Superior Word Daily Devotional on the Book of Acts

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:18

Sunday, May 5th, 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.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:19
Monday, May 6th, 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 danger, 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 otherwise 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!

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:20

Tuesday, May 7th, 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,ƒ 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.



The overcast had deprived them 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.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:21
Wednesday, May 8th, 2024


But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. Acts 27:21


More literally, “And being much abstinence then, Paul having stood in their midst, said, ‘Indeed, O men, you ought to have hearkened to me not to go up from Crete, and to gain this disaster and loss’” (CG).



In the previous verse, Luke noted that it had been many days without sun or stars while the tempest beat upon them. This led to the point where they had given up all hope. With that noted, he now records Paul’s words, beginning with, “And being much abstinence then.”



The abstinence from food that is mentioned here is probably as much because of having thrown over the equipment as for any other reason. This may have included much of the cooking equipment, and so the people on the ship would have been put on reduced rations of things that didn’t need to be cooked.



The Pulpit Commentary argues that the word translated as “abstinence,” asitia, “is only found here in the Bible; but it was the common medical term for loss of the appetite, and such is the most natural rendering here. There is nothing about ‘long abstinence’ in the text.”



Their comment, however, does not square with the words of Paul in verse 33. There was, in fact, a long abstinence and the people were certainly weak from the lack of food. Despite this, Paul was both strengthened in the Lord and an encouragement to them. But before he encourages, Luke says, “Paul having stood in their midst, said, ‘Indeed, O men, you ought to have hearkened to me.’”



This isn’t Paul rubbing their bad decision in their faces. Rather, it is an obvious truth that he did his best to get them to avoid disaster. They didn’t listen and his words were vindicated. As such, his coming words should be listened to and accepted. To remind them of what occurred before he gives his encouragement, he says he told them “not to go up from Crete.”



As has been seen several times in Acts, to depart from land is thought of as going up. That is akin to our terminology of heading out to the high seas. They were safely in a harbor, and they were warned not to go up from it. The reason Paul recommended staying was, as he says, “and to gain this disaster and loss.”



He uses the same two words that were introduced into the Bible in Acts 27:10, hubris and zémia, translated as disaster and loss. It may sound odd to say, “gain this disaster and loss,” but this is exactly what has happened. They have lost their cargo and ship, and have, in place of them, gained disaster and loss – at least experientially.



Again, Paul is not holding this tragedy over them. Instead, he is demonstrating to them that he isn’t just a lunatic, incapable of making a reasonable deduction about the events which were certainly to come upon them.



This is readying them for his next words where he will prophesy to all on the ship. Being sane enough to make a reasonable recommendation concerning what would occur by leaving Crete, his words of prophecy would be taken, not as from a nut job, but from a person of sound mind.



Life application: When our words are found to be reliable, we will tend to be more likely to get the ears of others. If what we say is inconsistent, not based in reality, or false, the chances of people listening to us will normally be greatly diminished or non-existent.



Having said that, this doesn’t seem to apply to politicians or sensationalist teachers, regardless of what they say. Such people can lie through their teeth or claim things that never happened, and their words are simply ignored by those who follow them. Instead, they want to hear certain things and will shut out any falsity that comes their way as if it isn’t important.



Therefore, we need to really stand back and evaluate ourselves to determine if we are allowing lies to fill our minds simply because we agree with an overall agenda or approach to life. If so, we need to forcibly restrict ourselves from allowing this to happen.



What we should hear and accept is nothing but the truth. If we allow falsity of whatever kind to rule our thoughts, we are opening ourselves up to real trouble and even disaster. History has proven this true time and again. Be on guard concerning what you will accept and who you will listen to.



Lord God, You expect us to be truthful. You also surely want us to only accept what is truthful. And so, Lord, give us wisdom to identify those times when we are willing to accept falsity, in order to weed that out of our lives. May our lives be dedicated to right thinking and words that are based upon reality and truth. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:22

Thursday, May 9th, 2024


“And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. Acts 27:22


A literal rendering of the Greek would be, “And now, I admonish you to be cheerful, for there will be no off-casting of soul from you, except the ship” (CG).



Paul had just noted that those on the ship should have listened to him and stayed in Crete. By doing so, they would not have incurred the damage and loss that was now being experienced. Now, having set forth that his words are worth listening to, he will provide good news to the worn-out people before him, saying, “And now, I admonish you.”



Paul uses the same word, translated as “admonish,” that Luke used to describe Paul’s words in verse 27:9 –



“And much time having elapsed, and the sailing being already dangerous – and the Fast already passed by – Paul admonished” (CG).



This is the second and last time the word is used in Scripture, paraineó. It means to exhort or advise. However, HELPS Word Studies notes that it is “to urge acknowledging what is praiseworthy, i.e. ‘recommend, advise, urge.’” It is an up close and personal form of admonishment.



One can see that when Luke penned Acts, he remembered Paul’s word and used it in verse 27:9 when giving his narrative about what Paul would say now in verse 27:22. Luke’s precision of recording events and even single words is highlighted in this. Next, Paul says for them, “to be cheerful.”



It is another new word in Scripture, euthumeó. HELPS Word Studies says it is used “to show positive passion as it proceeds from a sound disposition.” It will be used again in verse 27:25 and once in James 5:13.



The people were certainly disheartened and dejected of soul, having (as it said in verse 20) no hope of being saved. But Paul now tells them to have this positive passion and be cheery in their disposition because, as he next says, “for there will be no off-casting of soul from you, except the ship.”



And, once again, Luke uses a new word, apobolé. It comes from two words meaning “away” and “cast.” Thus, “off-casting” is an exacting translation. This word is found only one more time, in Romans 11:15 when speaking of Israel –



“For if their being cast away [apobolé] is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?”



As for Paul’s words to the people, the good news is that no person’s soul would be cast away. Every person aboard would survive the ordeal. However, the bad news is that the ship would be lost. This then would mean that all of the cargo would be lost as well.



Those who owned and operated the ship would receive their lives as a prize, but nothing more. It is not unlike the word of the Lord spoken to Jeremiah’s scribe, Baruch –



“The word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at the instruction of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying, 2 ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to you, O Baruch: 3 “You said, ‘Woe is me now! For the Lord has added grief to my sorrow. I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.’”’



4 ‘Thus you shall say to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, what I have built I will break down, and what I have planted I will pluck up, that is, this whole land. 5 And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,’ says the Lord. ‘But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.’”’” Jeremiah 45:1-5



Life application: For those who owned the ship and/or the cargo, the lesson is similar to that of Acts 27:19. What value are the things of the world in comparison to life itself? If the ship were saved, but the owner was lost, it would mean nothing to the owner that the ship was saved.



And, like those on the ship, the Lord has said that He would lose none of those who would come to Him. Difficult times have come to many, but in the end, all will safely arrive on the promised shores of His safe haven.



Should you be facing great loss in some way, remember that this is a fallen world and that difficult times are inevitable. But God promises us something better. Hold fast to that thought should things get out of control. Wonderful times of rest are ahead for the weary soul.



Heavenly Father, may we hold fast to the sure promises that Your word has given us because of Jesus. No matter how good things are at any given moment, total loss or great sadness may be just around the corner. If we can remember to fix our eyes on Jesus now, then should such things come to pass, we will already have our attention focused properly. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:23

Friday, May 10th, 2024


“For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, Acts 27:23


A bit more literally, it reads, “For a messenger of the God stood by me this night, whose I am and whom I serve” (CG).



In the previous verse, Paul told those gathered on the ship to be of good cheer because there would be no loss of life. Only the ship would be lost. Now, to explain how he knows this, he says, “For a messenger of the God.”



The Greek word aggelos means a messenger. It can be human or divine. In this case, there is no indication which it is. One could say, “Obviously it was a non-human angel from heaven because they are on a ship at sea.” However, it could be one of the two anointed ones noted in Zechariah 4, who are surely humans. As it is, a messenger of the God came to Paul and, he says, “stood by me this night.”



The words would otherwise be incredible unless one is willing to believe in the supernatural. How could a messenger come to a person on a ship that has been lost at sea for an extended period of time, even while the sea raged and roared around them?



And yet, this is the claim Paul has made. Therefore, those gathered must decide if he is bonkers or if he is telling the truth. The fact that the messenger waited this long, however, is its own sort of validation. Why would God allow the ship to be tossed around so long and then send a messenger, unless what he says to Paul is true?



The people had, as it said already, given up all hope of being saved. And yet, there is suddenly a ray of hope shining through to them. With their physical and mental strength completely used up, this would have a much more profound effect on them. Where their works had failed them, a note of grace is extended from above, and it has come from the God, as Paul says, “whose I am and whom I serve.”



Paul is a Hebrew. The people on the ship would probably have known this. But at least those in charge were aware of it. The words are not unlike the account of Jonah. There is a difference, however. In Jonah, the remedy was to cast Jonah into the sea. That was an anticipatory type of Christ. With Paul, he is a servant of Christ Jesus.



Instead of being the instrument of the salvation of those on the ship, as Jonah was when he was cast into the sea, Paul’s God will bring about their salvation apart from any effort of, or use for, Paul. The types of the past, seen in Jonah, are no longer needed. Christ has come. Paul serves Him, and He will provide the delivery.



Life application: Notice the difference in the KJV and NKJV in these words –



KJV – the angel of God.

NKJV – an angel of the God.



In the Greek, there is no article before angel (messenger), but there is one before God. Therefore, either way, the KJV is wrong. However, the NKJV, despite having the articles right, might lead someone to a false understanding of what the intent of Paul’s words is. Look now at the difference between the placement of the words by the NKJV, the YLT, the SLT, and the CGT –



NKJV – For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve.



YLT – for there stood by me this night a messenger of God — whose I am, and whom I serve.



SLT – For the messenger of God stood by me in this night, whose I am, and whom I serve.



CGV – For a messenger of the God stood by me this night, whose I am and whom I serve.



The NKJV directly connects the words “of the God” to “to whom I belong and whom I serve. This could then lead to a false conclusion, that Paul’s God is one of many.



Regardless of the use of the article before God, the other three separate the thoughts. Thus, it separates the thought of God and man in the mind of the reader. The SLT and YLT chose not to include the word “the” before God.



This is a common way of treating the article when it is before God, especially in a verse where it is understood that there is one God. However, including the article as the CGT does is perfectly acceptable because of the separation of the God and Paul in the clauses.



As for the article before “messenger” in the SLT version, that is incorrect and should not have been included. Likewise, the word “there” in the YLT should have been italicized as it is not in the Greek. Despite this, the order of the words in the Greek is more closely matched by the YLT than the CGT.



Here is the exact order of the Greek:



παρέστη γάρ μοι τῇ νυκτὶ ταύτῃ ἄγγελος τοῦ θεοῦ οὗ εἰμι ᾧ καὶ λατρεύω

(Stood by) for me the night this messenger the God whose (I am) whom and (I serve).



Now it is your turn to look at the words and see how you would make them fit both the intent and the English so that it is understandable. Test at 9. Be ready…



Lord God Almighty, may we carefully and respectfully contemplate Your word. There is intent in how it is presented, but there is also a need for it to be understandable to us. Help us to have the two match in our minds so that our thoughts about You are correct. We want to know You and Your word intimately. So be with us in our time in fellowship with You through Your word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:24

Saturday, May 11th, 2024


“saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ Acts 27:24


With a few tweaks, the Greek more closely reads, “Saying, ‘Fear not, Paul. It behooves you to stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those sailing with you’” (CG).



Paul just told those gathered with him that a messenger of the God stood by him. Now he continues his thought with, “Saying, ‘Fear not, Paul.’”



Similar words are seen throughout Scripture when reassurance is needed in one of God’s people. Daniel 10:12 and Matthew 28:5 are two examples prior to Paul’s time. Revelation 1:17 comes after his time, and it will also provide the same needed help for the apostle John.



Further, this address is more personal than many others as Paul is addressed by name. Along with this, the reason for the admonition is given, “It behooves you to stand before Caesar.”



In other words, this is what is predominantly on the Lord’s mind concerning the entire ordeal, meaning the advancement of the gospel message, and that especially through Paul. God’s foreknowledge of all things means that He knows exactly what is needed at every moment to direct the affairs of man according to His predetermined purposes.



Paul was an integral part of the plan at this point in time, and he would live through the ordeal in order to continue to effect the outcome of what God had determined. His salvation from this ordeal was necessary for these things to come about, but even more, and what certainly points to where Paul’s prayers had actually been placed, he is told, “And behold, God has granted you all those sailing with you.”



Paul’s concern while on his knees in prayer was not for himself. It was for the lost souls on the ship who needed a Savior before they perished. If this ordeal could bring them to understand the truth of Paul’s message, then so be it. And in fact, this is now promised.



Whether they accept the message or not, the validity of his words concerning his God could not be disputed. It is of note that the exact opposite of what occurs here is mentioned in Ezekiel 14:14, 14, 18, and 20. Paul’s status was sufficient to save those around him, whereas the status of those in Ezekiel’s time was only sufficient to save themselves.



Life application: One can consider the difference between the examples in Ezekiel 14 and those of Paul’s situation here. In thinking about it, we can see that the law brings condemnation but God’s grace in Christ brings salvation.



Those living under the law had the weight and burden of the law stacked against them. If they appealed to the law for their hope, they would find it only brings condemnation. However, even those under the law could appeal for God’s mercy. David discovered this.



He knew that the law demanded satisfaction. Therefore, he didn’t appeal to the law, lest he be swept away. When he was found to have done wrong, he appealed to God’s forgiveness in his displaying of a heartfelt, internal remorse –



“Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,

The God of my salvation,

And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.

15 O Lord, open my lips,

And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;

You do not delight in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,

A broken and a contrite heart—

These, O God, You will not despise.” Psalm 51:14-17



Lord God, thank You for Your grace, displayed in the giving of Your Son for us. May we cling to the cross and lay the entirety of our sin there. May our hearts be purified through remorse at the wrongdoings we commit in Your presence as we proceed forward in our salvation. May we never use Your grace as a license to continue sinning. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:25

Sunday, May 12th, 2024

“Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. Acts 27:25


A literal translation is, “Therefore, be cheerful, men. For I believe God, that thus it will be even as it has been told me” (CG).



Paul just told those on the ship the good news that he and all on the ship would be spared. With that stated, he now says, “Therefore, be cheerful, men.”



Addressing them as men is asking them to act as men should act. But more, after the long days and nights of terrifying sounds and motions, lack of sleep, deprivation of food, and so forth, Paul’s words would have been like a glass of cold water in a hot dry desert.



To hear someone speak of being cheerful in such circumstances could only lighten their hearts. Further, he continues with, “For I believe God.”



Those who knew Paul already understood this about him, but with his claim of having seen a messenger and having been given the promise of being saved, they could combine what they knew of his general faith with what he had specifically stated. If Paul continued to believe God at this point, then he would have no reason to have made up a story like this, the substance of his faith being “that thus it will be even as it has been told me.”



His words contain a perfect participle. It was told to him and the effects of what he was told continue on to the present time. Paul stands grounded in the reliability of the words that were spoken to him.



His words of encouragement to them are a sign of his faith in the sure promises of his God. In showing faith, he is implying that they should likewise have faith that his words are true. It would do no good to witness to another and not demonstrate confidence in what is being conveyed. As Bengel says, “Faith exercised towards the (word of the) angel of GOD, is exercised towards GOD.”



Life application: Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Paul had not yet seen the salvation of those on the ship, but because of his faith in what God had conveyed to him, he had absolute faith that it would come about.



We believed the gospel, even though we didn’t see Jesus die on the cross and return to life. This event became an anchor of hope for us. But how far will our faith then take us? God says that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Do we believe that when we are facing the greatest crisis? Will we believe it when our life is about to end?



For such times, the word says that God will raise the dead when He comes. Will we cling to that promise as our end draws near? We should be living out our faith from moment to moment, always trusting and always increasing our faith by acknowledging God’s hand in everything that occurs. Eventually, nothing that would normally shake the hardiest soul will faze us.



It is as much a mental attitude directed toward God and His promises as anything else. If we can trust that God raised Jesus from the dead, then we can continue to trust and consider everything else that God promises in His word. Let us do so in ever-increasing amounts.



Lord God, may we steadfastly and resolutely cling to the promises in Your word, ever solidifying them in our consciences, even until they are as real to us as the ground under our feet. May Your word be a foundation for our lives at all times. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:26
Monday, 13 May 2024

“However, we must run aground on a certain island.” Acts 27:26


A literal rendering of the Greek is, “But we must fall onto a certain island” (CG).

Paul had just provided encouraging words to those gathered on the ship, noting that he was certain that what he was told by the messenger would come to pass. With that good news stated, he prepares them for a challenge ahead, saying, “But we must fall onto a certain island.”

His words are given as confirmation that his story about the angel will be proven true. Not only was he spoken to and given assurances concerning the saving of the people and the loss of the ship, but he was also given a specific revelation to bolster his words.

He notes that they “must’ fall upon a certain island. The word is dei. HELPS Word Studies notes that it indicates what must happen. It is that which is inevitable by “absolute necessity.”

Paul is speaking as the ambassador of God. If Paul’s God is the true God, then His credentials will be verified when these things come to pass. The idea of what is occurring in this verse is the same as that found in John 20:31 where John says, “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Life application: How much proof do you need that what God says will come to pass will actually occur? We have the word recorded. It spoke of the coming Christ, and He came. The things prophesied about His first coming have been fulfilled.

It is true that this could all be an elaborate plan by a group of men to make events match their writings by making up the details of Jesus’ life. But there are so many things in the New Testament that intricately work into the writings that this hardly seems possible. There are many types of patterns that were never known about for centuries after the books were written.

And yet, people still question if the word is true. But suddenly, the Jewish people started to be called back to the land of Israel. They were then reestablished as a nation. The prophecies about these things occurring are found in both testaments.

The word is again proving itself true. However, even people within the church say that the Israel of today is merely an aberration or that these are not the true Jews who belong in the land. Imagine that! People who are supposed to accept the prophetic words in Scripture as a point of it validating itself deny what the word proclaimed!

How much evidence do you need to say, “This is the word of God, and I will trust it.”? Don’t be a doubting Thomas. Read the word, think about what it says, and see if what it proclaims matches what is going on in the world around you. If you are honest, you will find that it does so in a thousand different ways. No! Even more. Have faith. We have a sure word.

Lord God, may our hard hearts soften with the evidence that we see in Scripture. If we just read it and compare it with how things are in the world, we can clearly see that it is from You, and it is given to lead us back to You. May we carefully and thoughtfully consider this precious word all the days of our lives. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:27
Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Now when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land. Acts 27:27


A more literal rendering is, “And when the fourteenth night came, we – being carried through in the Adriatic – about the middle of the night, the sailors suspected some land to approach them” (CG).

Paul just told those on the ship that they must run aground on a certain island. Now, immediately after that, it says, “And when the fourteenth night came.” This fourteenth day is generally accepted to be from the time that they left Fair Havens. They had planned on a short trip from there to Phoenix, and yet they were quickly swept up into fourteen days of terror on the high seas.

The word translated as fourteenth is tessareskaidekatos. It is found only here and in verse 27:33. It is derived from three words, tessares (four), kai (and), and dekatos (tenth). On this fourteenth day, Luke next says, “we – being carried through in the Adriatic.”

The Adriatic Sea, or in Greek, “the Adria,” which is found only here in the New Testament, indicates an area larger than it now does. Today, the Adriatic Sea is the sea which is to the east of Italy, with Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania on the other shore.

However, the term here indicates the whole sea between Greece and Italy which included Sicily. Josephus wrote of his own shipwreck in the Adria, and he uses the area in the same sense as Luke does here. While being tossed about in this great, open body of water, it next says, “about the middle of the night.”

It is an approximation of the time, but the point of Luke’s words is that the sailors on the ship were busy doing their regular duties, even though the ship was being driven by the wind and waves. One of those regular duties was taking soundings and observing the way the waves and tides were moving. While so engaged, it next says, “the sailors suspected some land to approach them.”

Here, Luke introduces a new word, nautés. It signifies a sailor or shipman. It will be seen again in verse 27:30 and once in Revelation 18:17. It comes from naus, a ship or vessel. That will be seen only in verse 27:41.

The sailors were trained to know the changes in the environment around them, including what was going on around and under them. While being tossed back and forth in this larger area at midnight on their fourteenth day, they could tell land was close by.

This was possibly because of hearing breakers or being able to determine the way the sea moves and appears closer to land. The wording is more nautical than many English translations which place the movement on the part of the ship as it approaches the land. Instead, the Greek puts the movement on the land as it approaches the ship.

Life application: The sailors were trained to tell what was going on around them in relation to the sea. An inexperienced person would not notice these subtle changes. This is true with any job.

A wastewater operator can tell by observing a sample of a million-gallon tank if the contents are healthy or not by simply checking the amount of dissolved oxygen that is in the tank and through a quick microscopic check of the types of bacteria that are thriving.

These things take experience and constant attention to what the job entails. The Bible is a manual for man to understand his surroundings, to get a comprehension of what is going on in relation to sin, to God’s prophetic timeline, and so forth. One cannot rightly pay attention to these things if he is not aware of what the manual says.

And more, one cannot tell what is his state, the state of his family, the state of his church, and even of the world around him if he is not carefully observing these things based on the knowledge the Bible provides. If constantly checking microorganisms in a sample of a tank of wastewater is important, how much more important is it for that same person to continuously check the state of his relationship with the Lord?

Let us pay heed and give the necessary time it takes each day to learn more about this most important of all issues.

Lord God, may our lives be filled with pursuing the knowledge of You more and more. May we never fail to check with the Bible on issues relating to the things it teaches, becoming attuned to the state of things around us at all times. It is a sure way to keep from the harms that are bound to arise in this fallen world. Thank You for Your word, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:28
Wednesday, 15 May 2024

And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms. Acts 27:28

More literally, it reads, “And, having sounded, they found twenty fathoms. And having distanced a little, having sounded again, they found fifteen fathoms” (CG).

In the last verse, the sailors sensed that they were approaching land. To confirm this, it next says, “And, having sounded, they found twenty fathoms.”

Here are two words found only in this verse. Each is used twice by Luke. The first is bolizó. It is derived from bolis, a dart or a javelin. In this case, it is something like a dart that is attached to a line. When it is cast out, it sinks directly to the bottom.

The distance until it stops is then measured. That measurement is known as an orguia. This word signifies “outstretched.” HELPS Word Studies notes that it was “originally the distance between the tips of the left and right hands when outstretched; a fathom, the unit of measure (roughly) five to six feet long.”

Assuming six feet, the depth would then be about one hundred and twenty feet deep. Once that was determined, a baseline is now set to know if it is getting deeper or shallower. Thus, it next says, “And having distanced a little.”

This is a word used for the third and last time, diistémi. It signifies to set apart, make an interval, etc. It can be used for time, such as waiting for an hour to elapse, or space, such as being separated from another person. In this case, it includes both.

They waited a certain amount of time which would have meant a certain distance had been traversed. After this interval, Luke next records, “having sounded again, they found fifteen fathoms.”

The depth is now about ninety feet. By taking soundings and finding that the depth was decreasing, the logical deduction is that they were approaching land. It would be welcome to know that there was land nearby after such a long, agonizing time.

And yet, it would be a fearsome thing knowing that land was near while it was still the middle of the night. Due to Paul’s words that they would be shipwrecked on some island, some level of fear factor may have set in, even if they had been assured that all would survive.

Life application: Paul had told those on the ship what would take place. Depending on who trusted his words, there would be anything from relief at the coming end of the ordeal to mild trepidation about how it would transpire, or even to fear in some measure knowing that any type of greeting may meet them, from a sandy shore to a rocky reef or a high cliff.

Paul was an apostle of Jesus. Because of this, he was conveying words that ultimately came from the Lord. Luke, for example, may have pulled out a harmonica and started playing a song, knowing that standing on firm, dry ground was not far off.

We have the words of Paul written down. At times, they have come directly from Jesus. At other times they came while being under inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Either way, they have come from God. When Paul writes that God will receive those who have died in Christ, raising them from the dead and bringing them to Himself, how do we personally take the otherwise bad news of an incurable malady or disease?

Will you be filled with terror, mild trepidation, or will you pull out a harmonica and play a tune to the Lord? The attitude you display will reflect just how much you trust the words of Scripture which reveal the promises of God.

The words of Scripture are true. Unless the rapture occurs, we are all going to die. There is no escaping this. So don’t be frustrated at the news that you or a saved loved one has come to the point where death is not far off. The Lord already has a plan for retrieving you or your loved one from that state. Without a doubt, it will come about.

Lord God Almighty, You have the days of our lives already numbered and set. You know how our departure will come about at the end of this earthly life. And You already have the moment of our resurrection set and prepared. Why should we worry when we know these things are true? Hallelujah that You have a plan. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:29
Thursday, 16 May 2024

Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come. Acts 27:29

The Greek more literally reads, “And fearing, lest perhaps we might fall into rough places, having cast four anchors out of the stern they were wishing for day to come” (CG).

In the previous verse, soundings had been taken, finding first twenty fathoms and then fifteen. Because of that, the sailors assumed land was not far off. As it was still night, it next says, “And fearing, lest perhaps we might fall into rough places.”

The word is trachus. It is used for the second and last time, having first been used in Luke 3:5. It signifies rough, rugged, or uneven. Saying “rocky” is a bit of a paraphrase, even if it is correct.

The sailors were afraid that the ship would crash onto an unfriendly reef or shore. If so, this could be disastrous for those on the ship. Therefore, they wanted to slow down the ship so that the force of such a crash would be lessened. To do this, it next says, “having cast four anchors out of the stern.”

Another word is used for the last time, rhiptó, to cast, scatter, etc. It gives the sense of sudden motion, as if in flinging. They had four anchors which they chucked out of the stern. This would increase the drag on the ship and cause it to lumber more slowly as it approached the land.

And more, the violence of the storm necessitated this full complement of anchors to be cast in. Doing this from the stern would eliminate the danger of having the ship swing around and be brought into any rock or reef. It would also mean that it would be in the best alignment for running the ship up onto any visible beach once daylight came. Along with that, it says, “they were wishing for day to come.”

The word used can mean to either wish or pray. As praying wouldn’t make the day come any sooner, it probably is better translated as wish. However, even the sailors in Jonah’s adventure did pray out to their gods. And Joshua did pray for the moon to stand still over the valley of Aijalon during his battle, so that translation is not out of the question.

Life application: Hebrews 6, using the word agkura, or anchor, says this –

“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

If we truly possess the anchor of hope in Christ, we will never get swung around when troubles aplenty come our way. We will remain steadfast and properly directed, even in the greatest storms of life. The rocky shores may be out there, but our direction will remain unchanged, and we will have the certainty that God will direct us safely to the soft and pleasant shores of a land we have yet to see.

This doesn’t mean we won’t get there if our faith is weak. If we believe in Jesus, having received Him, we shall arrive. But think of the difference between Paul and maybe a new believer on the ship.

Paul had already been told they would be delivered. He knew it would come to pass, and there would be no question in his mind it was so. However, Sam Shipwright may have heard and believed the message of Jesus, but his hope was not yet as grounded as Paul’s.

There he would be, fearful of the coming shoreline and the trials they might face once they were cast upon it. Paul’s hope is grounded, and his anchor holds. Sam’s is not and he is still like his own little ship being cast about on the waters of uncertainty.

How grounded is your faith? Do you completely and fully trust every word of Scripture and that it will come about just as you have read? Do you even know all the promises contained there? You can’t, unless you read the Bible. And your faith can only increase through trusting the Lord with every aspect of your existence.

Have faith and read your Bible. This will be a great line that connects you to the anchor of hope that will rest your otherwise troubled soul.

Lord God, may our faith be increased from day to day as we learn to trust You and Your word. Give us the desire to know You more and more. May our anchor hold fast and may the line of our knowledge and trust be sure and sound. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:30
Friday, 17 May 2024

And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, Acts 27:30

More exactingly, it reads, “And the sailors, seeking to flee from the ship, and having let down the skiff into the sea, a pretext, as being about to extend anchors from the prow” (CG).

In the previous verse, the crew feared they would be dashed on rocks when they came to land, so they dropped four anchors from the stern, hoping for the day to come. Now, Luke continues with, “And the sailors, seeking to flee from the ship.”

Some translations add in the word “of,” and thus it is then translated, “And of the sailors.” This would then indicate that it wasn’t all of them that were doing this. Though not in the original, this is likely the case. Some of the sailors had a plan to abandon the ship, leaving the rest to fend for themselves. Therefore, it next says, “and having let down the skiff into the sea.”

In order to make it appear that they wanted to doubly secure the ship, these sailors let down a skiff, probably the same smaller boat that had been hauled in during verses 16 & 17. However, Luke notes this was “a pretext.”

They were working cunningly to save themselves, figuring it was safer to take a small ship that could be more easily maneuvered as shore approached. Their pretext was to let down this skiff, “pretending to extend anchors from the prow.”

Here is a new word, próra. It signifies the front of the ship, thus the bow or prow. It is derived from pro, to be in front of, which is where our modern prefix is derived from. One can see the logical movement from pro to próra, the prow.

The meaning of their action is that they were going to take anchors that were aboard the main ship and carry them out from the ship a distance before dropping them in. This would allow for a greater angle on the line in relation to the ship.

However, the true intent was to take the skiff and get away from the massive hull of the larger ship which could come apart violently. In the skiff, they would find a spot that was safe to drive up to the shore saving themselves.

Life application: The actions of the sailors are a normal response by anyone who has only this life to look forward to. Even many Christians cling unnecessarily to this life, sacrificing personal dignity and respect for others in the process. It is the stuff of movies, but that is so because it is the normal human condition to want to save oneself, even at the expense of others.

However, there is another unnatural human condition that is often highlighted in books and movies: the self-sacrificing hero. The marine jumps on a grenade to save his friends, the father gives up his life for his family, or – most incredibly of all – the Creator becomes the Redeemer by uniting with His creation, sending His Son into the world to save it from the consequences of sin.

Because of Jesus, an eternal hope is given to those who believe in Him. From there, the Christian can faithfully trust that this life is not all there is. With an eternal hope, we should consider this life of far less value, so that we dismiss the thought of betraying others to save ourselves for the sake of a temporary extension of our current walk in this fallen world.

Lord God, may we not be selfish or peevish in the face of troubles or disaster. Instead, may we faithfully trust that the events of this world cannot separate us from the promise of eternal life in Christ. Therefore, may our actions reflect this and be honorable before the eyes of all. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:31
Saturday, 18 May 2024

Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Acts 27:31

A closer translation to the original is, “Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, If these don’t remain in the ship, you are not able to be saved” (CG).

In the previous verse, some of the sailors were putting out the skiff, pretending they were going to lay out anchors from the prow. However, seeing this was just a pretext to get away from the ship, “Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, If these don’t remain in the ship, you are not able to be saved.”

Depending on one’s view of what is occurring, the words of Paul here can be taken from a logical or a spiritual viewpoint. Is Paul saying that the abandonment of the sailors would mean that God’s wrath would be on the ship, thus bringing death to all?

Or is this logically saying that without the skills and abilities of the ship’s crew to navigate the vessel after the rising of the sun, death is the certain end as it would be in any such circumstance?

It is probably best to assume that Paul is making an obvious deduction. There were passengers, there were soldiers, there were prisoners, and there was at least one owner, all of whom would be left to handle the ship without the necessary skills required for the task. And therefore, he speaks logically to the centurion and the sailors that disaster was just ahead without the crew’s expertise.

The “you” here is emphatic, as if saying, “you yourselves.” Even in the middle of the night, Paul was ever vigilant to observe the circumstances around him and to advise according to the wisdom he possessed.

After having rejected his advice at the beginning of the voyage, and after having been given the assurances concerning the words of the angel, the centurion would have to decide now if Paul’s words were sufficiently reasonable.

Though long, Barnes’ thoughts on this verse are worth citing –

(1) That the certainty of an event does not render it improper to use means to obtain it.

(2) that, though the event may be determined, yet the use of means may be indispensable to secure it. The event is not more certainly ordained than the means requisite to accomplish it.

(3) that the doctrine of the divine purposes or decrees, making certain future events, does not make the use of man’s agency unnecessary or improper. The means are determined as well as the end, and the one will not be secured without the other.

(4) the same is true in regard to the decrees respecting salvation. The end is not determined without the means; and as God has resolved that his people shall be saved, so he has also determined the means. He has ordained that they shall repent, shall believe, shall be holy, and shall thus be saved.

(5) we have in this case a full answer to the objection that a belief in the decrees of God will make people neglect the means of salvation, and lead to licentiousness. It has just the contrary tendency. Here is a case in which Paul certainly believed in the purpose of God to save these people; in which he was assured that it was fully determined; and yet the effect was not to produce indolence and unconcern, but to prompt him to use strenuous efforts to accomplish the very effect which God had determined should take place. So it is always. A belief that God has purposes of mercy; that he designs, and has always designed, to save some, will prompt to the use of all proper means to secure it. If we had no such evidence that God had any such purpose, effort would be vain. Where we have such evidence, it operates, as it did in the case of Paul, to produce great and strenuous endeavors to secure the object.

Life application: There are things we are able to do and there are things beyond our ability. When it comes to salvation, no man is able to save himself. The Bible takes this as an axiom. Apart from God’s intervention, man is utterly corrupted before Him.

It is as if we are on a journey through a sea, being tossed about and where every moment could be our last. This is a truth we cannot deny. We are at the mercy of God alone for our next breath, and yet we must continue on until that final moment.

However, once death arrives, our fate will have been sealed. If we cut away from us the lifeline to God’s provision, meaning Jesus Christ, we are not able to be saved. We have forsaken the only One who has proven Himself worthy before God, and who is then willing to be our Substitute before Him.

The centurion and the soldiers on the ship had a choice to make. Should they listen to God’s appointed apostle and keep the sailors on board, making it possible for the ship to be saved, or should they allow things to continue without their needed experience.

Likewise, will we listen to the words of Scripture and receive Jesus, or will we attempt to go it alone? Let us use wisdom in this matter and call out to Jesus while we can. He is sure to deliver us safely to our place of rest and joy in the presence of God.

Almighty God, may we not be foolish and squander away our days walking in darkness and without the light of the Lord to conduct us back to You. Rather, may we call out to Jesus and find the right and proper path that will bring us into Your glorious presence once again. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:32
Sunday, 19 May 2024

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).

In the previous verse, Paul told the centurion and the sailors that if the crew were to get away on the skiff, the ship and those on it were not able to be saved. Therefore, heeding his advice, Luke records, “Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff.”

The action here shows that they immediately accepted Paul’s words. The skiff had probably already been completely lowered, but the sailors weren’t yet on it. Luke records no arguments, no conversations, and no dispute by any party.

It is as if the centurion nodded his head and the soldiers simply cut away the skiff in a moment. This shows clearly that the centurion trusted Paul’s faith in the message he had received from the angel enough to act as was needed.

Again, it is very similar to what occurred with Jonah. The skiff could have been useful later. It was contrary to sound reason to simply cut it away. Likewise, it was contrary to sound reason to dump a person overboard in hopes of calming a storm. But in both cases, those who were faced with a decision made it according to the word they had heard.

In this verse, two words are used for the last time. The first is schoinion. It signifies a cord or rope. Its only other use was in John 2:15 –

“When He had made a whip of cords [schoinion], He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.”

The other word is skaphé, the skiff. All three of its uses were in this chapter. Once the ropes were cut, it says, “and let it fall off.” More precisely, “and let her fall away.” Like a ship, the skiff is a feminine noun. Her ropes were cut, and she fell away from the boat, proceeding on by herself.

Life application: The words of this verse are not unlike our own walk with the Lord. We are asked to do something which seems beyond reason, meaning to trust in the death of a Man from two thousand years ago in order to save us.

We have been told that He died in fulfillment of a law that we have never been under, but in doing so, He met the righteous requirements of God. From there, and proving that He did so, He rose again. It is otherwise incredible to consider, but this is what faith is, and this is what we are rewarded for. God looks for faith in His faithless creatures, so a little bit will do.

In receiving Jesus, we are cutting away our own source of attempts at personal salvation, and we are trusting in God’s provision alone. The soldiers had a choice. They could attempt to save themselves on a ship without someone to properly guide it – a picture of works-based salvation – or they could trust the word they had heard and do what seemed otherwise contrary to reason.

Be wise in how you proceed! Trust God’s word by trusting in Jesus. He can and He will deliver you on that day. Let us thank God for Jesus and praise His name forever and ever.

Heavenly Father, we know that we will be found worthy to stand before You, not on our own merits, but on the merits of Christ Jesus who alone has fulfilled Your law. May we rest in Him, trust in Him, and be delivered by Him on that day. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:33
Monday, 20 May 2024

And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. Acts 27:33

More literally, it reads, “And until it was about to be day, Paul urged all to take food, saying, ‘Anticipating today, the fourteenth day, you continue undernourished, having taken nothing.’” (CG).

The previous verse noted the soldiers cutting away the skiff. At some point later, in the very early morning, Luke next records, “And until it was about to be day.”

This indicates the time between midnight and morning, not specifically the dawn itself. It is at some point very early in the day when the dawning is the next anticipated event in the daily progression of time. It is at this very early time that, “Paul urged all to take food.”

His advice for those gathered to eat surely wasn’t just as a means of strengthening the people, but it also would have served that great purpose of once again uniting the soldiers and sailors after what just happened.

Paul had a keen understanding of human nature, and he knew that there would certainly need to be a united effort on the part of both parties to ensure that everyone would be safe during the coming hours. A meal would bring a state of harmony which had been lacking through the long ordeal, and which could only have gotten worse with the cutting away of the skiff. Because of this tense state, Paul continued, “saying, ‘Anticipating today, the fourteenth day, you continue undernourished, having taken nothing.’”

The need to stop and eat a good meal begins to be evident first from the words “the fourteenth day.” They were anticipating the completion of two full weeks of constant battering by the wind and water. It would have been a harrowing ordeal for even the most seasoned sailor, but those fourteen days were, as he says, in an undernourished state.

The Greek word is not the usual word for “fasting” where one goes completely without eating. Rather, the word is asitos, an adjective that is only used here in Scripture. It is from the negative particle a along with the word sitos, signifying wheat or grain. Ellicott notes that they had taken “nothing beyond what was absolutely necessary to keep body and soul together.”

Life application: When people go without food, there are various ways they will handle it. Very few people will be unaffected by extended times of food deprivation. Some quickly get hangry (hungry combined with angry), while others just lay around lethargically, etc.

The point for most is that without food, things will not go as intended for the human physique. In Scripture, God’s word is equated to food, such as in Deuteronomy 8:3 –

“So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.”

Even Job understood this –

“I have not departed from the commandment of His lips;
I have treasured the words of His mouth
More than my necessary food.” Job 23:12

If we can have immediate and negative reactions to a lack of food for our physical bodies, shouldn’t we expect that without taking in God’s word, we can have immediate and negative reactions in our spiritual lives? Without coming to the word frequently, our minds are quickly diverted to contemplate the things of the world. In this, God becomes almost an afterthought. Eventually, He disappears from our thoughts altogether.

Let us consider this and choose to voluntarily feed ourselves on His word at least daily, and preferably more often than that. We eat two or three times a day. Shouldn’t we be feasting on the word equally as often? Stay in proper spiritual shape by tasting and seeing the Lord through His word!

“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” Psalm 34:8-10

Lord God, may we fill our lives daily with the nourishment that can only come from You through Your word. Help us to responsibly feed ourselves on what You have presented to us for our guidance, protection, and life. Yes, Lord, help us in this and be with us as we dine daily in this wonderful treasure. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:34

Tuesday, May 21st, 2024




“Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” Acts 27:34


I translate this as, “Therefore, I encourage you to take food for this is for your salvation. For not a hair of the head of you will fall.” (CG).



Paul had just implored those gathered before to take food, noting that it was the fourteenth day that they had gone without nourishment. Because of this, he continues with, “Therefore, I encourage you to take food.”



They need to eat. A time is coming very shortly when they would need to be strengthened both in body and in mind, something that eating food would do for them. He tells them all that “for this is for your salvation.”



Paul had already told them in verse 23 that he had been assured by an angel that all would come to safety, but now he shows that this doesn’t mean they were not to be participants in that truth. In telling them to eat, it was to ensure that they would have the strength for whatever ordeal may lie ahead.



The word he uses literally means “salvation,” but the context indicates that a different word such as “preservation” or “survival” is acceptable. The idea of salvation is most often connected to the eternal soul. That is not what Paul is saying. Rather, it is the salvation of life.



If they had already been told that they would all survive, and yet Paul indicates that this is for their salvation, then an obvious deduction would be that if they didn’t eat, they would have to be saved by those who did. Instead of living off the welfare of others, each should be responsible enough to eat and be prepared to rescue himself from the ordeal that was coming.



Either way, however, they would all be saved. And more, Paul says, “For not a hair of the head of you will fall.”



This is a proverbial saying used several times in Scripture and which even Jesus alludes to. See 1 Samuel 14:45; 2 Samuel 14:11; 1 Kings 1:52, Matthew 10:30, & Luke 21:18. As for the word “you,” it is plural. Every person would come through this ultimately unscathed.



However, it might be that those who didn’t eat would be so utterly exhausted that they might not physically recover for weeks, or they might face some other malady or embarrassment that eating would help avoid. Paul is using wisdom, based on the prophecy, to prepare those with him for the coming shipwreck.



Life application: The words of this verse call to mind the promises of the Bible which ask the same from us. Time and again, we are given exhortations. If we choose to reject them, then the harms that come upon us are actually self-inflicted wounds.



Jesus has promised salvation to those who believe in Him. This is an eternal decree of God, and thus salvation itself is eternal. One is sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of future redemption. And yet, what shape will we be in when we get to the end of this life?



We may have bodies worn out from abuses that the Bible warned us against. We may live lives filled with trials and troubles simply because we didn’t heed the word and apply it to our lives. Is this what we want?



And more, once we have been brought before Jesus, there will still be consequences for the lives we lived. This will be at the judgment seat of Christ where we will receive rewards or loss. Paul explicitly tells us that we will be saved, yet as through fire.



Paul is telling those on the ship what to do so that their earthly salvation will be easier than it otherwise might be without eating. His letters tell us that our eternal salvation will be better if we do what the word tells us to do as we live out our lives in Christ. Let us pay heed!



Lord God, may we carefully consider our walk before You each day. Help us to include adherence to Your word in our daily decisions and actions of life. May we be fully prepared for the day we stand before You to receive our judgment for the lives we have lived. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:35
Wednesday, 22 May 2024

And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. Acts 27:35


A more literal translation is, “And having said these, and having taken bread, he thanked God in sight of all. And having broken, he began to eat” (CG).

Paul had once again just urged those with him to take nourishment, reassuring them that they would all come through unscathed. With that stated, Luke next records, “And having said these.”

Paul will now turn his words into action. Thus, Luke redirects the mind of the reader from the spoken words to a tangible, visible manifestation of his faith in the word of the Lord. This is seen in the next words, “and having taken bread.”

Here are people that have been severely undernourished for two weeks. They were about to go through another ordeal that would test them to the limit of their ability if they were unprepared for it. Therefore, Paul reached for bread to turn his verbal urging into a visible one. Once it was in his hands, “he thanked God in sight of all.”

The Greek word is eucharisteó, the root of our modern-day word eucharist. It signifies to give thanks, and thus his actions are equivalent to saying grace. Once that was complete, Luke records, “And having broken, he began to eat.”

Paul set the example, certainly hoping it would transfer to all aboard. As prophesied, those who refused to eat would make it ashore safely, but it would be by the power of someone else who would have to expend his own energy in assisting those who were too weak to make it. This was certainly on Paul’s mind.

As for Paul’s actions, scholars vary on whether they think this was a memorial of the Lord’s Supper or not. The words of this verse are remarkably similar to those of Luke 22:19. However, the actions are the same as what Jesus did in Matthew 14:19 & 15:36. It is probably, therefore, comparable to a regular Jewish tradition.

Any relation to the Lord’s Supper would be personal to the one taking it and not an intentional connection for all to participate in. It would make no sense for Paul to do this, considering it to be a reenactment of the death of the Lord as described in 1 Corinthians 11, because that is intended for believers only.

The breaking of the bread, and thanking God for it as well, was in itself enough to impress in the minds of those in attendance of Paul’s faith in God. Thus, it would stand as an encouragement to them all. He was unashamed of his faith in God and Paul’s thanks would show that he was openly grateful for the mercy he had been promised concerning all aboard the ship.

Life application: Words are often effective in achieving a desired outcome, but there are times when words are not enough. Action must be taken to demonstrate that the words are reliable. As the greatest example of this, we can look at the words of Scripture.

God promised a Redeemer. Throughout the many books of the Old Testament, prophecies were made, telling Israel that He was coming. This gave the people hope. However, saying that this would happen doesn’t change the state of things one iota without Him actually coming.

Therefore, as Paul says in Galatians 4:4, 5, “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”

God backed up His words with action. Thus, all of what the prophets proclaimed became a reality. Because of that, it wasn’t just something Israel could accept and revel in, but it was something that all peoples of the world could now accept and partake of.

In like manner, we should be willing to follow up our words of promise with action that matches what we say. If we don’t do this, people will look at us as unfaithful. Whether our words speak of small things or great, let us be willing to follow through with them as a testimony that we are reliable followers of Jesus Christ.

Lord God, help us to be responsible in following through with the things we speak, so that we are considered trustworthy to those we encounter. If we are faithless as Christians, it will certainly bring a stain upon people’s thoughts concerning You. Therefore, be with us and prompt us in our spirits to always be faithful in the things we say. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:36
Thursday, 23 May 2024

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

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.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:37
Friday, 24 May 2024

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

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.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:38
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


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.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse,  Acts 27:39
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

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.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:40
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

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.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:41
Tuesday, 28 May 2024

But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. Acts 27:41

A more literal rendering is, “And having fallen into a place – two seas – they urged on the vessel, and, indeed, the prow having stuck fast remained immovable, and the stern was loosed under the force of the waves.” (CG).

In the previous verse, the anchors were abandoned to the sea and the rudders were loosed. After that the foresail was hoisted and the sailors headed the ship for the shore. With that, words that are filled with detail come rushing forth, beginning with, “And having fallen into a place.”

The words “having fallen,” as in English, signify “to encounter.” Someone might say, “I fell into trouble on the way home.” The meaning is that he encountered trouble on the way home. This is the intent here. They were heading like a speeding train to the coast, but as they did so, they fell into a particular place that was unnoticed until it was too late, “two seas.”

Despite the great efforts of preparation, there was a problem which dashed their overall hopes. The ship was caught in a location where two seas met. The word so translated is rare, dithalassos, or literally “two seas.” It is found only here and one other known ancient Greek writing.

Luke is describing a ship coming in from the sea and heading into St. Paul’s Bay. There is a point of land, once called Koura Point, off to the left which was actually used as an aerial training aid in WWII.

To the right, there is a small island, previously known as Salmonetta. Nowadays it is called il-Gzejjer ta’ san Pawl. The sailors must have thought that it was a part of Malta itself as it is very close to the main island. However, it is separated by a narrow channel about 100 yards wide.

It is at this point, the sailors probably realized there was trouble. Because of the obvious break between the land and this small island, Luke next records that “they urged on the vessel.” Most translations here say that they ran the ship aground, but that is a consequence of going through the two seas.

Rather, when they realized there was this shallow spot, they probably pulled the sail in as close to the wind as possible, raised the rudders a bit, and so forth. In other words, these skilled sailors saw every possibility of running aground. In hopes of avoiding that, they made like a jet fighter with movable wings, pulling them in close and working to eke out every bit of speed and remove every possible inch of contact with the seabed below.

The word used to describe this is epokelló. It is only used here in the Bible. It comes from epi, on or upon, and okello, to urge. The sense is that they forced the ship forward. Luke also uses another unique word here, naus, to describe the ship. It signifies a ship or vessel of considerable size. Luke is hinting at why the ship would have difficulty.

A smaller ship might get through, but this one was quite sizable. Therefore, despite their best efforts to break through the two seas, Luke next records, “and, indeed, the prow having stuck fast.”

This is the consequence of having passed through the two seas. The ship was too deep to pass through and it finally stuck fast. Here Luke uses the word próra, or prow, for the second and last time. It was first used in Acts 27:30. It signifies the forward part, meaning the front, bow, prow, etc. of a ship.

To get a sense of the action, the Pulpit Commentary says that “When, however, she was just coming upon the beach for which she was making, she would come opposite to this open channel, and the sea from the north would break upon her and meet the sea on the south side of the island, where the ship was. Here, then, they ran the vessel aground.”

Also, Luke uses another unique word here, ereidó. It is of obscure affinity and means something like “to prop.” Therefore, used reflexively, it means to stick fast. One can see the ship racing through the two seas and the sailors can feel it touching upon the seabed. And so, they continue pulling the sheets, raising the rudders, and urging the ship on.

However, the prow of the ship suddenly jerks, indicating solid contact. With that, the stern would leap in an upward motion, causing the ship to prop upwards. The words are all very exciting and extremely detailed.

Of this word, ereidó, the Pulpit Commentary notes that it was common in classical Greek and is “not very different from its frequent medical meaning of a disease ‘fixing itself’ and ‘settling’ in some particular part of the body.” It is another clue to the authenticity of Luke’s authorship because of his use of words that have medical connections in order to describe other things.

Once the prow had stuck fast, Luke next records that the ship “remained immovable.” The word is asaleutos. It is only seen here and in Hebrews 12:28 which speaks of the unshakeable kingdom that we shall receive. It signifies to be unshakeable, immovable, etc.

The ship had come to a full stop, but it was not at the shore. Thus, there was a difficulty that would have to be dealt with quickly. This is because Luke next notes, “and the stern was loosed under the force of the waves.”

The word prumna, or stern, is used for the third and last time in the New Testament. It signifies the hinder part of the ship. Also, the word bia, force, is seen for the fourth and last time. All four uses were in Acts. It signifies violence, force, or strength. One can see an etymological connection to the word bio, the life force of things.

As for Luke’s description, it is telling us that the constant battering of the waves upon the stern of the ship was quickly taking its toll. The entire hinder part of the ship, therefore, was loosed from the main body of the ship and would quickly disintegrate by this pummeling.

Life application: What is amazing is how accurately Luke’s writings reflect what we can still see today. If one goes to Google Maps, he can almost insert himself into a ship as it heads for this disastrous spot where the two seas meet. Once at this location, the ship ran aground. The front of the ship got stuck in the seabed, and would not budge another inch.

Take time to go to such a map and look at the location. You can also see images by doing an image search. This will give you a better perspective of exactly what Luke is describing. Be sure that just because the words are from antiquity, it does not mean that they are either fables or somehow in error. We have a sure word that has proven the test of time

Be confident that the word of God is reliable. Take it in daily and rejoice in the marvelous detail we have been given concerning real people and real events that have come together in the stream of history to be a part of the story of what God is doing in the process of the redemption of man.

Lord God, what a marvelous word You have given us. It is as reliable as any book written at any time in history, even more so, because it has been protected by Your hand throughout the ages. We don’t need to fret about whether the story of Jesus is true or not. No! Rather, we can be confident that our hope is sure, fixed, and immovable. Hooray for Jesus! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, Acts 27:42
Wednesday, 29 May 2024

And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. Acts 27:42


A literal reading is much sparser in content, “And the soldiers’ plan was that they should kill the prisoners, lest someone, having swam out, should escape” (CG).

In the previous verse, the ship ran aground with the prow stuck fast. With the beating of the waves, the stern loosened from the main hull. Thus, the ship could no longer be a place of safety. All would need to get off quickly. However, it next says, “And the soldiers’ plan was that they should kill the prisoners.”

Here is the second and last use of desmótés, prisoners. It was first seen in Acts 27:1. These would have included all of those bound, regardless of what category of prisoner may have been on the ship. In Acts 27:1, it noted that Paul, even if such a prisoner, was in a different category than the others. Thus, he was given certain liberties.

The obvious reason for wanting to kill the prisoners is that if they were to escape, then the soldiers would be held accountable for having allowed it. Thus, their lives would most likely be forfeited. The reason for wanting to kill the prisoners is next stated, saying, “lest someone, having swam out, should escape.”

The word translated as “someone” is in the singular. The concern was that even one escapee would be problematic. The word translated as “swam out,” ekkolumbaó, is exactingly translated. The idea may either mean “swam out of reach,” “swam out of the water,” or something else. Such prisoners would have thus been out of the reach of the soldiers.

That leads to the word translated as escape, diapheugó. It is also unique to the New Testament. It literally signifies “flee through.” Therefore, it indicates a thorough escape. At this time, these men had arrived on an unidentified piece of land.

It will be seen that it is an island. However, at this time, that was unknown. A prisoner could swim out, flee through, and just keep going if it were a continent rather than an island. Therefore, these soldiers did not want to take such a risk.

Life application: It is obvious from these verses that the soldiers had a right to kill the prisoners in such a situation. As long as the bodies were accounted for, it appears it didn’t matter if they were brought in dead or alive. This was an effective means of keeping prisoners in check.

It was thus a preventative measure. In today’s world, such things are looked down on. Schools used to be places of discipline and learning. The threat of punishment or being expelled weighed upon the minds of students. However, the policies of the left only deal with matters after problems arise. Therefore, schools are no longer safe, they no longer are places of learning, and crime among students has skyrocketed.

This is also true with society in general. Everything has become a reaction, but there is no tolerance in the policies of the left for preventive measures. This is wholly unbiblical. The law was given for such people. As Paul says –

“But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” 1 Timothy 1:8-11

The inclination of the human heart is bent toward evil. Thus, law is necessary. It, along with punishment prescribed by the law, is a preventive measure against those who would do such things. The left’s idea is grace first and hope for the best. This philosophy deals with a total misunderstanding of humanity because it has rejected the notion that man is inherently wicked. They have chucked the biblical model out of society, and they have thus cast out morality, decency, and restraint.

Be sure to never vote for or support anyone who holds to such views. You will only bring disaster upon yourself in the process.

Lord God, how faithless we are as a people toward You. Humanity, when unrestrained, will naturally take the wrong path, committing more and more evil with each passing day. Help us to be responsible in how we teach, vote, and decide on how things should be done. May we include You and the lessons of Your word in all that we do. Amen.