Definition: And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained [their] purpose, loosing [thence], they sailed close by Crete.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Acts 27:13. It’s a really important passage about how Paul is leading the church back to their mission and direction! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Situation: “When the south wind blew softly…” – This describes a situation where things seemed to be going well for the Christians. It was like a gentle breeze, suggesting peace and maybe even a bit of complacency. “…supposing that they had obtained [their] purpose.” - This is the key part. They thought they'd reached their goal – their mission or plan. They were confident they’d accomplished something significant. What Happened Next: “Loosing [thence], they sailed close by Crete.” – This is where it gets interesting! “Loosing” means to release or stop. So, the wind was stopping their progress. They were trying to get closer to their destination but something unexpected happened – a storm (the wind) intervened. They then sailed right by Crete. The Overall Meaning: Paul is essentially saying that despite their initial optimism and believing they’d reached their goal, things went wrong. They got temporarily stalled by an unexpected event - a storm! This emphasizes the importance of: Staying focused on God's plan: Paul isn’t dwelling on what they thought they had achieved. Instead, he’s reminding them to remain steadfast and continue with what’s important – following God’s will. Flexibility & Perseverance: It shows that even when things don’t go as planned, it's crucial to keep going and trust in God's guidance. In short, it’s a story about a moment of doubt and a reminder to stay true to the mission God has given them. Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this explanation or perhaps give you another verse?