Definition: And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed [themselves] unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Acts 27:40. It’s a really beautiful and significant moment in the early church’s history! Here’s what it means, explained simply: Basically, they were about to face a serious challenge – a huge storm – but they acted with incredible bravery and faith. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “When they had taken up the anchors…” : They were securing the ship (the church’s mission) against waves. Anchors are like safety lines that hold things down in rough seas. “…they committed [them] unto the sea…” : This is a bit metaphorical, but it means they made a conscious decision to face this challenge – to risk everything. It wasn't just a casual decision; they were fully accepting the possibility of trouble. “Loosed the rudder bands…” : They loosened the ropes and controls on their ship (the church). This is like releasing tension and preparing for action. “…hoised up the mainsail to the wind…” : They hoisted up the sail – a large, flat piece of fabric that catches the wind. The sails are what allow ships to move forward. They were setting it up to catch the wind! “And made toward shore.” : This is the crucial part. They started moving towards their destination (the city of Philippi) with purpose and determination. So, what's the big takeaway? This verse shows that even when facing overwhelming difficulties, God’s people can be incredibly resilient and purposeful. They weren’t just passively waiting for things to get worse; they actively took action to overcome the challenge. It highlights the power of faith and courage in the face of adversity. It's a story about trust in God's plan, even when it seems impossible. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about what was happening at the time?