Coasting, in the context of biblical geography and travel, refers to the practice of sailing along the coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea, which was a common method of navigation in ancient times. This method allowed sailors to stay within sight of land, providing them with a reference point for navigation and access to ports for trade, supplies, and shelter from storms.

Biblical Context

The practice of coasting is evident in several passages of the New Testament, particularly in the accounts of the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys. The Mediterranean Sea was a major route for travel and commerce during the time of the early church, and coasting was a practical way to traverse this vast body of water.

Paul's Journeys

In Acts 27, we find a detailed account of Paul's voyage to Rome as a prisoner. The journey involved coasting along the shores of Asia Minor and Crete. Acts 27:5-7 states, "After sailing across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board. Sailing slowly for many days, we arrived with difficulty off Cnidus. Then as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone."

This passage highlights the challenges faced by ancient mariners, such as adverse winds and the need to find shelter along the coast. The decision to sail under the lee of Crete indicates the use of the island's geography to protect the ship from strong winds.

Geographical Significance

The practice of coasting was not only a navigational strategy but also a means of connecting various regions and cultures. The coastal cities mentioned in the Bible, such as Myra, Cnidus, and Crete, were significant hubs of trade and interaction between different peoples. These cities provided essential resources and opportunities for the spread of the Gospel, as missionaries like Paul could reach diverse populations.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Coasting along the Mediterranean also reflects the broader historical and cultural context of the Roman Empire, which facilitated travel and communication across its vast territories. The Roman roads and sea routes enabled the rapid spread of Christianity, as apostles and early Christians could travel relatively efficiently compared to previous eras.

Spiritual Implications

From a spiritual perspective, the accounts of coasting in the Bible can be seen as metaphors for the Christian journey. Just as sailors relied on the coast for guidance and safety, believers are encouraged to stay close to the teachings of Scripture and the fellowship of the church. The challenges faced during Paul's voyages serve as reminders of the trials and tribulations that Christians may encounter, yet also of God's providence and guidance through life's storms.

In summary, coasting in the biblical narrative is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of ancient travelers, the interconnectedness of the ancient world, and the divine orchestration of events that facilitated the spread of the Gospel.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Coast.

2. (a.) Sailing along or near a coast, or running between ports along a coast.

3. (n.) A sailing along a coast, or from port to port; a carrying on a coasting trade.

4. (n.) Sliding down hill; sliding on a sled upon snow or ice.

Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution
... With her commerce and coasting trade almost destroyed, she found herself, during
the period preceding the adoption of the national Constitution and the ...
/.../chapter xii connecticut at the.htm

The High Woods
... On our right, hot mists wandered over the water, blotting out the horizon, till
the coasting craft, with distorted sails and masts, seemed afloat in smoke. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vii the high woods.htm

Acts XXI
... Acts XXI. XXI: 1-3. The vessel proceeded by a coasting voyage along the southern
shore of Asia Minor. (1) "And it came to pass, when ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxi.htm

To the Rev. G. Browne
... REVD. AND DEAR SIR AND EXCELLENT FRIEND,"I arrived at Cadiz this morning by a small
coasting-vessel, after undergoing a quarantine of four days at Tarifa. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev g browne 3.htm

Paul's Shipwreck
... Then as the wind was against us we sailed under the lee of Crete, opposite Cape
Salmone, and after coasting along with great difficulty came to a place called ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/pauls shipwreck.htm

Acts XXVII
... many days, we reached Cnidus with difficulty, the wind not favoring us, and sailed
under the lee of Crete, over against Salmone; (8) and coasting along it with ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm

A Peasant's Son
... The boat in which Vincent was sailing was coasting along the Gulf of Lyons when
the sailors became aware that they were being pursued by three Turkish ...
/.../forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 1 a peasants son.htm

Preparations for the Invasion of Greece.
... It was a frightful specter in the eyes of the ancient navigators, when, as they
came coasting along from the north in their frail galleys, on their voyages to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter iv preparations for the.htm

The Apostle of the Gentiles.
... On his way, coasting along as sailors did before the compass was known, came his
shipwreck at Malta, when the life of his shipmates was granted to him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxii the apostle of.htm

(And Last): Homeward Bound
... which is visited, unless the traveller commits himself" which he cannot well do
if he has a lady with him"to the chances and changes of coasting schooners. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xvii and last homeward.htm

Coasting (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) A sailing along a coast, or from port to port; a carrying on a coasting
trade. ... Multi-Version Concordance Coasting (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/coasting.htm - 7k

Lasaea (1 Occurrence)
... Lasaea (1 Occurrence). Acts 27:8 and coasting it with difficulty we came to a certain
place called Fair Havens, near to which was the city of Lasaea. (DBY YLT). ...
/l/lasaea.htm - 6k

Trader (7 Occurrences)
... country trader. 2. (n.) A vessel engaged in the coasting or foreign trade.
Multi-Version Concordance Trader (7 Occurrences). Matthew ...
/t/trader.htm - 8k

Tartan (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A small coasting vessel, used in the Mediterranean, having one mast carrying
large leteen sail, and a bowsprit with staysail or jib. Int. ...
/t/tartan.htm - 8k

Coastal (1 Occurrence)

/c/coastal.htm - 6k

Coastland (6 Occurrences)

/c/coastland.htm - 8k

Coast (70 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Acts 27:8 Then, coasting along with difficulty, we reached a place
called 'Fair Havens,' near the town of Lasea. (Root in WEY ASV DBY RSV NIV). ...
/c/coast.htm - 31k

Reached (152 Occurrences)
... Lycia. (WEY). Acts 27:8 Then, coasting along with difficulty, we reached
a place called 'Fair Havens,' near the town of Lasea. (WEY). ...
/r/reached.htm - 35k

Bethsaida (7 Occurrences)
... to be limited by the "much grass," and by the definition of the district as belonging
to Bethsaida, to sail to et-Tell, it was a matter of coasting not more ...
/b/bethsaida.htm - 19k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... appealed to Caesar and was proceeding to Rome in charge of Julius, the centurion,
along with other prisoners, a ship of Adramyttium, a coasting vessel, carried ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

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