Euraquilo, also known as the "Northeaster," is a term found in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. It refers to a violent wind or storm that played a significant role in the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. The term is derived from the Greek word "Εὐρακύλων" (Eurakulōn), which combines "Eurus" (east wind) and "Aquila" (north wind), indicating a strong wind coming from the northeast.

Biblical Reference:

The account of Euraquilo is found in Acts 27:14-15. The Apostle Paul, a prisoner at the time, was being transported to Rome by ship. The narrative describes the onset of the storm as follows:

"But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island. Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. So we gave way and let ourselves be driven along." (Acts 27:14-15)

Context and Significance:

The mention of Euraquilo occurs during Paul's voyage to Rome, which is a pivotal moment in the Acts of the Apostles. Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem and, after a series of trials, appealed to Caesar, necessitating his transport to Rome. The journey, however, was fraught with danger, and the encounter with Euraquilo was a critical event that tested the faith and resilience of all aboard.

The storm is described as a "cyclone," indicating its severity and the peril it posed to the ship and its passengers. The ship, unable to withstand the force of the wind, was driven off course, leading to a dramatic sequence of events that included the eventual shipwreck on the island of Malta. Despite the chaos and danger, Paul's leadership and faith were evident as he reassured the crew and passengers of their safety, based on a divine revelation he received (Acts 27:23-24).

Theological Implications:

The account of Euraquilo serves as a powerful illustration of God's sovereignty and providence. Despite the natural forces at play, the narrative underscores the belief that God's purposes will prevail. Paul's calm assurance and the eventual safe landing of all aboard the ship highlight the theme of divine protection and guidance.

Moreover, the incident with Euraquilo can be seen as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced by believers. Just as Paul and his companions were tested by the storm, Christians are often challenged by the metaphorical storms of life. The account encourages steadfast faith and reliance on God's promises, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Historical and Geographical Considerations:

Euraquilo, as a meteorological phenomenon, is consistent with the weather patterns of the Mediterranean Sea, particularly during the autumn and winter months when such storms are more frequent. The northeastern wind would have been well-known to ancient mariners, and its sudden and violent nature posed significant risks to ships of the era.

The account in Acts provides valuable historical insight into ancient seafaring practices and the challenges faced by those who traversed the Mediterranean. The detailed description of the storm and the subsequent shipwreck reflects the historical accuracy and vividness characteristic of Luke's writing in the Acts of the Apostles.

In summary, Euraquilo is more than just a meteorological event; it is a significant biblical episode that highlights themes of faith, divine intervention, and the perseverance of God's servants amidst adversity.EURAQUILO

u-rak'-wi-lo (the Revised Version (British and American) eurakulon; the King James Version eurokludon; the King James Version Euroclydon, u-rok'-li-don):

The east or northeast wind which drove Paul's ship to shipwreck at Melita (Acts 27:14). The term seems to have been the sailor's term for that particular wind, and Paul uses the word which was used by them on that occasion. The difference in the text is explained by the fact that the term was not in general use and was therefore subject to being changed. The precise name is doubtful, but "the Euraquilo" is more easily explained as a compound of Greek euros, "east wind," and Latin aquilo, "northeast wind," hence, euraquilo, "east northeast wind." This agrees with the experience of navigators in those waters. For a summary of the various readings see Sanday, Appendices ad New Testament, 140. Full discussion of the circumstances are given in the Lives of Paul by various writers.

Alfred H. Joy

2146b. Eurakulon -- the Euraquilo, a northeast wind
... 2146a, 2146b. Eurakulon. 2147 . the Euraquilo, a northeast wind.
Transliteration: Eurakulon Short Definition: Euraquilo. Word Origin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2146b.htm - 5k

The Acts of the Apostles.
... two small places recently identified), and Melita (Malta), as well as the motions
and effects of the tempestuous northeast wind called Euraquilo (AV Euroclydon ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 85 the acts of.htm

Accidental Causes of Corruption.
... Latin. That it the reason why the Latin translator (not understanding the
word) rendered it Euroaquilo: instead of writing Euraquilo. ...
/.../chapter iv accidental causes of.htm

Euraquilo (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia EURAQUILO. u-rak'-wi ... writers. Alfred H. Joy.
Multi-Version Concordance Euraquilo (1 Occurrence). Acts 27 ...
/e/euraquilo.htm - 7k

Euroclydon (1 Occurrence)
... of the wind which blew in the Adriatic Gulf, and which struck the ship in which
Paul was wrecked on the coast of Malta (Acts 27:14; RV, "Euraquilo, " ie, north ...
/e/euroclydon.htm - 7k

Phoenix (2 Occurrences)
... and down the Northwest wind, ie looking Northeast and Southeast" On the way thither,
they were struck by a wind from the Northeast, called Euraquilo, and ran ...
/p/phoenix.htm - 12k

Eupolemus

/e/eupolemus.htm - 7k

Syrtis
... Virgil refers to them (Aen. iv.40). In Paul's voyage, the ship, driven by a
tempestuous wind, Euraquilo, was in peril of being cast-upon them. ...
/s/syrtis.htm - 6k

Wind (180 Occurrences)
... The strength of the wind makes it dangerous for ships at sea: "With the east wind
thou breakest the ships of Tarshish" (Psalm 48:7). Euraquilo or Euroclydon ...
/w/wind.htm - 45k

Violent (151 Occurrences)
... (WEY BBE RSV NIV). Acts 27:14 But after a little time, a very violent wind, named
Euraquilo, came down from it with great force. (BBE NAS). ...
/v/violent.htm - 36k

Force (250 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Acts 27:14 But after a little time, a very violent wind, named
Euraquilo, came down from it with great force. (BBE NIV). ...
/f/force.htm - 40k

Crete (7 Occurrences)
... It was decided to follow the captain's advice; but on its way to Phoenix the ship
was struck by a Northeast wind called Euraquilo, which rushed down from Mt. ...
/c/crete.htm - 19k

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