On the third dayThe mention of "the third day" is significant in biblical narratives, often symbolizing a period of trial followed by deliverance or revelation. In the context of
Acts 27, it marks a critical point in the storm at sea, emphasizing the severity and duration of the crisis. Biblically, the third day is associated with resurrection and new beginnings, as seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ (
Luke 24:7) and Jonah's deliverance from the fish (
Jonah 1:17). This timing underscores the desperation and urgency faced by those on the ship.
they threw the ship’s tackle overboard
The act of throwing the ship's tackle overboard indicates the extreme measures taken to lighten the ship during the storm. The tackle included essential equipment for sailing, such as ropes, pulleys, and other gear necessary for navigation and control. This decision reflects the dire situation and the crew's willingness to sacrifice vital resources in hopes of survival. It also highlights the futility of human efforts in the face of overwhelming natural forces, a theme echoed in other biblical accounts of divine intervention during storms (Mark 4:37-41).
with their own hands
The phrase "with their own hands" emphasizes the personal involvement and labor of those on board, including the sailors and possibly the passengers. This detail suggests a collective effort and shared responsibility in the crisis, regardless of rank or status. It also illustrates the humility and vulnerability of humanity when confronted with forces beyond their control. In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a metaphor for the need for personal repentance and reliance on God's providence, as human strength alone is insufficient for salvation (Psalm 127:1).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul- The Apostle Paul, a central figure in the New Testament, is on his way to Rome as a prisoner. His journey is marked by divine interventions and teachings.
2.
The Ship's Crew- The sailors and those responsible for navigating the ship, who are taking drastic measures to save the vessel during a severe storm.
3.
The Storm- A violent storm, often referred to as a "Northeaster," that threatens the ship and its passengers, symbolizing trials and tribulations.
4.
The Ship- The vessel carrying Paul and others to Rome, representing the journey of faith and the church's mission amidst adversity.
5.
The Sea- The Mediterranean Sea, a setting for many biblical accounts, symbolizing chaos and the unknown.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's SovereigntyIn times of crisis, we must trust in God's control over our circumstances, just as Paul did during the storm.
Letting Go of Earthly AttachmentsThe act of throwing the ship's tackle overboard symbolizes the need to let go of material possessions and trust in God's provision.
Community in CrisisThe crew's collective action highlights the importance of working together and supporting one another during difficult times.
Faith Amidst FearLike the sailors, we often face fear in life's storms, but faith calls us to act with courage and reliance on God.
Divine Purpose in TrialsGod can use our trials to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Paul's journey to Rome, which ultimately leads to the spread of the Gospel.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Acts 27
What constitutes the heart of the earth?
Are you destroying the work of God?
What is the core message of the Everlasting Gospel?
What are the Bible's teachings on disrespect?(19)
We cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.--The better MSS. give the third person plural, and not the first. If we accept the Received text, the fact that the passengers as well as the crew were pressed into the service indicates the urgency of the peril; but even with the other reading, the words describe the prompt spontaneous action caused by a strong sense of danger. The Greek word for "tackling" (better, perhaps,
furniture) is wider in its range than the English, and includes the beds and personal luggage and movables of all kinds. Even these the sailors were ready to sacrifice for the chance of safety.
Verse 19. - They for
we, A.V. and T.R.;
their for
our, A.V.
The third day after leaving Clanda. The leak doubtless con-tinned, and there was more water in the ship.
With their (or,
our)
own hands;
αὐτόχειρες, only here in the Bible, but frequent in classical Greek. The word seems to mark that the sacrifice was very great, implying a very pressing danger.
The tackling (
τὴν σκευήν). There is great difference of opinion as to what the
σκευή means here. Smith thinks the main spar is meant, "the huge mainyard," and Farrar adopts his view, which he thinks is strengthened by the use of the aorist
ἐρρίψαμεν (for he adopts the T.R.), implying one single act, and showing, by the use of the first person, that it was the act of the whole crew united. Alford thinks that it means all the furniture, beds, and movables of all kinds, and
so Wordsworth and Meyer. Wetstein explains it of the passengers' baggage. Howson thinks it unlikely they would have thrown away a great spar which would have supported twenty or thirty men in the water in the event of the ship foundering. Schleusner renders it "apparatus quo navis erat instructa."
Σκευή is not used elsewhere in the New Testament, and it is difficult to speak decisively. But the addition of
τοῦ πλοίου, and the general use of
σκευή in classical Greek favors the interpretation "the ship's furniture" ("meubles et ustensiles," Renan).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
On theτῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.third [day],τρίτῃ(tritē)Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5154:Third. Ordinal from treis; third; neuter a third part, or a third time, thirdly.they threwἔρριψαν(erripsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4496:A primary verb; to fling (see in ekteino), which indicates an extended projection); by qualification, to deposit; by extension, to disperse.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.ship’sπλοίου(ploiou)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4143:A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel.tackle {overboard}σκευὴν(skeuēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4631:Tackle, fittings, equipment. From skeuos; furniture, i.e. Spare tackle.with [their] own hands.αὐτόχειρες(autocheires)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 849:With one's own hand. From autos and cheir; self-handed, i.e. Doing personally.
Links
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NT Apostles: Acts 27:19 On the third day they threw out (Acts of the Apostles Ac) 
