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Read Acts 27:14. To which type of wind is Luke referring, and how does it play a role in this story?
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The Apostle Paul refers to the wind as Euroclydon. The root word in the Greek “Εὐροκλύδων” (Euroclydon) is eurus and it means that the storm was broad and wide. Euroclydon, a tempestuous wind occurring on the Mediterranean (Acts 27:14). It blows from all points and its danger results from the violence and uncertainty of its course. The storm was so fierce that it destroyed the ship, but the Lord protected each person’s life. It also demonstrates that God gives His servants revelation knowledge, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.
23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Acts 27:21-25 -
strong
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Luke is talking about a frontal wind, perhaps a medicane (small hurricane on the Mediterrenean Sea), which ends the season of commercial shipping during the winter months. The wind caused the ship carrying Paul, Luke, the Roman soldiers, merchants and other prisoners to be shipwrecked on their journey to Rome.
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This was likely a winter frontal wind, an especially strong wind that became a Medicane, another word for a hurricane that occurs on the Mediterranean Sea. This story occurred as the winter season was beginning, and although Paul had advised them to wait until spring to transport the grain, they didn’t listen. Paul was able to use the situation to proclaim his faith by telling them that the God he served would save them, although the ship would be destroyed.
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It was a frontal wind and shuts things down on the Mediterranean, so the shipwreck is not a surprise.
