Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Purpose:Sails are large pieces of fabric used to harness the power of the wind to propel a ship or boat across water. In ancient times, sails were typically made from materials such as linen or wool, and they played a crucial role in maritime travel and trade.
Biblical References:The Bible, while not extensively detailing the construction or use of sails, does make several references to them, particularly in the context of seafaring and trade. One notable mention is found in the book of Acts, which describes the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. In
Acts 27:40 , it is noted, "So they cut away the anchors and left them in the sea, at the same time untying the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach." This passage highlights the use of sails in navigating and steering a ship.
Historical Context:In the ancient Near East, the use of sails was integral to the expansion of trade and cultural exchange. The Phoenicians, known for their seafaring prowess, utilized sails extensively, which allowed them to establish trade routes across the Mediterranean. The Israelites, though primarily a land-based people, would have been familiar with the concept of sailing through their interactions with neighboring maritime cultures.
Symbolism and Metaphor:Sails can also be seen as a metaphor for divine guidance and providence. Just as a sail catches the wind to direct a ship, believers are encouraged to be receptive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This metaphor is not explicitly stated in the Bible but can be inferred from the broader biblical theme of reliance on God's direction.
Cultural Significance:In biblical times, the ability to sail represented not only technological advancement but also the potential for exploration and the spread of ideas. The use of sails enabled the dissemination of goods, culture, and even religious beliefs across vast distances. This aspect of ancient life underscores the interconnectedness of different peoples and the role of maritime travel in the unfolding of biblical history.
Theological Implications:The presence of sails in biblical narratives, such as Paul's missionary journeys, underscores the theme of mission and evangelism. The spread of the Gospel message across the Roman Empire was facilitated by maritime travel, with sails playing a practical role in this divine mission. The use of ships and sails in the New Testament serves as a reminder of the early Church's commitment to spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ to all nations.
Conclusion:While the Bible does not provide detailed descriptions of sails, their mention in the context of seafaring highlights their importance in the ancient world. Sails symbolize the movement and spread of God's word, reflecting the dynamic nature of the early Christian mission.
Library
Steam andSails
... STEAM ANDSAILS. All the vessels on the oceans can be divided into two classes:
steamships and sailing vessels. The sailing vessels...
Sails for Penzance
... Wesley Collects Money for the Poor; Visits the House of Lords; His Reasons for his
Long Life; "How is the Tide Turned;" Last EntriesSails for Penzance....
WesleySails for America
... Chapter 1. Wesley as a Missionary to Georgia WesleySails for America.
1735. Tuesday, October 14."Mr. Benjamin Ingham, of Queen...
IgnatiusSails to Smyrna.
... The Martyrdom of Ignatius Chapter III."Ignatiussails to Smyrna. Wherefore,
with great alacrity and joy, through his desire to...
Introduction.
... INTRODUCTION. Out upon the sea of human lifesails many a bark. But, alas!
how few are sailing tranquil waters. Ascend with me to...
The Way the Sail is Set.
... But one way blows the wind. An old sea-captain made reply (His locks with salt-spray
wet): "'Tis not the wind decides the course; 'Tis way thesails are set."....
February 5. "Rest in the Lord" (Ps. xxxvii. ).
... But why "labor to enter into rest"? See that ship"how restfully shesails over the
waters, hersails swelling with the gale; and borne without an effort!...
Distinction Between Exterior and Interior Actions --Those of the...
... He is contented with spreading thesails and sitting at the helm. Spreading the
sails is simply laying ourselves before God, to be moved by His Spirit....
That we Ought to Acknowledge all the Love we Bear to God to be...
... Our free-will can stay and hinder the course of the inspiration and when the favourable
gale of God's grace swells thesails of our soul it is in our power to...
Of Internal Acts
... How is the pilot now employed? He is content with spreading thesails and
holding the rudder. To spread thesails is to lay one's...
Thesaurus
Sails (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Sails (4 Occurrences). Acts 27:17 And having got
it up, they put cords under and round the ship; but fearing
...Fill (126 Occurrences)
... 7. (v.) To press and dilate, as a sail; as, the wind filled thesails. 8. (v.) To
trim (a yard) so that the wind shall blow on the after side of thesails....
Sail (32 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) To be impelled or driven forward by the action of wind uponsails, as a
ship on water; to be impelled on a body of water by the action of steam or...
Rigging (2 Occurrences)
... Dress; tackle; especially (Naut.), the ropes, chains, etc., that support the masts
and spars of a vessel, and serve as purchases for adjusting thesails, etc....
Sailors (9 Occurrences)
Cords (80 Occurrences)
... 27:17 And having got it up, they put cords under and round the ship; but fearing
that they might be pushed on to the Syrtis, they let down thesails and so...
Navigation (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The management ofsails, rudder, etc.; the mechanics of traveling by water;
seamanship. 4. (n.) Ships in general. Multi-Version Concordance...
Lime (4 Occurrences)
... 8. (vt) To treat with lime, or oxide or hydrate of calcium; to manure with lime;
as, to lime hides for removing the hair; to limesails in order to whiten them...
Galley (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A vessel propelled by oars, whether having
masts andsails or not. 2. (n.) A large vessel for war...
Whip (7 Occurrences)
... 16. (n.) A coachman; a driver of a carriage; as, a good whip. 17. (n.) One of the
arms or frames of a windmill, on which thesails are spread. 18....
Resources
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