Acts (Written)

Cowboy wall thingy. Wyoming Capitol.

Monday, 27 May 2024

And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. Acts 27:40

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 more precise and literal rendering would be, “And the anchors, having detached, they left in the sea, simultaneously, having relaxed the ropes of the rudders. And having hoisted the foresail to the blowing, they held fast for the shore” (CG).

The last verse noted that they did not recognize the land that was ahead of them, but there was a bay with a shore that they decided to run the ship aground on. Therefore, it next says, “And the anchors, having detached.”

Many older versions, such as the KJV, really botch these words by saying that “they had taken up the anchors.” This is not at all what occurred. They were trying to lighten the ship, not increase its weight. A lighter ship would go further before getting stuck.

Instead, they released or cut away the anchors that they had previously set in the sea to help keep the ship running more steadily, slowly, and in a single direction. As the intention was to run up on shore in as light a manner as possible, there would be no benefit derived from pulling in the immense anchors. Understanding this, and still speaking of the anchors, it next says, “they left in the sea.”

The word translated as anchors is found first here in Scripture, agkura. It will be seen twice more in this chapter and once in Hebrews 6:19. It is pronounced angkoorah, and one can thus both see and hear the etymological root of our modern word. It is from the same root as agkalé, a bent arm when hugging or receiving a burden. The anchor thus has the appearance of two bent arms.

Of these words, the older translations continue the error by saying, “they committed themselves unto the sea.” In other words, they do not take this clause as referring to the anchors, but themselves, as if they just let the sea direct them. That is completely contrary to the coming words. The men had a plan, and it wasn’t to just leave their souls at the mercy of the seas.

Instead, they detached the anchors, let them drop into the deep, while “simultaneously, having relaxed the ropes of the rudders.”

By relaxing the rudders, they could get the ship to now steer in a direction they wanted, something not possible while they were tied. They would now use the ship as a targeted torpedo, heading as directly into the shore as possible.

The action of relaxing the rudder ropes means that they had previously pulled the rudders. This would keep them from getting fouled in the anchor lines. This type of ship had two large rudders that were like paddles (the word is plural).

After they were lifted out of the water, they would have been secured with ropes. Now, by loosing those ropes, the rudders would fall back into the sea to serve their purpose of steering the ship. With that done, it next says, “And having hoisted the foresail to the blowing.”

The word translated as foresail is artemón. It is only used here, but it matches the Italian and French word for the largest sail, the mainsail. However, it is generally agreed that this was not the main, but a foresail.

The reason is that if they were to ground the ship as intended, the foresail would be the logical choice for this task. It was at the front and would cause the ship to properly drive onto the beach in the most propitious manner. Once this sail was hoisted, it next says, “they held fast for the shore.”

With the ability to drive the ship through the use of manipulating the rudders and foresail, they would have a ship that could be directed toward the shore. Depending on the direction of the wind, it could be anything from a very easy task to one that took the skill and hands of the entire crew, but it could be done with their knowledge of the workings of the ship.

Life application: As noted, the fourth and final use of the word anchor is found in Hebrews 6 –

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, ²⁰ where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:19-20

An anchor is dropped to hold a ship fast to its mooring. One can clearly see the intent of the author of Hebrews. We have a hope of reconciliation with God and of the resurrection of the dead because of Jesus Christ. This is not a dubious, ethereal hope that may or may not come about, such as, “My friend said he would come by tomorrow. I hope that will really happen.”

Rather, when we hear of the promises of God in Christ, our hope is absolutely anchored. Jesus has overcome death, and because He has, we too will (not maybe) be raised again to live forever in God’s presence. However, that is so only if you have believed the gospel. Be sure to accept God’s offer, and then be firm in your convictions that it will come to pass. By all means, it will. Hooray for Jesus!

Lord God, we don’t need to worry about our future once we have come to Christ. It is a done deal because Your Spirit has sealed us for the day of redemption. Help us to confidently trust that our hope is certain and that it will be realized. Help us never to doubt. Jesus has prevailed. Our hope is sure. Hallelujah and Amen.

Wyoming Secretary of State.

Sunday, 26 May 2024

When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. Acts 27:39

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 more literal rendering would be, “And when day came, they knew not the land. And they noticed a certain bay having a shore, unto which they determined to drive out the ship, if they were able” (CG).

In the previous verse, the sailors filled themselves with food and then lightened the ship by throwing out the wheat. It next says, “And when day came, they knew not the land.” What they knew was coming because of having taken soundings, and possibly through other nautical clues has now come to pass. They had finally come near land after being lost at sea for two full weeks.

With land in sight, they would need to search for some suitable location to drive the ship ashore. Probably with minimal ability to steer because of having cast so much of the tackle overboard, this would not be a simple procedure, but it was still possible. In observing the land, it next says, “And they noticed a certain bay having a shore.”

The word translated as “shore” is the same as that used in Matthew 13 and John 21. It is simply a coast with a sandy or pebbled beach rather than rocks. On this shore in Acts 27, there is a spot in Malta now known as St. Paul’s Bay. It is where this is believed to have taken place. It is about seven miles from the great harbor now known as Valletta, which is the capital of Malta.

The sailors, if experienced enough, would have probably known the great harbor, but at this time they had no idea what the spot ahead of them was. However, it had a bay with a beach, and so they decided that it would be a good spot to run the ship aground. Therefore, it next says of this shore, “unto which they determined to drive out the ship, if they were able.”

The word used here, which speaks of running the ship aground is exótheó. This is its second and last use in the New Testament. Its first use was in Acts 7:45 under a completely different context when Stephen spoke of driving out the inhabitants of Canaan. Here, they intend to “drive out” the life of the ship by thrusting it upon the shores of Malta.

Life application: In Ecclesiastes 3:1, Solomon says –

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven.

When early settlers came to Florida, they left where they lived, cutting down trees suitable for their mission ahead. They then constructed rafts or boats from the logs which they proceeded to sail down the waterways of America until they arrived at whatever location they had set out for.

From there, they disassembled their raft or barge and dragged the wood to where they intended to homestead, using that wood to build their homes. Some of these older houses have many different species of northern wood totally foreign to Florida in them.

Today, those older homes are sold and restored or sold and torn down. The smart laborers, however, will save these unusual woods for other uses.

As for those on the ship, it was used as their means of livelihood until it was used as a means of simply staying alive. After that, it was determined that the boat was to be driven out of the sea and onto the shores of Malta. After that, it would be scrapped, and its parts repurposed for other things.

The point is that we cannot get too tied down to the things of this world. The uses that we have set for things in our lives change. The need for various possessions often ends. As Solomon says later in Ecclesiastes 3:6 –

“A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away.”

Let us use the things of this world according to our needs, but we should not let them take over our lives and consume us. There is a time for us to depart from all things according to the necessary season. If we remember to thank God for what we possess, and to then thank God for the changes that come, we should be content in whatever our situation is.

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹² I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13

Lord God, may we recognize that this world is not our home and that the things we possess and enjoy are just temporary trinkets and baubles that will pass away. The only thing we can truly hold onto is our hope in Christ Jesus. And what a hope it is – certain and trustworthy. Thank You for the precious hope we possess. Thank You, O God, for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Painting, one each. Wyoming Capitol.

Saturday, 25 May 2024

So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea. Acts 27:38

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 having gorged food, they lightened the ship, casting out the wheat into the sea” (CG).

Paul’s words and actions encouraged all aboard the ship and so they all took food. Luke then noted that there were two hundred seventy-six on board. Having noted that, he next writes, “And having gorged food.”

This is a new and rare word, korennumi. It signifies to satisfy, having been fed to the full. Thus, to glut or sate. In this case, “gorged” seems to fit the situation. During the storm, they had eaten so little that they now hungrily gorged on what they could, filling themselves till they couldn’t eat anymore.

The only other use of this word is in 1 Corinthians 4:8 where Paul speaks facetiously concerning those in Corinth –

“You are already full [korennumi]! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!”

More he said, “Already you are having gorged.” Those in Corinth felt they were superstars of the faith. They had filled themselves and remained in that state, or at least they thought so. As for the people on the ship, there is a reason why they gorged so heavily. It is because Luke next writes, “they lightened the ship.”

The word translated as “lightened” is kouphizo. It is used only here in the New Testament. It means exactly that, “to lighten.” This is just what the sailors did in Jonah 1:5, where the Greek translation of the Old Testament uses the same word. In this case, however, instead of a person, they were “casting out the wheat into the sea.”

It is now the third time that the ship has been lightened. There is a large amount of commentary and argumentation about what Luke means by ton siton, or “the wheat.” Some argue that it is the remaining food used for the crew.

They hadn’t eaten much in 14 days and so it would still be of considerable weight. Others argue that they wouldn’t throw over that which was already prepared because they didn’t know where they were going aground, and so it might be needed for food if they landed in a barren area.

Some argue it is the stores of wheat that had been held in hopes of saving a portion of the cargo in order to not have a complete loss to the owners. With the boat having been filled with water from the storm, the ship would need to be lightened as much as possible in order to safely run aground.

No matter what is correct, this wheat was tossed over at this time. Having gorged themselves, the sailors would not be as reticent to do this as they otherwise might have been.

Life application: Paul, speaking in a facetious manner to those in Corinth, jested that they were gorged on the things of Christ. Obviously this wasn’t so. The church was filled with division and strife. Paul was writing to correct them and also to provide instruction to them.

Being Gentiles, they would have been unschooled in the Old Testament. Having only received verbal training from Paul, they would have been mere babes in understanding the things of God. And yet, they pranced around as if they were superstars of the faith.

Much of the writings of Paul and the other New Testament authors did not yet exist. Each letter adds to the body of knowledge that is needed to truly gorge on what God in Christ has done. As understanding all of these things, meaning both the Old and New Testaments, is necessary to fully understand what God has done, is doing, and will do, how can we claim to be superstars of the faith unless we know the word?

It is true that without knowing the word, many have been great missionaries or evangelists, but they cannot be considered superstars of the faith in the sense that they can then provide sound instruction to others. A superstar is someone who is fully versed in all aspects of his field and is both capable and determined to do it to the full extent of his abilities.

In your zeal to know the Lord, you must know the word. In your desire to share the Lord, you should know the right things to say. But after you have done so, you should be able to provide deeper instruction to those you have evangelized. These things take study and contemplation on the word. It is what God has given us to prepare us for every step of our walk in Christ. Read it carefully, prayerfully, and faithfully all the days of your life.

Glorious Lord God, may we never neglect a good filling each day by gorging ourselves on Your word. May we be ready to pop at the end of each time we do, having filled ourselves enough to carry us sufficiently, until we return to it and dine on its sacred contents once again. May we hunger for this word each day. Amen.

Stairway to… Wyoming Capitol.

Friday, 24 May 2024

And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. Acts 27:37

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 provides a stress on the people, offsetting them for effect, “And we were, all the souls in the ship, two hundred seventy-six” (CG).

In the previous verse, the people were encouraged by Paul’s example and took food. Now, to show the importance of what Paul had done, it next says, “And we were.”

Luke is preparing the mind for the next clause, which is offset, thus making it the main thought. Those words are, “all the souls in the ship.”

The human soul is important to God, and thus it was important to Paul and Luke. Those on the ship were destitute of strength and encouragement, but Paul was able to change that state. And it wasn’t a small ship with a few passengers on board.

Rather, it was a ship filled with people, each an individual who had the possibility of being redeemed by Jesus Christ through Paul’s ministry. Of these people, Luke says there were “two hundred seventy-six.”

The number is not without significance. The previous verse just said that “they all were encouraged.” This gives a number for the mind to grasp concerning how many “all” really was.

Luke was probably prompted at this time to continue with the exacting record that he had thus far been so careful with. Paul had a chance to demonstrate to such a large contingent of people that faith in God was not in vain. Luke felt it was worth taking the time to show that this one prisoner was able to change the attitude of so many people with a simple demonstration of that faith.

Further, the head count was probably made at this time to ensure that the same number was accounted for whenever they reached land. Coming in verse 44, it will say that all safely reached the land. How could one make that claim unless they knew how many heads there were?

The number of people is not exceptional for that time in history though. Josephus records that on a ship he was on, and which was also wrecked, there were 600 people aboard. Many have tried to find a spiritual symbolism in the number 276, some even to the point of being goofy, but none of these attempts have held up to scrutiny.

It is possible the number has a deeper significance, but even if not, it is an accurate record to account for the number who were then brought safely to land.

Life application: If the words and actions of Paul and Luke while on the ship, and later on the land, were effective enough, they could have actually brought all to a saving knowledge of Jesus.

Just think of the difference that could have made. Two hundred and seventy-six people go out to various locations, families, and settings (such as those going to prison). If each was then willing to share that same good news, the number of people who might come to Jesus could increase geometrically.

This is one of the reasons for the book of Acts. It is given to show how the church was established and grew. But each one of us is living in an ongoing setting of the progression of the church as it marches through time and history.

Each one of us can have an impact on the world in which we live, if we will simply hand out a tract, open our mouths to our friends, or support our local churches and their missionaries.

If not you, then who? Be a part of the continuing story that began in the book of Acts, and which will continue until the trumpet sounds and the church is called home to glory. Don’t sit on your hands idling your time away! Be one who encourages others through your faith in Jesus Christ. Do it with cheer and do it today!

Lord God, may we be a part of the great thing You are doing in the world as You build Your church. Help us not to be a chipped block on an outside wall of Your temple, but a shining stone that radiates out Your goodness to the world as we await the return of our Lord. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

Wyoming Bull in the picture. Wyoming Capitol.

Thursday, 23 May 2024

Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. Acts 27:36

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 is less wordy than the NKJV, “And having been encouraged, they all also took food” (CG).

Paul just broke the bread, blessed it, and began to eat. Now, after hearing his words and seeing his confidence, it next says, “And having been encouraged.”

The word translated as encouraged, euthumos, is used for the second and last time. The first was in Acts 24:10. It comes from two words signifying good and passion. In this case, encouraged fits the context properly.

As for the situation on the ship, verse 20 was one of hopelessness. But now there is a contrasting attitude which permeated all of the people on the ship. Paul’s confidence, his prayer of gratitude, and the surely unruffled way in which he broke the bread and started eating had the intended calming effect on everyone aboard.

He knew they needed to eat before whatever trial lay ahead, and his actions brought that intended effect out perfectly. As it next says, “they all also took food.”

This would give them a happier attitude, more energy, and a renewed confidence in themselves. It would also mend any grumpy attitudes that may have arisen among those on the ship because of the stresses and trials that pressed each person.

The ship was now far better prepared to come to the shores which Paul was informed were ahead. When they got there, a more united group of people would be ready for whatever task was necessary to get to shore safely.

Life application: Paul’s conduct has been an example of one who can often save many. In battle, it only takes one heroic soul to press forward and instill in his comrades the desire to do so as well. In a church besought with troubles, one calm person can make all the difference in whether the congregation unites or divides.

Paul was a prisoner aboard the ship, and yet he led the way for even the non-prisoners to strive to rise above their present plight and to prepare for what lay ahead. As Paul’s inspiration and surety came from the Lord’s visit, the words of the psalmist are appropriate –

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth.
² Why should the Gentiles say,
“So where is their God?” Psalm 115:1, 2

How can you be an example to others during such times. Someone has to step forward and raise the banner to rally the troops. If not, hopelessness, despair, and defeat are just ahead. Be ready to stand confidently in the promises of the Lord, leading others to the joy of life that is found in the eternal hope of Jesus Christ our Lord!

Lord God, in this world of loss, sadness, trial, and despair, we who know Jesus have the ability to encourage others that this life is not all there is. May we confidently do so, leading others to the same hope we possess. And Lord God, thank You for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.