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JULY 27
permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the
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shelter of Crete off Salmone. Passing it with
difficulty, we came to a place called Fair
Havens, near the city of Lasea. 27:17 used cables to undergird the ship. A
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Now when much time had been spent, and procedure known as frapping. The cables,
sailing was now dangerous because the Fast wrapped around the hull and winched tight,
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was already over, Paul advised them, saying, helped the ship endure the battering of the
“Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with wind and waves. Syrtis. A region of sandbars
disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and shoals off the coast of Africa,much feared
and ship, but also our lives.” Nevertheless as a graveyard of ships.struck sail.This phrase
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the centurion was more persuaded by the could best be translated “let down the sea
helmsman and the owner of the ship than by anchor.” The sailors undoubtedly did both,
the things spoken by Paul. And because the since putting out an anchor with the sails up
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harbor was not suitable to winter in, the major- would be self-defeating.
ity advised to set sail from there also, if by any
means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of
Crete opening toward the southwest and the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were
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northwest, and winter there. driven. And because we were exceedingly
tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened
the ship. On the third day we threw the ship’s
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tackle overboard with our own hands. Now
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when neither sun nor stars appeared for many
27:10 end with disaster. Because of the late- days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope
ness of the season and the difficulties they had that we would be saved was finally given up.
already experienced, Paul wisely counseled
21 But after long abstinence from food, then
them to spend the winter at Fair Havens.
Paul stood in the midst of them and said,
“Men, you should have listened to me, and not
have sailed from Crete and incurred this di-
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13 saster and loss. And now I urge you to take
When the south wind blew softly, suppos-
ing that they had obtained their desire, putting heart, for there will be no loss of life among
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out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. But not you, but only of the ship. For there stood by
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long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, me this night an angel of the God to whom I
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called Euroclydon. So when the ship was belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be
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caught, and could not head into the wind, we afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Cae-
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let her drive. And running under the shelter of sar; and indeed God has granted you all those
an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff who sail with you.’ Therefore take heart,
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with difficulty. When they had taken it on men, for I believe God that it will be just as it
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board, they used cables to undergird the ship; was told me. However, we must run aground
and fearing lest they should run aground on on a certain island.”
DAY 27:What parts of the Old Testament and what people were active
in the events surrounding the return of the Jews from exile?
Five historical books (1 and 2 Chr., Ezra, Neh., and Esth.) come from or cover events after the
exile. Three prophetic books (Hag., Zech., and Mal.) come from the same period. The term “post-
exilic”is often used to describe these books and people.
First and Second Chronicles provide a summary of history viewed from the final days of the
exile. Ezra and Nehemiah journal the thrilling and trying days of the return to Judah and the
rebuilding of the nation. Haggai and Zechariah were prophets active during the time recorded in
Ezra 4–6 when the temple was under reconstruction. Malachi wrote and prophesied during
Nehemiah’s revisit to Persia (Neh. 13:6).
Although part of the purpose of these books confirms God’s continued covenant with the
house of David and the unbroken kingly line, the emphasis shifts from royalty to other servants of
God. A scribe, a cupbearer, and prophets become God’s central agents. Even Esther, although a
queen, had to rely on God rather than her position and power to accomplish God’s role for her in
preserving the Jews in Persia.
All of this sets the stage for the mixed expectations that surrounded the birth of Jesus,the ful-
fillment of God’s covenant with David, God’s personal involvement in the history of salvation.
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