BIBLE IN TEN

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.

Acts 27:11

Sunday, 28 April 2024
 
Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. Acts 27:11
 
More literally, the Greek reads, “But the centurion rather trusted the pilot and the shipmaster than these spoken by Paul” (CG).
 
In the previous verse, Paul noted from his personal experience and deduction that disaster lay ahead for the ship and the crew if the voyage to Rome was continued at this time. However, Paul’s views were not shared by all. As it next says, “But the centurion rather trusted the pilot and the shipmaster.”
 
This is not a failing on the part of the centurion. He may have surmised that Paul wanted to delay his trip to Rome for some reason. Further, the ship was under the authority of these other two. It would seem illogical for them to risk everything if they didn’t know what they were doing.
 
However, he probably ignored the fact that these men may have had a lot of loss by simply staying in port and waiting for the season to turn more favorable in order to continue the journey. He had to weigh out the matter and come to a decision. In the end, he accepted the words of these above those of Paul.
 
Both of these positions are new to Scripture. The first is the kubernétés, or pilot. This is derived from the same source as a similar noun found in 1 Corinthians 12:28, kubernésis, someone who steers, which is then applied to one who governs or administrates. Thus, the kubernétés is a steersman, helmsman, or pilot. This word is only found here and in Revelation 18:17.
 
The next word is the naukléros, or shipmaster. It is found only here in the New Testament. It is derived from two words signifying ship and lot (as in a lot that is cast), and thus a clerk. Therefore, it is the ship owner or ship master who hires out his ship.
 
Both of these men would normally be considered experienced enough to know what would be proper concerning the vessel they were in charge of. Therefore, the centurion accepted their words more “than these spoken by Paul.”
 
It will be an unfortunate choice. Paul will be sure to remind them of the consequences of not listening to him when disaster has fully come upon them.
 
Life application: The centurion, despite having sympathy for Paul, as was previously seen, was more willing to trust the judgment of the helmsman and the ship owner. He didn't consider the fact that the owner of the ship was surely under financial constraint.
 
The cargo was susceptible to being ruined if it sat too long and the shipmaster was paid by the owner. They would be more willing to take the chance of moving on because of this in order to find a more suitable harbor, or even make the entire journey to Rome, even with the associated dangers.
 
As noted, the centurion had to make a decision and he could not get inside of the heads and lives of the men who were making their arguments before him. He will, however, find out that Paul was a straight shooter. This is something that is important for us as Christians.
 
We need to be so trustworthy in what we say that people can take our words at face value. This is actually a charge for us from both Jesus and the apostles. We are told to let our yes be yes and our no be no. In other words, we are to speak and then perform according to our words. In this, we will be more reliable than even the steersman on a ship who must venture into the sea, risking life and/or property loss as he heads forth into the unknown.
 
As an interesting side note, the etymological root of our modern word cybernetics is from this same word, kubernétés. The word was first explained by Norbert Wiener, in his 1948 book of that title, noting it concerned the study of controlling and communicating in both the animal and the machine. This is true with the other word, kubernésis, as well. One can see the etymological root of cybernesis. Fun stuff, right out of the Bible.
 
Lord God, may we be careful to include You in our major decisions of life. When we are faced with something that has more than one important avenue to take, and which could lead to unhappy results if we take the wrong one, may we remember to pray to You and ask for Your guidance. In this, we will at least know that we have Your hand with us as we continue down the path we ultimately take. To Your glory, we pray this. Amen.
 

Acts 27:10

Saturday, 27 April 2024
 
saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” Acts 27:10
 
More literally, it reads, “saying to them, ‘Men, I discern that with damage and much loss, not only the cargo and the ship but also our lives – the voyage is going to be’” (CG).
 
The words of this verse continue the thought from the previous verse. There, it said, “And much time having elapsed, and the sailing being already dangerous – and the Fast already passed by – Paul admonished.” Now, Luke continues with “saying to them, ‘Men, I discern.’”
 
His words are based on what he just said. In other words, Paul is not speaking some type of prophetic utterance. Rather, what he says is based on his perception of the situation in which those on the ship were in. The words “I discern” show this.
 
The Greek word theóreó is one that is based on observation “where people concentrate on the meaning of an action (performance)” (HELPS Word Studies). It is where our English word theater is derived from.
 
For several relevant examples, see John 4:19; John 12:19; and Acts 17:22. Each of these verses shows an inference made based on observation. Paul notes in 2 Corinthians 11:25 that he had been shipwrecked three times. He was aware of the winds of the Mediterranean after a lifetime of experience as well.
 
Therefore, it cannot be assumed that his comments are a prophecy. Instead, they are those of experience. As such, he continues with, “that with damage and much loss, not only the cargo and the ship but also our lives – the voyage is going to be.”
 
The “damage” that he speaks of is a new word in Scripture, hubris. It is where our modern term of the same spelling comes from, and it is normally applied to violence or rough treatment between people, but it is transferred in a metaphorical way to the inanimate here. It is only found three times, here, in verse 21, and then in 2 Corinthians 12:10.
 
Along with that, another new word is introduced, zémia. It signifies a loss. HELPS Word Studies says “a ‘bad deal’ (unsuccessful b    usiness transaction) which results in a fine (penalty, forfeiture).” Taken together, the words are Paul’s way of sternly warning them.
 
This damage, according to him, will be for all concerned, including the ship and the people, meaning their very lives. However, and as already noted, he is speaking from his knowledge of the circumstances and not from prophecy. Their lives will be spared, but the ship and cargo will not be.
 
Life application: In the case of Paul’s words in this verse, he clearly knew what was ahead for those who would venture into the sea at this time of year. And more, he is certainly basing his conclusion on the difficult sailing they had already faced. The prevailing winds were against them, and the time of the year meant that they were likely to get much more pronounced, even violent, in the days ahead.
 
If Paul’s words were to be taken as under inspiration, he would have included the thought that the Lord or a messenger of the Lord came to him. He does this elsewhere at times, thus providing unambiguous testimony to his words. He does not do this here.
 
Unfortunately, it is as common as burgers at McDonald’s for pastors, preachers, and teachers to claim a word from the Lord today. They speak as if they have a direct line to Jesus, and they act as if they receive texts and updates from Him regularly.
 
Assuredly, they do not. Jesus is not speaking to them. The word is written, and it is what we need to conduct our lives, direct our feet, and guide ministries. An astonishing thing to witness is to see a pastor tell of a word from the Lord, have it not come about as he claimed, and yet people continue to attend his church.
 
The same is true with people who predict the rapture (or something similar), claiming they are led by the Spirit or have received a message from the Lord, and who are then shown to be wrong, and yet their ministry suffers no harm in attendance. This reveals a cult-like attitude in those following the false teacher. Excuses are conjured up and accepted and everything continues as if nothing ever happened.
 
Watch yourselves. Be careful what you will accept. And be sure to reject anyone who claims they have had communication with God or one of His messengers outside of His word. This is especially so when what they claim turns out to be untrue.
 
Lord God, give us wisdom to know what is from You and what is from the doctrines of men. We can know this by reading and knowing Your word. So, help us to be about that, taking it in and applying it to our lives and thoughts throughout the days of our lives. Amen.
 

Acts 27:9

Friday, 26 April 2024
 
Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, Acts 27:9
 
A literal translation would be, “And much time having elapsed, and the sailing being already dangerous – and the Fast already passed by – Paul admonished” (CG).
 
With the ship at Fair Havens, near Lasaea, Luke next says, “And much time having elapsed.”
 
This is referring to the constant delays experienced by the contrary winds while sailing and the time stopped in the harbor. All of this brought about a delay in the expected arrival in Rome, which was rather important at this time of year. The reason it is so is explained in Luke’s next words, “and the sailing being already dangerous.”
 
The word translated as dangerous is episphalés. It is found only here. It is derived from epi, upon, and sphalló, to trip or cause to fall. Thus, it means “upon the falling.” Thus, inevitable danger is to be expected.
 
The time of year brings about changes in weather. This is true in most parts of the world. For the sailors on the Mediterranean Sea, this change in season can become a matter of life and death. Just as in many parts of the world, storms arise that can bring about immense waves and contrary winds.
 
Where the men are now, this is the case. One marking of time to understand this is given by Luke from a Hebrew perspective, saying, “and the Fast already passed by.”
 
This is speaking of the Day of Atonement. It is called the Fast out of respect for the weighty nature of the day. Leviticus 23:32 says –
 
“It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your sabbath.”
 
This day corresponds to the end of September or early October each year. Sailing at that time, and because of the nature of the ancient ships in particular, was considered very hazardous from around this feast all the way until the time of the Passover in the spring.
 
The routes, however, would be busy from Passover until the time around the next Day of Atonement. Luke, being the excellent chronicler that he was, made a mental note of the time of year and Paul’s insistence concerning what it meant. As he notes, because of the late time of year, “Paul admonished.”
 
His words are ahead, but the fact that he is giving counsel on sailing to experienced sailors makes it evident that he himself knew exactly what he was talking about. His words are surely from personal experience, having traveled extensively. It may even be that this is what he refers to in 2 Corinthians 11 –
 
“Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren.” 2 Corinthians 11:25, 26
 
One more point concerning these words is that Paul uses a new word in Scripture here, paraineó, translated as admonish. 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. This word will only be seen again in verse 27:22.
 
Life application: There are things that we need to do in life. Not doing them can be costly. However, there is also the truth that it might become more costly to attempt to do them as well. Thus, one must choose between two difficult situations.
 
There are some who are risk takers. Such people can easily lose everything, but they can also become quite rich because others are holding back while the opportunities are available. There are those who are more conservative and who will generally save what they have, even if it doesn’t bring about larger gains, and even if it means short-term losses.
 
Both types are needed to run the world and no matter what we do, there will always be 20/20 hindsight to kick us and tell us we did the wrong thing, or to comfort us that we really were wise to act or not act.
 
But at the time of looking forward, what is the best option? The answer is, “Whichever includes the Lord.” He is not here to interfere in our decisions. Rather, what we should be doing is praying to Him, asking for His direction, and then deciding once we have included Him in the process. With that, we can be confident that what we have done was with Him having been consulted.
 
Whatever the outcome, we will know that we at least had Him in our decision-making process. As with all things at such times, we can then say, “The Lord’s will be done.” It is a truth no matter what the outcome and whether we pray or not. Therefore, we can be satisfied that we have done the right thing with no added regrets.
 
Heavenly Father, help us to include You in our life’s decisions. We often get ahead of ourselves and jump into decisions without first petitioning You. In doing so, we cannot be satisfied with a negative outcome. And in a positive outcome, we may become boastful. Rather, let us not fret over losses when we first came to You, and may we never be arrogant in what You have blessed us with. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.