The term "shipwrecked" in the biblical context refers to the literal and metaphorical experiences of being stranded or destroyed at sea. It is a vivid image used in Scripture to describe both physical and spiritual calamities. The Bible provides accounts of shipwrecks that serve as powerful illustrations of faith, divine intervention, and the consequences of disobedience.

Paul's Shipwreck

One of the most detailed accounts of a shipwreck in the Bible is found in the Book of Acts, specifically Acts 27. The Apostle Paul, while being transported as a prisoner to Rome, encounters a severe storm that leads to a shipwreck. Despite the perilous situation, Paul remains steadfast in his faith, encouraging those aboard with him. He assures them of God's promise that they will survive, saying, "But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed" (Acts 27:22). This account highlights themes of divine providence and the power of faith amidst adversity.

Metaphorical Shipwreck

In addition to literal shipwrecks, the Bible uses the concept metaphorically to describe spiritual ruin. The Apostle Paul, in his pastoral epistles, warns against the dangers of straying from the faith. In 1 Timothy 1:19, he writes, "holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith" . Here, shipwreck serves as a metaphor for the spiritual destruction that can occur when individuals abandon sound doctrine and a clear conscience.

Lessons from Shipwrecks

The biblical accounts of shipwrecks offer several lessons for believers. They remind us of the importance of faith and obedience to God's guidance. Paul's experience demonstrates that even in the midst of life's storms, God's promises remain true, and His protection is assured for those who trust in Him. The metaphorical use of shipwreck warns of the dangers of moral and doctrinal compromise, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient world, sea travel was fraught with danger, and shipwrecks were not uncommon. The Mediterranean Sea, where many biblical events took place, was known for its unpredictable weather and treacherous waters. Understanding the historical and cultural context of sea travel in biblical times enhances the significance of shipwreck narratives, as they reflect the real and present dangers faced by those who traveled by sea.

Conclusion

The theme of shipwreck in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the physical and spiritual challenges faced by believers. Whether through the literal account of Paul's shipwreck or the metaphorical warnings against spiritual ruin, the Bible uses this imagery to convey important truths about faith, perseverance, and the consequences of turning away from God.(imp. & p. p.) of Shipwreck.3489. nauageo -- to suffer shipwreck
... to suffer shipwreck. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: nauageo Phonetic Spelling:
(now-ag-eh'-o) Short Definition: I am shipwrecked, ruined Definition: (a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3489.htm - 6k

Of Justice, Wisdom, and Folly.
... The just man, he says, if he does not take away from the wounded man his horse,
and from the shipwrecked man his plank, in order that he may preserve his own ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xviii of justice wisdom and.htm

On the Sacrament of Penance
... When sailors are shipwrecked and thrown helplessly into the ocean, their only
hope is some floating plank that may bear them to the shore. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 17 on the sacrament.htm

Of the Places of Burial.
... I sing the mercy of God, and the clemency of the king, by which I was preserved
from suffering shipwreck, when I had been already shipwrecked; and from being ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 100 of the places.htm

The Voyage and Shipwreck
... called, not one was missing. The shipwrecked crew were kindly received by
the barbarous people of Melita. "They kindled a fire," Luke ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 42 the voyage and.htm

The Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles.
... which St. Paul was shipwrecked. For his edition Tischendorf collated six
mss., the oldest of the end of the ninth century. Some ...
/.../unknown/apocrypha of the new testament/part ii the apocryphal acts of.htm

Volume ii. , Part C. The First Theban Empire
... against Kush and their consequences; the gold-mines"Expeditions to Puanit, and
navigation along the coasts of the Bed Sea: the Story of the Shipwrecked Sailor ...
/.../volume ii part c the.htm

Repentance Applicable to all the Kinds of Sin to be Practised not ...
... myself (nay, rather, less than myself, for pre-eminence in sins I acknowledge to
be mine [8442] ), do you so hasten to, so embrace, as a shipwrecked man the ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter iv repentance applicable to all.htm

The Third Season
... in which Christ and his disciples were, is oppressed and ready to perish in the
waves of persecution, then good souls are ready to be shipwrecked too, upon the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iii the third season.htm

The Adventures of Saint James of Spain.
... Crossing the Red Sea, he was once more shipwrecked, when, had not a troop of mermaids
carried him and his Squire, with their horses and furniture to the shore ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter six the adventures of.htm

The Gospel According to St. Luke
... Luke, who travelled with him to Jerusalem (Acts 20:5xxi.18); he also was with the
apostle when he made the voyage to Rome, and was shipwrecked with him at Malta ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm

Shipwrecked (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Shipwreck. Multi-Version Concordance
Shipwrecked (2 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 11:25 Three ...
/s/shipwrecked.htm - 7k

Publius (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary "the chief man of the island" of Malta (Acts 28:7), who
courteously entertained Paul and his shipwrecked companions for three days ...
/p/publius.htm - 9k

Shipwreck (3 Occurrences)

/s/shipwreck.htm - 8k

Lifeboat (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A strong, buoyant boat especially designed for saving
the lives of shipwrecked people. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/l/lifeboat.htm - 7k

Floating (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Corinthians 11:25 Three times I have been beaten with Roman rods, once I have
been stoned, three times I have been shipwrecked, once for full four and twenty ...
/f/floating.htm - 7k

Twenty (282 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 11:25 Three times I have been beaten with Roman rods, once I have
been stoned, three times I have been shipwrecked, once for full four and twenty ...
/t/twenty.htm - 40k

Ezion-geber (6 Occurrences)
... from Tyre to Tarshish and the west, which traded with Ophir (1 Kings 9:26; 2 Chronicles
8:17); and here also Jehoshaphat's fleet was shipwrecked (1 Kings 22:48 ...
/e/ezion-geber.htm - 10k

Eziongeber (3 Occurrences)
... from Tyre to Tarshish and the west, which traded with Ophir (1 Kings 9:26; 2 Chronicles
8:17); and here also Jehoshaphat's fleet was shipwrecked (1 Kings 22:48 ...
/e/eziongeber.htm - 9k

Castaway (1 Occurrence)
... rejected" (Hebrews 6:8, etc.). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) One who, or
that which, is cast away or shipwrecked. 2. (n.) One who is ...
/c/castaway.htm - 8k

Shipwrights (2 Occurrences)

/s/shipwrights.htm - 7k

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Shipwrecked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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