TRV
Acts 27:16
Bible Versions
And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:
As we passed into the lee of a small island called Cauda, we managed with strenuous effort to get control of the lifeboat.
Passing to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we barely managed to secure the lifeboat.
And running under the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat:
Acts 27:16 describes a critical moment during the Apostle Paul's perilous voyage to Rome as a prisoner. After encountering the ferocious "Euraquilo" storm, the ship's crew found a brief, partial respite by running under the lee of the small island of Clauda (also known as Cauda or Gavdos). This verse highlights the immediate and intense struggle they faced just to secure the ship's small lifeboat, a testament to the storm's severity.
Context
This verse is part of a detailed narrative in Acts 27, which chronicles Paul's journey to Rome. The ship, having departed from Fair Havens in Crete, was caught in a violent northeasterly storm, described in Acts 27:14 as a tempestuous wind called Euroclydon (or Euraquilo). The island of Clauda offered only temporary, partial shelter, allowing the mariners a brief window to attempt vital maintenance. Their desperate efforts to "come by the boat" underscore the life-threatening conditions. The lifeboat, usually towed behind the ship, would have been swamped and could easily be lost or drag the main vessel down, making its retrieval or securing paramount for survival.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "come by the boat" (Greek: peri-kratēs genein tēs skaphēs) literally means "to become master of the skiff" or "to get control of the boat." It refers to the immense difficulty the crew faced in hauling the small boat aboard or securing it so it wouldn't be lost or damaged. This was not a simple task but a strenuous struggle against the powerful waves and wind, highlighting the immediate and practical challenges of survival at sea during such a tempest.
Practical Application
This verse offers powerful insights for believers facing overwhelming "storms" in life. Just as the crew fought desperately to secure their lifeboat—a vital piece of equipment—we are called to exert effort and wisdom in our own trials. We may encounter situations that require immense "work" and perseverance, even when hope seems dim. Yet, the broader context reminds us that even in the most tumultuous circumstances, God's sovereign plan prevails. We are encouraged to lean on faith, knowing that God works all things together for good for those who love Him, even amidst the most challenging personal or global storms. Our "lifeboat" might be our faith, our community, or essential spiritual disciplines that we must cling to and protect.