The term "The Quicksands" refers to a perilous area mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the account of the Apostle Paul's voyage to Rome. This geographical feature is associated with the Mediterranean Sea and is noted for its danger to ancient mariners.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to "The Quicksands" is found in the Book of Acts, during the narrative of Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner. In Acts 27:17 , it is recorded: "After hoisting it up, 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."

Geographical Context:

The "sandbars of Syrtis" mentioned in the passage are understood to refer to the Syrtis Major and Syrtis Minor, two large gulfs located off the coast of North Africa, in what is now modern-day Libya. These areas were notorious in antiquity for their treacherous sandbanks and shifting sands, which posed significant hazards to ships. Mariners of the time were well aware of the dangers presented by these quicksands, which could easily trap and wreck vessels.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

In the ancient world, the Syrtis regions were infamous among sailors. The Syrtis Major, in particular, was a large gulf with extensive sandbanks that could extend far out to sea, making navigation extremely hazardous. Ships caught in these areas risked being grounded and destroyed by the relentless forces of the sea. The fear of encountering such quicksands was a common concern for those traveling the Mediterranean routes.

The mention of "The Quicksands" in Acts highlights the real and present dangers faced by Paul and his companions during their voyage. It underscores the perilous nature of sea travel in the first century and the reliance on divine providence for safety and deliverance. The narrative of Acts 27, with its detailed account of the storm and shipwreck, serves as a testament to the trials faced by early Christians in their mission to spread the Gospel.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account of Paul's journey, including the threat of "The Quicksands," illustrates themes of faith, divine intervention, and perseverance. Despite the natural dangers and the fear of being lost to the sea, Paul remained steadfast in his trust in God's promises. His leadership and faith during the crisis provided hope and assurance to those on board, demonstrating the power of faith in overcoming adversity.

The account of "The Quicksands" serves as a metaphor for the spiritual challenges and uncertainties believers may encounter. Just as Paul and his companions navigated the physical dangers of the sea, Christians are called to navigate the spiritual quicksands of life with faith and reliance on God's guidance.The Quicksands

more properly THE SYRTIS, THE, (Acts 27:17) the broad a deep bight on the north African coast between Carthage and Cyrene. There were properly two Syrtes--the eastern or larger, now called the Gulf of Sidra , and the western or smaller, now the Gulf of Cabes . It is the former to which our attention is directed in this passage of the Acts.

4950. Surtis -- "shoal," Syrtis, the name of two large sandbanks ...
... quicksands, Syrtis. From suro; a shoal (from the sand drawn thither by the waves),
ie The Syrtis Major or great bay on the north coast of Africa -- quicksands. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4950.htm - 6k

Tempest and Trust
... Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing
lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.18 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/tempest and trust.htm

Preface
... Even if phrases or passages make for orthodoxy, to accept them if condemned by evidence
and history is to alight upon the quicksands of conjecture. ...
/.../burgon/the causes of the corruption of the traditional text/preface.htm

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... the most perfect provision against both these extremities, that souls are ready
to run upon, the rock of desperate distrust, and the quicksands of presumptuous ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiii my little children.htm

Paul's Shipwreck
... of the ship. As they were afraid that they might run ashore on the African
quicksands, they lowered the sail and drifted. But as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/pauls shipwreck.htm

September 27. "The Glorious Liberty of the Children of God" (Rom. ...
... by them? Are you above sickness and the evil forces around that would drag
down your physical life into the quicksands? These forces ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /september 27 the glorious liberty.htm

The Ride from Pembroke to Swansea
... had been swallowed up. The whole sands are at least ten miles over, with
many streams of quicksands intermixed. But our guide was ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/the ride from pembroke to.htm

Entering Thus Far into the Nature of the Sun
... Were all the earth filthy mires, or devouring quicksands, firm land would be an
unspeakable treasure. Were it all beaten gold it would be of no value. ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/12 entering thus far into.htm

The Common Error which Makes it Difficult to Believe all the World ...
... The common error which makes it difficult to believe all the World to be wholly
ours, is to be shunned as a rock of shipwreck: or a dangerous quicksands. ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/36 the common error which.htm

O Word of God Incarnate
... It is the chart and compass. That o'er life's surging sea,. 'Mid mists and rocks
and quicksands,. Still guides, O Christ, to thee. O make thy Church, dear Savior ...
/.../advent 58 o word of.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... My situation throughout has been a most peculiar one, rocks and quicksands have
surrounded me on every side, and frequently I have been compelled to give ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 65.htm

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