It began as such a peaceful day. On June 22, 1998 we sailed for Patmos, the famous island from which John wrote the Book of Revelation. Our small boat carried a crew of three and a group of 18 cheerful tourists. Patmos is some 50 or 60 miles off of the coast of Turkey and is about a five-hour trip in good weather. Early on, as our little vessel bobbed up and down in the heavy seas, Dr. Robert Horner, a surgeon and avid sailor picked up a life preserver and quipped, "It's going to be a long day." At the time I didn't realize I was sitting next to a prophet.
The trip to Patmos was bad, but we were warned that the return trip would be worse as the afternoon winds picked up. Following a whirlwind tour of the island's historic sites and a lunch of sodas, candy bars, cheese pies and chocolate croissants (bought on the run from a local bakery) we headed back out to sea--- just a little group of happy tourists on our way back to the mainland. As our boat left the harbor, the wind whipped up snow-white crests on the ink blue sea. The beauty was breathtaking.
The sun was bright, the sky was blue, the winds began to howl and the sea got rough. Waves turned into shiny liquid mountains with frothy crowns of pure white. An hour into the return voyage the captain considered turning back or taking refuge next to a nearby island. Most of the happy tourists were now below decks and seasick. Lunch was being tossed into the sea in small plastic barf bags. It got so bad that even one of the crew became sick! However, three of us decided to ride out the trip up on deck where there would be fresh air and where we could watch the horizon and avoid seasickness.
The captain continued to look worried as the craft rocked and rolled through the pounding waves. Our little boat would run up the waves and then thud into the valley on the other side causing a spray to flood over the vessel just like in the movies. Exciting! Then---during a short lull, I decided to make a dash to the cabin for my camera. Such an epic voyage had to be documented with pictures! However, just as I reached the cabin door an unseen wave slammed against the boat and I, sprawling on the deck, went sliding toward the open water. The ship's rail saved me as I ended up with one foot dangling in the sea (it sounds worse than it really was). After recovering from that little episode (and comforting a screaming lady who thought I was a dead man), I got my camera, wrapped it in a plastic bag to protect it from the salt spray, firmly planted myself behind the wheelhouse--- and stayed put. We all rode out the rest of the trip without further incident.
So, because of little character building experiences like this, I'm able to more clearly understand what happened to the Apostle Paul in Acts 27 when he gets on a ship headed for Rome. Next week I'll share some insights about what I imagine it must have been like for Paul and why the Bible account of his trip rings true to life.

Blessings in your study of God's Word!

Marvin Hunt

There is never a charge for my articles, and if you have a good reason, there is no limit to how many you may request. However, if you find them valuable you may want to order my latest book, History, Mystery and Facts About the Bible. Order at 1-800-845-7618 (ext. 301). You may also order from Amazon.com. Proceeds from the book go to support this ministry.

Blessings!
Marvin Hunt

Http://www.biblehistory.com

p.s. A new column is posted weekly. Be sure and bookmark the site or put it on your favorites list.