Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of a "crew" as understood in modern terms—specifically referring to a group of people working together on a ship—can be seen in various narratives involving seafaring and travel. While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "crew," it does describe groups of individuals who worked together on ships, particularly in the context of trade, travel, and missionary journeys.Seafaring in the Ancient World The ancient Near East, including regions such as Phoenicia, was known for its maritime activities. The Phoenicians, in particular, were renowned sailors and traders, and their ships would have had crews skilled in navigation and the handling of vessels. Although the Bible does not provide detailed descriptions of these crews, it does reference the maritime prowess of these peoples. For example, Ezekiel 27:9 mentions the elders and wise men of Gebal who were shipwrights, indicating the presence of skilled laborers involved in shipbuilding and maintenance. Jonah and the Sailors One of the most notable biblical accounts involving a ship's crew is the account of Jonah. In Jonah 1:4-5 , we read about the sailors who were with Jonah on the ship bound for Tarshish: "Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart. The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load." This passage highlights the crew's role in managing the ship during a crisis and their collective response to the peril they faced. Paul's Voyage to Rome The New Testament provides further insight into the workings of a ship's crew during the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. In Acts 27, Paul is a prisoner aboard a ship sailing for Italy. The narrative details the interactions between Paul, the centurion Julius, the ship's captain, and the crew. Acts 27:11 states, "But contrary to Paul’s advice, the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and by the owner of the ship." This indicates the presence of a structured hierarchy within the crew, with specific roles such as the pilot and the ship's owner. Later, during a storm, the crew takes decisive action to secure the ship, as described in Acts 27:17 : "After hoisting the lifeboat, they used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and were driven along." This passage illustrates the crew's expertise and their efforts to preserve the vessel and its passengers. Symbolism and Metaphor In a broader sense, the concept of a crew can be metaphorically applied to the Christian community. Just as a ship's crew must work together to navigate the seas, so too must believers collaborate in their spiritual journey. The Apostle Paul often used nautical imagery to convey spiritual truths, as seen in 1 Timothy 1:19 : "holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith." Here, the idea of shipwreck serves as a warning against straying from sound doctrine and the importance of maintaining a collective commitment to faith. Conclusion While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "crew," the narratives involving seafaring provide valuable insights into the roles and responsibilities of those who worked on ships. These accounts not only highlight the practical aspects of maritime life but also offer rich metaphorical lessons for the Christian faith. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The Manx shearwater.2. (n.) A company of people associated together; an assemblage; a throng. 3. (n.) The company of seamen who man a ship, vessel, or at; the company belonging to a vessel or a boat. 4. (n.) In an extended sense, any small body of men associated for a purpose; a gang; as (Naut.), the carpenter's crew; the boatswain's crew. 5. (v.) imp. of Crow Library He is Our Peace. The Fall of Peter The Advance of Xerxes into Greece. A Total Wreck, all Hands Saved Peter Thrice Denies the Lord. Matt. xxvi. 67, 68 Of the Harmony Characterizing the Accounts which These Evangelists ... The Voyage and Shipwreck Lines on "Kallihirua in the Ship" The Broken Oar. Thesaurus Crew (7 Occurrences)... 4. (n.) In an extended sense, any small body of men associated for a purpose; a gang; as (Naut.), the carpenter's crew; the boatswain's crew. 5. (v.) imp. ... /c/crew.htm - 8k Cock (12 Occurrences) Pipe (13 Occurrences) Sayest (66 Occurrences) Straightway (96 Occurrences) Boats (11 Occurrences) Ships (46 Occurrences) Straight (196 Occurrences) 276 (1 Occurrence) Vestibule (36 Occurrences) Resources Who was Jonah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.org Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org Crew: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Crew (7 Occurrences)Matthew 26:74 Mark 14:68 Mark 14:72 Luke 22:60 John 18:27 Acts 27:37 Ezekiel 27:34 Subtopics Related Terms |
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