Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:The term "Pilot" in the context of the Bible does not refer to an individual but rather to the role of a navigator or helmsman, responsible for steering a ship. This role is mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of maritime travel, which was a common mode of transportation in the ancient Mediterranean world.
Biblical References:The concept of a pilot is most notably referenced in the Book of Acts, which details the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. In
Acts 27, Paul is a prisoner being transported to Rome by ship. During this voyage, the ship encounters a severe storm, and the role of the pilot becomes crucial.
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Acts 27:11 : "But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the owner of the ship than by what Paul said." This verse highlights the authority and expertise attributed to the pilot in matters of navigation and maritime decision-making. Despite Paul's warning of impending danger, the centurion chooses to trust the judgment of the pilot and the ship's owner.
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Acts 27:27-29 : "On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea. About midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. They took soundings and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was fifteen fathoms deep. Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight." Although the term "pilot" is not explicitly used here, the actions described are indicative of the pilot's role in ensuring the safety of the ship and its passengers.
Cultural and Historical Context:In the ancient world, pilots were essential for the safe navigation of ships, especially in the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean Sea. They possessed specialized knowledge of sea routes, weather patterns, and coastal landmarks. The pilot's expertise was highly valued, and their decisions could mean the difference between life and death for those on board.
Theological Implications:The role of the pilot in
Acts 27 can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual guidance and leadership. Just as a pilot navigates a ship through stormy seas, spiritual leaders are called to guide their congregations through the challenges of life. The pilot's reliance on experience and knowledge parallels the Christian's reliance on Scripture and the Holy Spirit for direction.
Symbolism and Allegory:The imagery of a pilot steering a ship is used elsewhere in Scripture to illustrate the importance of control and guidance.
James 3:4 states, "Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined." This verse underscores the power of small but significant influences, such as the tongue, in directing the course of one's life.
Conclusion:While the specific term "pilot" is not frequently mentioned in the Bible, the concept is integral to understanding the dynamics of ancient maritime travel and serves as a rich metaphor for leadership and guidance in the Christian faith. The pilot's role in
Acts 27 provides insight into the trust placed in human expertise while also highlighting the ultimate sovereignty of God in guiding the course of events.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) One employed to steer a vessel; a helmsman; a steersman.
2. (n.) Specifically, a person duly qualified, and licensed by authority, to conduct vessels into and out of a port, or in certain waters, for a fixed rate of fees.
3. (n.) Figuratively: A guide; a director of another through a difficult or unknown course.
4. (n.) An instrument for detecting the compass error.
5. (n.) The cowcatcher of a locomotive.
6. (v. t.) To direct the course of, as of a ship, where navigation is dangerous.
7. (v. t.) Figuratively: To guide, as through dangers or difficulties.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PILOTpi'-lot.
SeeSHIPS AND BOATS.
Greek
2942. kubernetes -- a steersman,pilot... a steersman,
pilot. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kubernetes
Phonetic Spelling: (koo-ber-nay'-tace) Short Definition: a steersman,
pilot...2116. euthuno -- to make straight
... delay. See 2117 (). Word Origin from euthus Definition to make straight NASB
Word Usage make straight (1),pilot (1). make straight....
2941. kubernesis -- steering, government, administration
... (2941 only occurs in 1 Cor 12:28.). 2941 ("a helmsman who steers") refers to apilot
(a captain, as in Plato) -- a who guides, administrates, etc. ()....
Strong's Hebrew
2259. chobel -- sailor...pilot, shipmaster. Active participle from chabal (in the sense of handling ropes);
a sailor --
pilot, shipmaster. see HEBREW chabal. 2258, 2259. chobel. 2260
...Library
Pilot.
... 341Pilot. 7s. Savior,Pilot Me. Jesus, Savior,pilot me, Over life's
tempestuous sea; Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock...
Arria and Her Brother were Far from the Shores of Hellas and Near...
... With a Jew for apilot we should make a landing in Hades.".... Have no fear.". Now,
the young Roman had begun to suspect thepilot of some evil plan....
Faith in the Sacred Scriptures.
... It is tossing upon the waves and needs apilot.... Altho this Captain pilots souls
safely across very deep waters, He does notpilot all souls....
"Let the Lower Lights be Burning. "
... One wild, stormy night, a steamer was trying to make her way into the harbor.
The Captain andpilot were anxiously watching for the lights....
The Signs
... As it stood near one of the islands, suddenly there came from the shore a voice,
loud and clear, calling Thamus, thepilot, an Egyptian, by his name....
When Appius Told his Mother and his Sister what Augustus had Said...
... The sun had set and the sea lay calm in a purple dusk. He went aboard his trireme
at once and called hispilot to him.... "And you know herpilot?"....
Warning.
... you.". Apilot guiding a steamer down the Cumberland saw a light, apparently
from a small craft, in the middle of the narrow channel....
Incidents of the Voyage.
... Let the bishop, as the mate, wakefully ponder the words of thepilot alone.
Let Christ, even the Saviour, be loved as thepilot, and...
The Invisible God Perceived through his Works.
... in like manner, as any person, when he sees a ship on the sea rigged and in sail,
and making for the harbour, will no doubt infer that there is apilot in her...
Death or Deep Water.
... George's Channel, headed for Liverpool. When thepilot was taken on board,
he cried abruptly to the captain, "What do you mean?...
Thesaurus
Pilot (2 Occurrences)... difficulties. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
PILOT. pi'-lot. See SHIPS AND
BOATS. Multi-Version Concordance
Pilot (2 Occurrences). Acts
...Branch (60 Occurrences)
... a family. 6. (n.) A warrant or commission given to apilot, authorizing
him topilot vessels in certain waters. 7. (a.) Diverging...
Noah (55 Occurrences)
... represent it as six stories high, with the length, width, and depth, each as 140
cubits (262 ft.), and having a mast on top of all, and apilot to guide the...
Ark (212 Occurrences)
... represent it as six stories high, with the length, width, and depth, each as 140
cubits (262 ft.), and having a mast on top of all, and apilot to guide the...
Deluge (17 Occurrences)
... Upon the third trial they returned no more, whereupon they disembarked and Xisuthrus
with his wife, daughter andpilot offered sacrifice to the gods and were...
Knob (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A knoblike ornament or handle; as, the knob of a lock, door, or drawer.
3. (n.) A rounded hill or mountain; as, thePilot Knob. 4. (n.) See Knop....
Julius (5 Occurrences)
... her. (WEY). Acts 27:11 But Julius let himself be persuaded by thepilot and
by the owner rather than by Paul's arguments; (WEY). Acts...
Governor (78 Occurrences)
... Pennsylvania. 2. (n.) One who has the care or guardianship of a young man;
a tutor; a guardian. 3. (n.) Apilot; a steersman. 4. (n...
Guided (86 Occurrences)
... James 3:4 Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce
winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever thepilot desires....
Guide (89 Occurrences)
... and shoulder. 2. (vt) To lead or direct in a way; to conduct in a course
or path; topilot; as, to guide a traveler. 3. (vt) To...
Resources
Faith vs. belief'what is the difference? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the New Atheism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened between Paul's third and fourth missionary journeys? | GotQuestions.orgPilot: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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