Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
This took place while Paul was enduring trying experiences as a prisoner in chains on the long and tedious voyage to Italy. The hardship of his lot was greatly lightened because he was permitted the companionship of Luke and Aristarchus, and Aristarchus shared his bondage by choice so that he could minister to him in his afflictions. It reflects the hardship and peril of sea travel in the first century, when mariners directed their course largely by the position of the sun and stars. When those lights were hidden and storm threatened, owners of vessels feared to venture into the open sea, and during a portion of the year safe navigation was almost impossible.
It was the fourteenth night of being tossed in the storm when the sailors heard breakers and judged that land was near. This happened about midnight on black, heaving billows. Soundings showed the water shallowing from twenty fathoms to fifteen fathoms, showing the ship was nearing land. Fearing the ship would fall upon rocks or be driven onto them, they cast four anchors out of the stern and longed and waited for daylight. They knew the leaking ship might sink even if the anchors held.
The sea journey served God's purpose by giving the ship's crew and others an opportunity to witness God's power and hear about Jesus. In the tempest that threatened ship and passengers, Paul remained courageous and self-possessed, gave orders to the ship's commander, and helped preserve everyone on board.
This took place while Paul was enduring trying experiences as a prisoner in chains on the long and tedious voyage to Italy. The hardship of his lot was greatly lightened because he was permitted the companionship of Luke and Aristarchus, and Aristarchus shared his bondage by choice so that he could minister to him in his afflictions. It reflects the hardship and peril of sea travel in the first century, when mariners directed their course largely by the position of the sun and stars. When those lights were hidden and storm threatened, owners of vessels feared to venture into the open sea, and during a portion of the year safe navigation was almost impossible.
It was the fourteenth night of being tossed in the storm when the sailors heard breakers and judged that land was near. This happened about midnight on black, heaving billows. Soundings showed the water shallowing from twenty fathoms to fifteen fathoms, showing the ship was nearing land. Fearing the ship would fall upon rocks or be driven onto them, they cast four anchors out of the stern and longed and waited for daylight. They knew the leaking ship might sink even if the anchors held.
The sea journey served God's purpose by giving the ship's crew and others an opportunity to witness God's power and hear about Jesus. In the tempest that threatened ship and passengers, Paul remained courageous and self-possessed, gave orders to the ship's commander, and helped preserve everyone on board.