t listen and his words were vindicated. As such, his coming words should be listened to and accepted. To remind them of what occurred before he gives his encouragement, he says he told them “not to go up from Crete.”
 
As has been seen several times in Acts, to depart from land is thought of as going up. That is akin to our terminology of heading out to the high seas. They were safely in a harbor, and they were warned not to go up from it. The reason Paul recommended staying was, as he says, “and to gain this disaster and loss.”
 
He uses the same two words that were introduced into the Bible in Acts 27:10, hubris and zémia, translated as disaster and loss. It may sound odd to say, “gain this disaster and loss,” but this is exactly what has happened. They have lost their cargo and ship and have, in place of them, gained disaster and loss – at least experientially.
 
Again, Paul is not holding this tragedy over them. Instead, he is demonstrating to them that he isn’t just a lunatic, incapable of making a reasonable deduction about the events which were certainly to come upon them.
 
This is readying them for his next words where he will prophesy to all on the ship. Being sane enough to make a reasonable recommendation concerning what would occur by leaving Crete, his words of prophecy would be taken, not as from a nut job, but from a person of sound mind.
 
Life application: When our words are found to be reliable, we will tend to be more likely to get the ears of others. If what we say is inconsistent, not based in reality, or false, the chances of people listening to us will normally be greatly diminished or non-existent.
 
Having said that, this doesn’t seem to apply to politicians or sensationalist teachers, regardless of what they say. Such people can lie through their teeth or claim things that never happened, and their words are simply ignored by those who follow them. Instead, they want to hear certain things and will shut out any falsity that comes their way as if it isn’t important.
 
Therefore, we need to really stand back and evaluate ourselves and determine if we are allowing lies to fill our minds simply because we agree with an overall agenda or approach to life. If so, we need to forcibly restrict ourselves from allowing this to happen.
 
What we should hear and accept is nothing but the truth. If we allow falsity of whatever kind to rule our thoughts, we are opening ourselves up to real trouble and even disaster. History has proven this true time and again. Be on guard concerning what you will accept and who you will listen to.
 
Lord God, You expect us to be truthful. You also surely want us to only accept what is truthful. And so, Lord, give us wisdom to identify those times when we are willing to accept falsity and weed that out of our lives. May our lives be dedicated to right thinking and words that are based upon reality and truth. Amen.
 

Acts 27:20

Tuesday, 7 May 2024
 
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. Acts 27:20
 
A literal rendering would be, “And neither sun nor stars appearing for many days, and no little tempest lying upon, removed all remaining hope of us being saved” (CG).
 
Luke just noted that the tackle of the ship was thrown overboard. Ellicott noted that the word goes beyond the ship’s own tackle, but to anything moveable. However, even with this drastic measure, the narrative continues with, “And neither sun nor stars appearing for many days.”
 
Verse 27 will give an overall span of time that the storm raged around them, fourteen days. It was on the third day that they chucked the tackle overboard. Therefore, Luke’s words now indicate a period of another 9-11 days, depending on what he was thinking as he penned the narrative.
 
Such a span of time, while being completely tossed to and fro and hearing the constant noise of the storm and groan of the ship, would wear out the hardiest of souls. Luke notes this was the case with the next words, “and no little tempest lying upon.”
 
The words “lying upon” are a literal translation of the word epikeimai. It is referring to the storm lying upon the ship (the verb is singular). It is as if the ship itself was bearing the entire burden of the ordeal and those inside were at the mercy of God upon the ship holding together. One can imagine what it would have been like for Noah and his family on the ark.
 
With this terrifying ordeal upon them, Luke says that this “removed all remaining hope of us being saved.”
 
In ancient times, there was no such thing as a compass, GPS, etc. Without such devices, they would have no idea at all where they were. The only way to reckon their location was to determine the placement of the sun, moon, and stars.
 
They had been deprived of this and so they could just as well have been on the moon as still in the Mediterranean Sea. It would leave them with a feeling of complete helplessness. Adding to the lack of knowing their location, the tempest continued to beat them mercilessly. The throwing over of the supplies and tackle implies that there was probably a leak in the hull that was gaining ground.
 
The people would be getting more and more tired of bailing and so the leak would be like the sword of Damocles over their heads, little by little gaining the advantage over the situation. Because of this, any hope of them getting through the ordeal and being saved was erased.
 
The metaphor of works-based salvation is perfectly seen in this verse. The more one works, the more futile the effort. The people on the ship had gone without food, they had given up on their goods, they had worked tirelessly in the midst of chaos, and they were no better off – and certainly worse off – than when the tempest started.
 
Life application: Life without assurance is the most hopeless place to be. But in Christ, there is always hope, and the promise of eternal life will carry the worn-out soul to assured rest. God did not send Jesus to provide His people with eternal insecurity.
 
No! He did not send Jesus to save us and then expect us to then keep on saving ourselves. That would mean that His initial salvation was not truly sufficient to save. Instead, Jesus did everything necessary to restore us to life and to continue to do so as long as we are in this body of death. He has promised, and He will deliver us from it.
 
Lord God, give us the wisdom and the faith necessary to fully grasp what it means to be saved. Jesus has done the work. Our walk after coming to Him is to be one of gratitude, not insecurity and fear. Help us to realize that the battle has been won. Jesus has prevailed, and we are the recipients of His glorious deeds. May we rest in this assurance all our days! Amen.
 

Acts 27:19

Monday, 6 May 2024
 
On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands. Acts 27:19
 
A literal reading is much sparser in content, “And on the third, self-handed, the tackle of the ship we cast away” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Luke noted that because the ship was exceedingly tempest-tossed, the ship was lightened. Now, his words continue with, “And on the third.”
 
The storm continued to rage which would have put a great strain on the ship, even with it having been lightened. Therefore, by the third day, more extreme measures were needed to take the stress off the hull. Therefore, on that day, Luke says, “self-handed, the tackle of the ship we cast away.”
 
Luke again uses a word unique to the Bible, autocheir. It comes from autos, a reflexive personal pronoun indicating self, and cheir, hand. In this case, it doesn’t identify whose hands were involved. That is determined by the corresponding verb.
 
Luke next uses the word skeué to describe the tackle. It is akin to the word skeuos that was used in verse 27:17. It signifies the tackle, fittings, equipment, etc. As for the verb, there is a difference in the texts. Some say “they” while others say “we.”
 
If the translation of we is correct, then it means that even the passengers were enlisted to assist in the lightening of the ship. If not, then only the crew did, and Luke simply made a note of the dire straits that would lead to such an extreme choice being made.
 
Either way, after three continued days of abuse, they needed to again lighten the ship in hopes of finding some relief from the terrifying ordeal. Because of this, it says the ship’s tackle was cast overboard.
 
As just noted, the word is skeué. It is found only here in the New Testament. Ellicott notes that in Greek it “is wider in its range than the English, and includes the beds and personal luggage and movables of all kinds. Even the sailors were ready to sacrifice for the chance of safety.”
 
Life application: To some extent we all hold onto the things of the world. Our attention may be focused a bit too much on people, pets, or possessions, consuming what should be our main devotion, which should be to the Lord.
 
Quite often, we hold onto things that are actually of less importance than we would realize in a time of true catastrophe or deprivation. A few examples from Scripture are Lamentations 4:1, Ezekiel 7:19, James 5:3-5, or 1 Peter 1:18. Also, the story in Matthew 19:16-22 gives us a good insight into how we hold onto that which is worthless. Psalm 119:37 is a good verse to redirect us from this. 
 
This is a physical world, and it is a world where we need fellowship with others, food to keep ourselves going, clothing to protect us from the elements, and so forth. However, any of these (and so many more things!) can cause us to be misdirected in our thinking. We begin to put trust in them and in our thoughts, they become some sort of lifeline that we feel we must have.
 
However, Scripture reveals that what we need above all else is the Lord. If He is our main hope, desire, and focus, the things of this world will not hold sway over us as they are inclined to do. So, let us remember the Lord in all things and at all times. In doing so, everything else will find its proper place.
 
Lord God, how faithless we can be toward You. We get consumed with the things of this world and lose our focus and attention. Help us to remember You at all times and place You as the highest joy in our lives. With this, we will then rightly place all other things as we interact with them. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen!
 

Acts 27:18

Sunday, 5 May 2024
 
And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. Acts 27:18
 
A more literal rendering of the Greek would be, “And we, being tempest-tossed violently, the following day they made a jettisoning” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it noted that the crew had run ropes under the ship to hold it together and then lowered the tackle so that they would be driven. Now, Luke continues with, “And we, being tempest-tossed violently.”
 
Luke continues with new and rare words in this verse. The first is the adverb sphodrós, meaning “exceedingly.” It is found only here and is closely connected to the adverb sphodra which is much more common.
 
The word translated as tempest-tossed, cheimazó, is also found only here. It means tempest-tossed or storm tossed. A single English word would fail to get both senses, and so a hyphenated word must suffice. Because of this terrifying state of things, it next says, “the following day they made a jettisoning.”
 
The word translated as following, hexes, is actually an adverb meaning subsequently or successively and signifying the next day. This is the last of five times it is seen in the New Testament. Also, the word translated as “a jettisoning” is a noun found only here, ekbolé. It signifies a throwing overboard and, thus, a jettisoning.
 
With the violence of the storm, the heavy rains, and the high seas, the weight of the ship needed to be lessened, or it was possible they would sink. Further, the chances of hitting a rock, reef, or the sands needed to be reduced.
 
In order to do this, they did their jettisoning. However, the verb is imperfect. It means that they started to throw and continued to do so. As we will see, the wheat was not thrown over in hopes of at least saving the owners from suffering a complete loss. This will be seen in verse 38.
 
Life application: Some people are good at getting rid of unneeded things. Others hold onto them tightly, never wanting to part with a thing. Those who constantly toss things will often find they did so a bit too soon and wind up spending more time or money to get back what they actually needed.
 
Those who hold onto things forever often get so cluttered in their lives that they lose track of what they have and can’t find what they need. Thus, they have to spend more time or money to obtain what they need, even though they already have it somewhere. If there is a perfect time to toss or keep, most people have not yet found it. However, it is something that Solomon says is necessary. He says there is –
 
“A time to gain,And a time to lose;A time to keep,And a time to throw away.” Ecclesiastes 3:6
 
If you are going to toss, at least see if someone else can use what you no longer need. There is no point in wasting things when someone else may benefit from what you have. You may save them some money, make a friend, or just help someone out of a difficult time.
 
Lord God, help us to use wisdom in the use of our possessions so that they don’t control us or bog our lives down with that which is ultimately unnecessary. And yet, help us to be wise and discerning and not wasteful as well. We are to save for our children’s children. We can’t do that if we are always buying stuff and tossing things away that have value. So, Lord, give us wisdom in the conduct of our lives in this regard. Amen.
 

Acts 27:17

Saturday, 4 May 2024
 
When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven. Acts 27:17
 
A literal rendering would be, “Which, having lifted, they used helps, undergirding the ship. And fearing lest they fall into the Syrtis, having lowered the tackle – thus they were borne.” (CG).
 
The last verse revealed that the ship ran under Clauda and at that time, they were able to secure the skiff, but with much difficulty. Now, concerning the skiff, it next says, “Which, having lifted.”
 
Once the skiff was brought in, they next lifted it onto the ship. The reason this was necessary was after lifting the skiff, “they used helps.”
 
The NKJV translates this verse using the word “cables.” Others say, ropes, supports, under-girding, and so forth. Cables, or ropes, are exactly what was used, but the term is boétheia which literally means “assistance” or “help.”
 
HELPS Word Studies says, “It is a brand of help, especially critical assistance that meets an urgent situation.” This word is used just twice, here and in Hebrews 4:16, where we are told –
 
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help [boétheia] in time of need.”
 
The process of undergirding the ships in this manner is known as “frapping.” According to Albert Barnes, Falconer's Marine Dictionary describes the process, saying, “To frap a ship is to pass four or five turns of a large cable-laid rope round the hull or frame of a ship to support her in a great storm, or otherwise, when it is apprehended that she is not strong enough to resist the violent efforts of the sea.”
 
Barnes also cites an instance of frapping which was recorded in Lord Anson's voyage round the world, “They were obliged to throw overboard all their upper-deck guns, and take six turns of the cable round the ship to prevent her opening.” The reason for the frapping of the ship is that without it, the ship would literally come apart at the seams in such a tempestuous storm.
 
Therefore, they used these helps in the process of “undergirding the ship.” This is another unique word in Scripture, hupozónnumi. It is a compound word coming from hupo, under, and zonnumi, to gird. Just as one might gird himself up to run, the ship is undergirded to keep from splitting apart and sinking. After this process was complete, Luke next notes, “And fearing lest they fall into the Syrtis.”
 
This was another anticipated problem that they feared. The Syrtis is described by Thayer’s Greek Lexicon –
 
“...the name of two places in the African or Libyan Sea between Carthage and Cyrenaica, full of shallows and sandbanks, and therefore destructive to ships; the western Syrtis, between the islands Cercina and Meninx (or the promontories of Zeitha and Brachodes), was called Syrtis minor, the eastern (extending from the promontory of Cephalae on the Winers Grammar, to that of Boreum on the E.) was called Syrtis major (sinus Psyllicus); this latter must be the one referred to in Acts 27:17, for upon this the ship in which Paul was sailing might easily be cast after leaving Crete.”
 
The sands shift over time. Therefore, their exact location remained unknown from voyage to voyage. Should they hit the sands, the ship would stick fast and be torn apart in the waves and sand. Because of the danger, it says, “having lowered the tackle – thus they were borne.”
 
The NKJV says, “they struck sail and so were driven.” Ellicott notes that “The English fails to give the sense of the original. Had they struck sail altogether the ship would simply have drifted in the very direction which they were anxious to avoid. Some sail was absolutely necessary to keep the ship steady. What is meant is that they ‘lowered the ship’s gear,’ the spars and rigging, and especially, perhaps, the heavy yard and ropes which the ancient ships carried, and which would, in such a gale, make the ship top-heavy.”
 
Because of this, it would be their aim to sail as close to the wind as possible and head northwest. In doing so, they would be able to avoid the sands.
 
Life application: There is the normal routine of life, and then there are times when things seem to be bursting at the seams and that pressures and forces around us are beyond our ability to withstand.
 
It is at such times that sailors take drastic, emergency methods to hold things together, even employing those passengers on the ship to assist. We should be no different. When it comes to trying times, we should be prepared to go into emergency mode. We can seek assistance from others that we would not normally dare ask help from, lest we inconvenience them.
 
We can gird ourselves up and prepare ourselves mentally for what lies ahead. And we should not fail to stop and pray for the Lord’s kind hand to be on us during our trials. No life is without trial, and none of us will safely navigate every journey we take. We should remember this and have our emergency kits of life ready to keep things together at all times.
 
Let the Lord be your Helps as you pass through the deep and stormy waters of affliction. No matter what the earthly outcome, He will be with you at the end. So, trust Him at all times.
 
Lord God, may we be willing to place our lives in Your hands at all times. And when things get beyond our control, may we remember that You are there with us. You will safely carry us to fair shores of eternal peace. Even if this life gets tossed about, we are forever safely in Your hands. Thank You for this comforting reassurance. Amen.
 

Acts 27:16

Friday, 3 May 2024
 
And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. Acts 27:16
 
A literal rendering would be, “And having run under a certain islet called Clauda, scarcely we were able to become controllers of the skiff” (CG).
 
The previous verse noted that the ship could not head into the wind and so those on board simply let it be borne along. Now, a verse filled with new and rare words is given. In it, Luke says, “And having run under a certain islet called Clauda.”
 
The first rare word is hupotrechó, signifying “to run under.” It is found only here in Scripture. Instead of running into this island, they were able to get the ship to sail past it by running under it. What they ran under is described by a word, nésion, that is translated as “islet.”  This is the diminutive of nésos, and island. Thus, this is a little island, meaning and islet. It is also found only here in Scripture.
 
As for the islet, it is called Clauda. This is the only time it is mentioned. This name, Clauda, is one of various spellings found in different manuscripts. There is an island about 149 miles southwest of Crete that is today known as Gandos. This could possibly be the island that is referred to by Luke. There are a few other very small islands between these as well, such as the sister islands known as Paximadia Ena and Paximadia Duo.
 
Whichever island Luke is referring to, he says, “scarcely we were able to become controllers of the skiff.”
 
The word perikratés, an adjective which is again only found in this verse, signifies “having full command of.” Being an adjective, it would signify “controllers.” What they were attempting to control was the skaphé, or light boat. Hence, it is the ship’s skiff. The obvious etymological connection between the words skaphé and skiff can be seen. This is the first of three times the word will be seen. All will be in this chapter.
 
The words, as previously, show the united effort of all available hands. The word “we” appears to be all-inclusive as any free person on the ship did his best to assist the crew in securing the skiff and helping out in whatever way he could.
 
The terminology Luke uses indicates that they had immense difficulty bringing in this little ship that was used for getting to shore when docked in an open harbor. The wind would have been raging and the boat itself was probably filled with a great deal of water. The challenge, which is seen in Luke’s words, was a great one.
 
Life application: One can almost sense the tension of those on board who worked to bring the skiff aboard the ship. But with the help of others besides the crew, the task was completed. There are times when we may be called, even if not verbally, to assist in a situation. It takes a truly uncaring person to idly sit by while others are carrying the weight of the moment.
 
Even if a person isn’t physically able to help, there is something he or she can do. For example, a person seeing others struggling at a task can go to the galley and get something for those who are working to eat after they are done.
 
Standing around and gawking, in whatever situation one finds himself in, just adds to the clutter of the situation. If nothing else, words of encouragement or congratulations can be heaped upon those who are doing the hard work. Whatever it is you can do, don’t be a bump on a log. Instead, be a person who is active in participating in the events that unfold before you. As it says in Ecclesiastes –
 
“Because of laziness the building decays,And through idleness of hands the house leaks.” Ecclesiastes 10:18
 
Do your best to not let the house around you (real or otherwise) decay because of slothfulness. Industry and hard work, even if it is mere moral support, is something that is needed in the world. A pat on the back or a letter or email of support from time to time is always appreciated.
 
Lord God, may we be willing to share of ourselves in whatever way we can in the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Help us, Lord, to be productive and helpful in this life we have been given. May it be so with You as the One who receives the glory for our efforts in living sound, productive, Christian lives. Amen.
 

Acts 27:15

Thursday, 2 May 2024
 
So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. Acts 27:15
 
The Greek more closely reads, “And the ship, having been caught, and not being able to face the wind, having given way, we were borne” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, it was noted that a tempestuous storm, a Euroclydon, arose. This became problematic for those on the ship as Luke now notes, saying, “And the ship, having been caught.”
 
With the storm raging from all sides, those on it were completely unable to proceed in order to escape from its clutches. There was certainly no way to make any headway to where they intended. Because of this, Luke continues, saying, “and not being able to face the wind.”
 
The word is antophthalmeó, signifying, “I present my eye to.” It is a nautical term found only here in the New Testament, coming from anti and opthalamos, both words are easily identifiable and understandable, even today. Literally then, it gives the sense of “to look the wind in the eye.”
 
One can imagine the raging wind, the rain, and the spray of the waves all being so forceful that it was simply blinding to the eye. And more, ancient ships would often have an eye painted on each side of the bow. The modern nautical phrase to “sail into the eye of the wind’ comes from this. With it impossible to make headway, Luke records that “having given way, we were borne along.”
 
The word “we” shows a united effort was taken by everyone to get the boat to function properly, but it was impossible. And so, yielding to the superior force, they simply let the ship be borne along without any of their efforts, thus leaving their fate solely in the hands of the Lord.
 
Life application: As terrible as it seems for these sailors and passengers, our existence – even at this very moment – is very little different than theirs. We think we have our hands on the rudder of life and that we are navigating the waters by our own skill, carving our way into the future under the complete control we possess.
 
Nothing could be further from the truth. Even if things are peaceful around us, we have no control over the next seconds of our life, apart from the guiding hand of the Lord. Planes fly over most places on Earth. Parts fall off of planes from time to time. We cannot control that.
 
Meteors fall from the sky and land where they will. We have no power to direct where they will end up. Other people on the highway may be drunk and wind up in our windshield. Or they may drive through the wall of the building we are in, crushing us. We simply have no idea of what lies even a second ahead and each moment comes by the grace of God, whether we acknowledge it or not.
 
This includes each beat of our heart and each pulse of blood through our bodies. Let us not be arrogant about our control over life. That is a reality that does not exist. Rather, let us be humble and grateful to God for the safety we have possessed, acknowledging that it will continue only as long as He determines it to be so.
 
Glorious Lord God, help us to be more in tune with the reality of this life, that we are wholly dependent upon You for our world, our economies, our personal safety, and even our own next breath. May we understand that all things are allowed according to Your plan and Your wisdom. May we walk humbly before You all our days, acknowledging Your providential care over us as we go. Amen.
 

Acts 27:14

Wednesday, 1 May 2024
 
But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. Acts 27:14
 
More literally, the words read, “And not long after, a typhonic wind cast against it, called Euroclydon” (CG).
 
In the last verse, it said, “And Auster, having wafted, having thought to have obtained the purpose, having hoisted they laid beside near Crete.” With that, complicated words are penned by Luke, beginning with, “And not long after.”
 
There was a fair wind from the south wafting along bringing the men satisfaction that the decision to leave Fair Havens was a good one. They were sailing along the coast of Crete and moving in the right direction. However, it next says, “a typhonic wind cast against it.”
 
The Greek word, found only here in the Bible, is tuphónikos, a typhonic wind. It is etymologically connected to our modern word typhoon, but being an adjective, it doesn’t name but rather describes the wind. The word comes from the noun tuphón, a hurricane or typhoon. Typhoon is the designation used today for those hurricanes that arise in the western Pacific.
 
These words are derived from the same root as tuphó, smoky, found in Matthew 12:20. One can think of the ocean spray being stirred up and giving it an appearance that is clouded or smoky.
 
This raging wind is described as having been cast against it. The question is, “Cast against what?” Ellicott notes -
 
“The Greek pronoun is in the feminine, and as the noun used for ship is, throughout the narrative, in the neuter, the difference of gender presents a difficulty. Grammatically the pronoun seems to refer to Crete, and if referred to it, the sentence admits of three possible constructions: (1) the wind drove us against Crete; or (2), blew against Crete; or (3), drove down on us from Crete.”
 
The first two go against what is later recorded, and so it is most likely speaking of the winds driving against Crete and blowing them off the shore, Crete being a feminine noun and the nearest antecedent. The wind that arose was so strong that it cast against Crete causing a swirling, typhonic action that literally blew the ship away from the coast they had been clinging to as they drove the ship towards Phoenix.
 
Understanding this, the verse finishes with the name of this type of wind. Luke said it is “called Euroclydon.”
 
This last word is variously rendered in manuscripts. Some say Euroclydon while others say Euroquilo. From there, translators use one designation or another, or they simply translate it as a Northeaster and avoid the trouble.
 
Which word is correct is argued. It appears nowhere else in the Bible. If Euroclydon is correct, then it may come from euros, wind, and kludon, wave. As such, it signifies a storm where winds just whip around forming battering waves, like a hurricane.
 
If Euraquilo is right, it might mean “...between Eurus, ‘the E. S. E. wind,’ and Aquilo, ‘the north-wind, or, strictly, N. 1/3 E. Hence, E. N. E.’” (Vincent’s Word Studies).
 
No matter what, the storm was a raging one and it bore down on the ship so tempestuously that it drove it away from Crete and into the open sea.
 
Life application: Studying the etymology of words is fun and increases one’s knowledge of how languages develop and express themselves. Be sure to take time to look into this aspect of God’s revealed word!
 
Lord God, thank You for the pages of Scripture that reveal so much to us about the life and events of those who have gone before us, expending their time and energy with the intent of spreading the message of Jesus and the good news of His gospel. May we follow suit and be willing to set out with the aim and intent of telling others about it as well. Praises to You, O God, for this wonderful chance to be a part of the redemptive narrative as it continues to unfold! Amen.
 

Acts 27:13

Tuesday, 30 April 2024
 
When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. Acts 27:13
 
Although quite obscure in some of the wording, a more literal rendering of the Greek would be, “And Auster, having wafted, having thought to have obtained the purpose, having hoisted they laid beside near Crete” (CG).
 
Luke just noted that the majority had come together and decided th ey would try to reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete. This now will take place. The next words, therefore, say, “And Auster, having wafted.”
 
The Greek word notos is used. It signifies the South. Thus, it implies here “the south wind.” A single English word to describe that is Auster. It specifically refers to the south wind. Of this Auster, it is said to have “wafted.”
 
Again, it is a single word used to describe another single word from the Greek, hupopneó. It is derived from hupo, under or about, and pneo, to breathe or blow (as the wind). This word is only found here in Scripture and apparently is found nowhere else in ancient Greek literature. 
 
With this seemingly favorable turn of events, Luke next records, “having thought to have obtained the purpose.”
 
The word prothesis is used. It signifies a setting forth. In the synoptic gospels and in Hebrews, it is translated as “showbread,” meaning the bread set forth in the Tabernacle before the Lord. It comes from two words signifying “before” and “purposefully set forth.” Paul uses it several times in his epistles when referring to the purpose of God. It thus speaks of the providential workings of God. For example –
 
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose [prothesis].” Romans 8:28
 
These men, having received this wafting Auster, thought that their predetermined purpose of reaching Phoenix would be realized, therefore, it says, “having hoisted they laid beside near Crete.”
 
The words “having hoisted” are referring to the anchor that had been weighed in the harbor of Fair Havens. With this gentle Auster wafting away, the men thought this was their best chance to proceed, heading out and toward Phoenix. However, they carefully kept close to the island, knowing that things could devolve quickly if the winds turned contrary.
 
In these words, the second and last use of paralegomai is used, translated as “laid beside.” Luke used it in Acts 27:8 and now it is retired from Scripture. Also, there is a notable error to be found in some translations.
 
Older versions, and continuing on in the Douay-Rheims Bible, read differently, saying something like, “...when they had loosed from Asson, they sailed close by Crete.”
 
The error is assuming that the Greek word assos, which is found only here in Scripture, is speaking of a location known as Asson. However, this place was much further to the north. The error was corrected in the Geneva Bible, translating asson as “very near” or “close.” It is not a place being referred to, but the ship in relation to the coast.
The sailors, as noted above, kept close to the coast in order to not get swept out to see if a seasonal storm suddenly arose and tossed them about.
 
Life application: As always, it is recommended that you read different translations of the Bible. People are fallible and errors are easy to make based on a lack of knowledge concerning words in the text, geography, metallurgy, gemology, etc.
 
Different people have different understandings of various subjects and may realize that something translated in one way is actually not possible. For example, the older versions of Deuteronomy 8:9 say something like the poorly rendered King James Version –
 
“A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.”
 
Not understanding metallurgy, the KJV translated the Hebrew word signifying copper as brass. Brass cannot be dug from the ground as it is an alloy produced by man. What thou mayest dig from the ground is copper. That is then combined with zinc to produce brass, and – wah-lah – one has a great-sounding cymbal.
 
Be sure to not get captivated by a single translation. Thou mayest be misdirected in thy understanding of various subjects that arise within the pages of this precious gift, the Holy Bible.
 
Glorious Lord God, how blessed we are to be living in a time when we can read fifty or more translations right on the internet, comparing what they say so that we can get a better understanding of how things should be properly translated in Your wonderful word. Thank You for the many resources available to us right at our fingertips. May we take full advantage of these things as we continue to learn and grow in Your word. Amen.
 

Acts 27:12

Monday, 29 April 2024
 
And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there. Acts 27:12
 
A more literal translation is, “And the harbor, being unsuitable to a wintering, the majority set counsel to go up thence also, if how they might be able, having arrived to Phoenix to winter – a harbor of Crete looking against southwest and against northwest” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul’s words concerning the state of the ship and the people on it were overridden by the pilot and the shipmaster. The centurion agreed with them instead. Therefore, a verse filled with rare words begins with, “And the harbor, being unsuitable.”
 
Luke uses an adjective found only here in the New Testament, aneuthetos. It is the negative of euthetos, or suitable. Thus, it signifies to be unsuitable. The harbor was not a proper place “to a wintering.”
 
It is a new noun found only here, paracheimasia. It indicates the state of spending the winter. The harbor in which they currently were positioned would face the coming winds of the wintertime and make it a less suitable place to be than an area sheltered from those same winds. As such, it next says, “the majority set counsel to go up thence also.”
 
Because of the less-than-ideal location, it appears that a majority vote was taken which decided that they would leave this harbor and continue to some other location more suitable for the winter months.
 
There are decisions that might properly be considered through a popular vote and there are those which should not be. In this case, what was popular was not what was right. A cold and bumpy time in a port is far better than a ship at the bottom of the sea. However, the majority made their voice known and that was “if how they might be able, having arrived to Phoenix.”
 
The fact that this terminology is used shows the impending doom from Luke’s hand. A risk is being taken and Luke is giving advance notice that it will not prove to be a great choice to make.
 
The place where they hope to reach would be Phoinix, or Phoenix, a location found only here in Scripture. Though a bit long, Ellicott gives a great description for us to consider –
 
“Phenice . . . which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.—The precise meaning of the phrase is that the harbour looked, as we say, down these winds, in the direction to which they blew—i.e., that it faced the north-east and south-east, the words used being the names, not of points of the compass, but of the winds which blew from them. The harbour so described has been identified with the modern Lutro, on the east of the promontory of Kavo Muros, which looks eastward, and so corresponds to the interpretation just given of the words that describe it. The harbour is named by Ptolemy (iii. 17) as Phoenikous, and a city named Phoenix lay a few miles inland. It is still used as a harbour by Greek pirates, and was marked as such in the French admiralty charts of 1738; but, owing to the silting up of the sand, has become unsuitable for larger vessels. An inscription of the time of Nerva, of the nature of a votive tablet to Jupiter and Serapis, found near the spot, records the fact that it was erected by Epictetus, the tabularius, or agent, of the fleet to which the ship belonged, with the assistance of Dionysius of Alexandria, the pilot (the same word as that which St. Luke uses) of a ship which had as its sign (the same word as in Acts 28:4) the Isopharia. It is a natural inference from this that the Alexandrian ship (we note the Egyptian element in the dedication to Serapis, and possibly in the connection of the sign with the Pharos, or lighthouse of Alexandria) had anchored, and possibly wintered, at Phœnice, and that the tablet was a thank-offering for its preservation.”
 
The name Phoenix probably got its name from the palm tree, phoinix, which is indigenous to Crete. Of this location, those on the ship hoped to sail in order “to winter.”
 
It is another new word, paracheimazó. It is the verb form of the noun just used to describe “a wintering.” It will be seen three more times in Scripture. This location was more suitable because it was “a harbor of Crete looking against southwest and against northwest.”
 
This is the third and last use of the word, limén, a harbor or haven. Also, two more words found only here in Scripture are to be noted. The first is lips, signifying the southwest. It is an interesting word, coming from leibó, to pour. The reason for this name is that it is from this direction that the rains come. Therefore, it is as if the rains pour from there.
 
The other new word is chóros, the northwest. It is of Latin origin and signifies the area from which the winds blow.  A harbor facing these directions would be more suitable for wintering than where they currently were, even if it was dangerous to leave where they were in order to get there.
 
Life application: Majority votes often fail to be the best choice. Uninformed people with a strong voice can override those who are knowledgeable because the knowledgeable are often more contemplative and less vocal about matters. They are also, more often than not, in the minority. Those who don’t think things through logically are aplenty in the world.
 
In governments that are based on the majority vote, people will often vote for things that are wholly unreasonable. This is true with committees and the like as well. Although majority votes may seem fair, it is usually best to steer away from them and allow those who are in charge to make the ultimate decisions for a matter.
 
These leaders may ask for a majority consideration, but then evaluate what was presented and amend or override what the majority wants. The world is not fair, but to leave decisions in the hands of the masses is not the best way of handling things. This will become evident to those on the ship in the verses ahead.
 
Lord God, it is so wonderful to know that You alone are in charge of the process of the redemption of man. If it were up to us, even in the least part, things would not go well. How evident this is when pastors, churches, and denominations cannot even agree on what the word “grace” means. Help us to be obedient followers of Your word in all ways and at all times, yielding ourselves to what You have decided upon for us. Amen.