Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, winter was a season that posed significant challenges for travel and navigation, particularly by sea. The harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and turbulent seas, made maritime journeys perilous. This understanding is reflected in several biblical passages that highlight the dangers associated with winter navigation.One of the most illustrative accounts is found in the Book of Acts, where the Apostle Paul experiences the perils of winter sea travel. In Acts 27:9-10 , Paul warns the crew of the ship he is aboard, saying, "Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be filled with disaster and great loss, not only to the cargo and ship, but also to our own lives." This warning comes as they are sailing after the Day of Atonement, indicating that it was late in the year and approaching winter, a time known for treacherous conditions. The ancient Mediterranean world recognized the period from mid-September to mid-November as a dangerous time for sailing, with the months from mid-November to mid-March being particularly hazardous and generally avoided for navigation. This seasonal understanding is evident in Acts 27:12 , where the crew decides to winter in the harbor of Phoenix, Crete, rather than risk continuing their journey. The reluctance to navigate during winter is also seen in the Old Testament. In the Song of Solomon 2:11 , the change of seasons is noted: "For now the winter is past; the rain is over and gone." This passage, while poetic, reflects the broader understanding of winter as a time of dormancy and inactivity, including in travel. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul, in his letters, makes reference to the difficulties of travel during winter. In 2 Timothy 4:21 , he urges Timothy, "Do your best to come to me before winter." This request underscores the urgency to travel before the onset of winter, when journeys would become significantly more difficult. The biblical narrative consistently portrays winter as a time when navigation, especially by sea, was fraught with danger. The seasonal weather patterns, characterized by storms and unpredictable seas, made it a period when travel was minimized, and people sought shelter and safety until more favorable conditions returned. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 27:9Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On the Words, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all Things visible ... Resources Is the phoenix mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jesus actually born in September? | GotQuestions.org What is the Feast of Dedication? | GotQuestions.org Winter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Winter: Annual Return of, Will Never Cease Winter: Coldness and Inclemency of, Noticed Winter: Illustrative of Seasons of Spiritual Adversity Winter: Paul Remains for One, at Nicopolis Winter: Plowing In, in Canaan, (Margin) Winter: Rainy Season In, in Canaan Winter: Shipping Suspended In, on the Mediterranean Sea Winter: Ships Were Laid up in Port During Winter: Summer and Winter Houses Winter: The Jews Frequently had Special Houses For Winter: Unsuited For: Navigation Winter: Unsuited For: Travelling Winter: Yearly Return of, Secured by Covenant Related Terms |
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