Topical Bible: Ship: An Anchor

◄ Ship: An Anchor ►

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In biblical times, ships were essential for trade, travel, and warfare, and they are frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. The concept of an anchor, while not as frequently discussed, holds significant metaphorical and practical importance in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References to Ships:

Ships are mentioned throughout the Bible, often symbolizing commerce, exploration, and the spread of the Gospel. In the Old Testament, the construction of ships is noted in the reign of King Solomon, who built a fleet of ships at Ezion-Geber, near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea (1 Kings 9:26). These ships were used for trade, bringing gold from Ophir (1 Kings 9:28).

In the New Testament, ships play a crucial role in the ministry of the Apostle Paul. His missionary journeys often involved sea travel, as seen in Acts 27, where Paul is shipwrecked on his way to Rome. This account highlights the perils of ancient maritime travel and the reliance on divine providence for safety.

The Anchor as a Metaphor:

The anchor is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing hope, stability, and security. The most direct biblical reference to an anchor is found in the Book of Hebrews: "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain" (Hebrews 6:19). Here, the anchor symbolizes the hope believers have in Christ, which is secure and unwavering, providing spiritual stability amidst life's storms.

Practical Use of Anchors:

In the ancient world, anchors were crucial for the safety of ships, especially during storms. They were typically made of stone or metal and designed to grip the sea floor, preventing the ship from drifting. The use of anchors is implied in several biblical narratives, such as in Acts 27:29, where sailors, fearing they might run aground on the rocks, "dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight."

Symbolism in Christian Tradition:

Beyond the biblical text, the anchor has been adopted as a symbol of Christian faith and hope. Early Christians used the anchor as a disguised cross during times of persecution, representing their steadfast faith in Christ. The anchor remains a popular Christian symbol, often found in art and jewelry, reminding believers of the hope and security found in their faith.

In summary, while ships are frequently mentioned in the Bible as vehicles of commerce and mission, the anchor serves as a profound metaphor for hope and stability in the Christian life. Through the imagery of the anchor, Scripture assures believers of the steadfastness of God's promises and the security found in a relationship with Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 27:29,30,40
Then fearing lest we should have fallen on rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 6:19
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil;
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

4358. prosormizo -- to bring (a ship) to anchor at
... to bring (a ship) to anchor at. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: prosormizo
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-or-mid'-zo) Short Definition: I anchor at a place ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4358.htm - 6k

Library

In Rome
... Though somewhat delayed by contrary winds, the voyage was safely accomplished, and
the ship cast anchor in the beautiful harbor of Puteoli, on the coast of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 43 in rome.htm

Faith
... for him.' An increasing faith is not like a ship in the midst of the sea, that
fluctuates, and is tossed upon the waves; but like a ship at anchor, which is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 1 faith.htm

The Foreign Missions and their Influence.
... Thomas. As the ship cast anchor in St. Thomas Harbour the Brethren realized
for the first time the greatness of their task. There ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vi the foreign missions.htm

A Total Wreck, all Hands Saved
... This narrative begins when the doomed ship has cast anchor, with a rocky coast close
under her lee. The one question is, Will the four anchors hold? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a total wreck all hands.htm

The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning
... the book of providence, there was a black line against that ship, and never ... improvement
in the weather: she sailed a little further; but cast anchor again, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the ship on firea voice.htm

Paul's Shipwreck
... up the anchor, they ran close along the coast of Crete: but in a short time a
tempestuous wind called a "Northeaster" beat down upon them. The ship was caught ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/pauls shipwreck.htm

"Three Years Ago, Sulpitius, at which Time, Leaving this ...
... wind was against us, we were almost driven upon the Syrtis; [85] the cautious sailors,
however, guarding against this, stopped the ship by casting anchor. ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter iii three years ago.htm

His Journey to Rome, Venice, Jerusalem, and the Holy Land
... Turks. Thirteen sailed in the pilgrims' ship, which was the first to weigh
anchor. The government ship carried eight or nine. About ...
/.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/chapter iv his journey to.htm

A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... And let our seals be either a dove, or a fish, or a ship scudding before the wind,
or a musical lyre, which Polycrates used, or a ship's anchor, which Seleucus ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm

Acts XXVII
... consequently he became at once the leading spirit in the whole ship's company. During
the entire inactivity of the crew, while swinging at anchor and waiting ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm