Apostle Paul’s voyage and shipwreck across time

Thirty years after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul was a prisoner under Centurion Julius’s command. They were on a journey to Rome on an Alexandrian grain ship. Accompanying Paul on this voyage was St Luke, the author of the Acts of the Apostles and of one of the four gospels.

Luke’s first-hand account of the voyage and shipwreck on Maltese shores in chapter 27 of the Acts of the Apostles is considered by many scholars as the best contemporary writing, describing the difficulties faced by ancient seafarers − difficulties which were encountered by other sea captains throughout the ages, even if their ships were better equipped and modern in comparison with those of two millennia ago.

Naval tactics

One of England’s greatest naval heroes, Lord Horatio Nelson, employed the same skills in his battles as did the captain of the ancient Egyptian grain ship carrying Paul westward towards Rome.

Seventeen centuries later and in more seaworthy ships, Nelson used at least three tactics clearly described by Luke during the tempestuous sea voyage.

The first tactic is seen in the Battle of Copenhagen, where Nelson sailed his ships into the narrow and shallow...