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Book of Acts - Chapter 27 - Verse 18

27:18
And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Acts in the Bible, it describes a challenging situation where a ship was caught in a violent tempest. The phrase "exceedingly tossed with a tempest" conveys the idea of being in a severe and turbulent storm at sea. The crew and passengers on the ship were in danger as the powerful winds and waves threatened to capsize the vessel. In response to the perilous conditions, the crew took action to lighten the ship the next day. This involved throwing cargo or supplies overboard in an attempt to stabilize the ship and improve its chances of surviving the storm.

This verse serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and uncontrollable forces of nature that humans must sometimes face. It also highlights the importance of making difficult decisions in times of crisis in order to increase the chances of survival. Despite the challenging circumstances, the crew's actions demonstrate their resourcefulness and determination to overcome the obstacles before them. This verse can serve as a metaphor for facing adversity in life and the need to take decisive action in order to navigate through difficult times.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of Acts 27:18, we see a powerful message about facing adversity and making difficult decisions in times of crisis. The verse describes a situation where the crew of a ship, including the Apostle Paul, is caught in a severe storm and is in danger of sinking. In response, the crew decides to lighten the ship by throwing cargo overboard, in an effort to save themselves. This act of sacrifice and practical action in the face of danger can be seen as a metaphor for the importance of taking decisive and sometimes painful steps to navigate through life's challenges. The word "tempest" in this verse can also be understood in a spiritual sense, symbolizing the storms and trials that we face in our own lives. By studying the original Greek text, we can delve deeper into the nuances of this passage and gain a richer understanding of the symbolic meaning behind the tumultuous events described here. Ultimately, Acts 27:18 encourages us to trust in God's guidance and to act with courage and wisdom, even in the midst of life's storms.

American Standard Version

And as we labored exceedingly with the storm, the next day they began to throw the [the freight] overboard;
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