Author: Charlie Garrett

Oh dear. Wyoming.

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

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

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 near, 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.

Some type of deer, I guess. Wyoming.

Friday, 3 May 2024

And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. Acts 27:16

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

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, an 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, a small landing boat. 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 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.

America’s lifeline, passing through Wyoming.

Thursday, 2 May 2024

So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. Acts 27:15

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

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.

Cool hill. Wyoming.

Wednesday, 1 May 2024

But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. Acts 27:14

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

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.

Heard that song somewhere before…

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

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

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 they 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 sea 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.