Topical Bible: Winter: Ships Were Laid up in Port During

◄ Winter: Ships Were Laid up in Port During ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Mediterranean world, winter was a season that significantly impacted travel and commerce, particularly in maritime activities. The Bible provides insights into the practices and challenges faced during this time, especially concerning sea voyages.

Biblical Context

The Apostle Paul's experiences during his missionary journeys offer a vivid depiction of the perils associated with winter sea travel. In Acts 27, Paul is a prisoner being transported to Rome when he encounters a severe storm. The narrative highlights the dangers of sailing during this season. Acts 27:9-10 states, "By now much time had passed, and the voyage had already become dangerous because it was after the Fast. So Paul advised them, 'Men, I can see that our voyage is going to end in disaster and great loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also of our lives.'"

The "Fast" mentioned refers to the Day of Atonement, which typically falls in late September or early October, marking the onset of the dangerous sailing season. The Mediterranean Sea was notorious for its treacherous conditions during the winter months, from mid-November to mid-March, when storms were frequent and severe.

Cultural and Historical Practices

In the ancient world, it was customary for ships to be laid up in port during the winter months. This practice was not only a precautionary measure but also a necessity due to the limitations of ancient shipbuilding technology and navigation techniques. Ships of that era were not equipped to handle the violent winter storms, and the lack of reliable navigation tools made it perilous to venture into open waters.

The decision to winter in a safe harbor is further illustrated in Acts 27:12 , where it is noted, "Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to sail on, hoping somehow to reach Phoenix, a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, to winter there." This passage underscores the importance of finding a suitable location to wait out the winter months, as the safety of the crew and cargo depended on it.

Theological Implications

The biblical accounts of winter and maritime activities serve as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced by believers. Just as sailors sought safe harbor to endure the harsh winter, Christians are encouraged to seek refuge in their faith during times of spiritual and personal storms. The Apostle Paul's steadfastness and reliance on God's guidance during his perilous journey to Rome exemplify the trust and perseverance that believers are called to exhibit.

Furthermore, the seasonal cessation of maritime activities during winter can be seen as a time for rest and reflection, aligning with the biblical principle of Sabbath rest. It serves as a reminder of the natural rhythms established by God and the importance of aligning human activities with these divine patterns.

Conclusion

The biblical references to winter and the practice of laying up ships in port during this season provide valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the ancient world. They also offer rich theological lessons on faith, perseverance, and the importance of seeking refuge in God during life's storms.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 27:12
And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart there also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lies toward the south west and north west.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 28:11
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning the Famine that Happened in Judea and Syria; and How ...
... not be hurt by the dangers of winter, since they ... sufficient for a haven, wherein
the great ships might lie ... and the filth of the citizens were together carried ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the famine.htm

Acts XXVIII
... do the names painted upon ships and steamboats ... Whether he spent the whole winter
in Nicopolis ... been entrusted, the conditions specified were completely fulfilled ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxviii.htm

The Ecstasy of Saint Monnica
... They stayed through the winter at Cassicium. ... People were in no hurry to undergo the
tortures of it ... The Government stores-ships landed the African oil and corn ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the ecstasy of saint.htm

(And Last): Homeward Bound
... steering, out of the summer into the winter once more ... as old sailors would say"the
ships had no ... Beyond them were arsenals, docks, fortifications, of which of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xvii and last homeward.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... the weapons which they had reluctantly laid down. ... and the uncommon severity of the
winter, allowed the ... reft from Rome, and the Roman ships were destroyed in ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... which permitted them to draw their ships to land.*. ... had he scaled the heights when
winter fell upon ... materials without stint,"precious woods were procured from ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ...
... sufficient money to place himself this winter at Oberlin ... to our ironclads, and more
ships have been ... after breakfast In this, however, we were disappointed, as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vi 1875-1877 mrs ways.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... their banks and factories; their ships"Cyprus, its ... Bands of Shausu were accustomed
to make this route ... and becomes swollen only during the winter rains with ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Faith of Little Children.
... such as flax-seed, and slippery elm, etc., but all were of no ... "One evening in
mid-winter, the poor ... on the sea-shore, looking very intently as the ships came in ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the faith of little children.htm

Monos
... During the last three years ships with over 300 emigrants ... to climb up the
Matapalo-root ladder, we were stopped by ... as a charming addition to the winter hothouse ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm