 |  |
cut away, the ropes falling into the sea (not, as the A.V., "committed themselves unto the
sea"), and the paddle rudders which had been lashed out of the way of the anchors were
loosed, and they made for the shore. Again the influence of the Apostle was exerted and
the lives of the prisoners spared, and at length the whole company, on spars and pieces of
wreckage, escaped safely through (diasothenai) to land.
Before closing this article, we present the remainder of the evidence gathered by
Conybeare and Howson for the belief that the island called "Melita" is the modern
"Malta".
(1)
The presence of breakers, yet without striking the land.
(2)
The direction and distance of the drifting vessel (already indicated).
(3)
The soundings, 20 fathoms, then 15 fathoms.
(4)
The presence, on a rocky coast, of a sandy beach.
(5)
The opening, "a place between two seas".
(6)
The fact that the anchors held all night.
Every one of these items find substantiation in the features of the eastern boundary of
what to-day is called St. Paul's Bay, Malta. Even as to the character of the anchorage,
the comment on St. Paul's Bay in "The English Sailing Directions" is, "While the cables
hold, there is no danger, as the anchors will never start.
Here for the moment we must leave our study. Should the reader desire to pursue
further the geographical and nautical arguments that demonstrate the accuracy of Luke's
narrative, here but touched upon, he is referred to the authorities cited in the opening
paragraph.
#53.
From Jerusalem to Rome (22: 1 - 28: 22).
From Melita to Rome (28: 1 - 22).
pp. 169 - 175
Before leaving the twenty-seventh chapter of the Acts, we draw attention to the
spiritual element that alternates with the narrative of the voyage. The journey from
Caesarea to Rome occupies chapter 27: to 28: 16, and divides into two sections.
A1 | 27: 1-44. CAESAREA TO MELITA.
A2 | 28: 1-22. MELITA TO ROME.
The sub-division of 27: 1 - 44 is as follows:
A |
1. Centurion, Paul and Prisoners.
B
| 2-5. The Coasting Ship. Sidon to Myra.
B
| 6-41. The Grain Ship. Myra to Malta.
A |
42-44. Centurion, Paul and Prisoners.