The term "main-sail" appears in the context of maritime activities in the ancient world, specifically within the narrative of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. The main-sail is a crucial component of a ship's rigging, serving as the primary sail that harnesses wind power to propel the vessel forward. In the ancient Mediterranean, sailing was a common mode of transportation and trade, and the main-sail played a vital role in navigation and speed.

Biblical Reference:

The main-sail is mentioned in Acts 27, which details the perilous sea voyage of Paul as a prisoner en route to Rome. During this journey, the ship encounters a violent storm, known as a "Northeaster," which threatens the safety of all aboard. In Acts 27:40 , it is recorded: "So they cut away the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time untying the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach."

While the Berean Standard Bible uses the term "foresail" in this passage, it is understood in the broader context of ancient sailing practices that the main-sail would have been a critical element in attempting to navigate the ship to safety. The decision to hoist the sail reflects the crew's desperate efforts to regain control and steer the ship toward land.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the first century, ships were primarily powered by wind, and the main-sail was the largest and most important sail on a vessel. It was typically attached to the mainmast and could be adjusted to capture the wind effectively. The ability to manage the main-sail was essential for successful navigation, especially during adverse weather conditions.

The account in Acts 27 highlights the challenges faced by ancient mariners and the reliance on skilled seamanship to survive treacherous waters. The narrative also underscores the vulnerability of human endeavors against the forces of nature, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

Theological Implications:

The account of Paul's shipwreck serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian journey. Just as the sailors relied on the main-sail to guide them through the storm, believers are called to trust in God's providence and guidance through life's trials. The Apostle Paul's calm demeanor and faith in God's promises during the storm (Acts 27:23-25) exemplify the peace and assurance that come from a steadfast reliance on the Lord.

Furthermore, the narrative illustrates the sovereignty of God over creation. Despite the chaos of the storm, God's purposes prevail, ensuring Paul's safe arrival in Rome to fulfill his mission. This reinforces the biblical truth that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire.

In summary, the main-sail, while a technical aspect of ancient seafaring, serves as a symbol of trust and reliance on divine guidance. The account of Paul's journey to Rome invites believers to reflect on their own faith and dependence on God amidst the storms of life.(Gr. artemon), answering to the modern "mizzen-sail," as some suppose. Others understand the "jib," near the prow, or the "fore-sail," as likely to be most useful in bringing a ship's head to the wind in the circumstances described (Acts 27:40). 736. artemon -- something hung up or fastened, ie a foresail
... Word Origin from artao (to fasten to) Definition something hung up or fastened,
ie a foresail NASB Word Usage foresail (1). mainsail. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/736.htm - 6k

A Total Wreck, all Hands Saved
... unto the sea, and loosed the rudder-bands, and noised up the main-sail to the ... The
foresail (not 'mainsail,' as the Authorised Version has it) is set to help to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a total wreck all hands.htm

Voyage to China
... I went over and asked him to let down the clews or corners of the mainsail, which
had been drawn up in order to lessen the useless flapping of the sail against ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter viii voyage to china.htm

The Deepest Need of the Church Today is not for any Material or ...
... I went over and asked him to let down the clews or corners of the mainsail, which
had been drawn up in order to lessen the useless flapping of the sail against ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter xi the deepest need.htm

Memorable Atlantic Storms
... In the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split
the mainsail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between the decks ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/memorable atlantic storms.htm

Moravians and Methodists, 1735-1742.
... One Sunday the gale was terrific. The sea poured in between the decks. The main
sail was torn to tatters. The English passengers screamed with terror. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter ix moravians and methodists.htm

The Voyage and Shipwreck
... And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea,
and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 42 the voyage and.htm

Acts xxvi. 30-32
... And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea,
and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm

When Diamond Went Home to Breakfast, He Found his Father and ...
... and the loud trampling of the men over his head, as they hauled at the main sheet
to get the boom on board that they might take in a reef in the mainsail. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 9 when diamond went.htm

Later English Reformers.
... In the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split
the mainsail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between the decks as ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /14 later english reformers.htm

Later English Reformers
... In the midst of the psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split
the mainsail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between the decks as ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 14 later english reformers.htm

Mainsail (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) The principal sail in a ship or other vessel.
Multi-Version Concordance Mainsail (1 Occurrence). Acts ...
/m/mainsail.htm - 7k

Main-sail
Main-sail. Mainsail, Main-sail. Mainstay . Easton's Bible Dictionary (Gr. artemon ...
40). Mainsail, Main-sail. Mainstay . Reference Bible.
/m/main-sail.htm - 6k

Loosed (41 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto
the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind ...
/l/loosed.htm - 19k

Mainland (3 Occurrences)

/m/mainland.htm - 7k

Mainstay (1 Occurrence)

/m/mainstay.htm - 6k

Bands (130 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto
the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind ...
/b/bands.htm - 37k

Balance (12 Occurrences)
... to balance partners. 18. (n.) To contract, as a sail, into a narrower compass;
as, to balance the boom mainsail. 19. (vi) To have ...
/b/balance.htm - 18k

Committed (201 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto
the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind ...
/c/committed.htm - 39k

Committing (30 Occurrences)
... having taken up, they were committing 'it' to the sea, at the same time -- having
loosed the bands of the rudders, and having hoisted up the mainsail to the ...
/c/committing.htm - 15k

What is Christianization? | GotQuestions.org

What are the main arguments against limited atonement? | GotQuestions.org

What are the most common denominations of Christianity? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus