Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, ships were a vital means of transportation, facilitating the movement of people across bodies of water. The use of ships for carrying passengers is documented in several instances throughout the Scriptures, highlighting their importance in the ancient world.One of the most notable references to passenger ships in the Bible is found in the account of the Apostle Paul's journeys. In the Book of Acts, Paul frequently traveled by ship during his missionary journeys. Acts 27 provides a detailed narrative of one such voyage, where Paul, as a prisoner, was being transported to Rome. The passage describes the ship's journey, the challenges faced, and the eventual shipwreck. "When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment" (Acts 27:1). This account underscores the use of ships for transporting not only goods but also people, including prisoners and travelers. Another significant mention of passenger ships is found in the account of Jonah. Jonah, attempting to flee from God's command, boarded a ship bound for Tarshish. "But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD" (Jonah 1:3). This narrative illustrates the availability of ships for passenger travel and the common practice of paying a fare for passage. The Gospels also provide insight into the use of ships for carrying passengers. Jesus and His disciples frequently traveled by boat across the Sea of Galilee. In Mark 4:35-36, it is recorded, "When that evening came, He said to His disciples, 'Let us cross to the other side.' After they had dismissed the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat, just as He was. And there were other boats with Him" . This passage highlights the use of boats for short-distance travel and the presence of multiple vessels, indicating a common practice of passenger transport on the water. The use of ships for carrying passengers in biblical times reflects the broader historical context of maritime travel in the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean region. Ships were essential for trade, communication, and the spread of ideas, including the message of the Gospel. The biblical accounts of passenger ships provide valuable insights into the daily life and logistical challenges faced by people in the biblical era, as well as the divine interventions and lessons that occurred during these journeys. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jonah 1:3But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 27:2,6 Acts 28:11 Library India as Carey Found It 1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ... Prayers Answered Down the Islands The Memphite Empire Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Sixth vision "On Earth" [Endnotes] The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources Is there any truth to the Bermuda Triangle conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Ugaritic, and what does it have to do with the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Do the news reports of rivers turning blood red have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.org Ships: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ships: (Wrecked) Departure from the Faith Ships: Antiquity of, Among the Jews Ships: Course of Frequently Directed by the Heavenly Bodies Ships: Course of, Through the Midst of the Sea, Wonderful Ships: Employed in Carrying Passengers Ships: Endangered by Quicksands Ships: Generally Impelled by Sails Ships: Generally Made of the Fir Tree Ships: Governed and Directed by the Helm Ships: Guided in Their Course by Pilots Ships: Often the Property of Individuals Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Anchors Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Boats Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Forepart or Foreship Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Hinder Part or Stern Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Hold or Between the Sides Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Mast Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Oars Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Rudder or Helm Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Rudder-Bands Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Sails Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Tackling Ships: Probably Originated from the Ark Made by Noah Ships: Solomon Built a Navy of Ships: Sometimes Made of Bulrushes Ships: Soundings Usually Taken For, in Dangerous Places Ships: The Hinder Part of, Occupied by the Passengers Ships: The Seams of, Were Caulked Ships: Usually Distinguished by Signs or Figure Heads Ships: when Damaged Were Sometimes Undergirded With Cables Ships: Worked by Mariners or Sailors Related Terms |