Introduction:
The term "Pilot" in the context of the Bible does not refer to an individual but rather to the role of a navigator or helmsman, responsible for steering a ship. This role is mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of maritime travel, which was a common mode of transportation in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Biblical References:
The concept of a pilot is most notably referenced in the Book of Acts, which details the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. In Acts 27, Paul is a prisoner being transported to Rome by ship. During this voyage, the ship encounters a severe storm, and the role of the pilot becomes crucial.

· Acts 27:11 : "But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the owner of the ship than by what Paul said." This verse highlights the authority and expertise attributed to the pilot in matters of navigation and maritime decision-making. Despite Paul's warning of impending danger, the centurion chooses to trust the judgment of the pilot and the ship's owner.

· Acts 27:27-29 : "On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea. About midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. They took soundings and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was fifteen fathoms deep. Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight." Although the term "pilot" is not explicitly used here, the actions described are indicative of the pilot's role in ensuring the safety of the ship and its passengers.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient world, pilots were essential for the safe navigation of ships, especially in the treacherous waters of the Mediterranean Sea. They possessed specialized knowledge of sea routes, weather patterns, and coastal landmarks. The pilot's expertise was highly valued, and their decisions could mean the difference between life and death for those on board.

Theological Implications:
The role of the pilot in Acts 27 can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual guidance and leadership. Just as a pilot navigates a ship through stormy seas, spiritual leaders are called to guide their congregations through the challenges of life. The pilot's reliance on experience and knowledge parallels the Christian's reliance on Scripture and the Holy Spirit for direction.

Symbolism and Allegory:
The imagery of a pilot steering a ship is used elsewhere in Scripture to illustrate the importance of control and guidance. James 3:4 states, "Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined." This verse underscores the power of small but significant influences, such as the tongue, in directing the course of one's life.

Conclusion:
While the specific term "pilot" is not frequently mentioned in the Bible, the concept is integral to understanding the dynamics of ancient maritime travel and serves as a rich metaphor for leadership and guidance in the Christian faith. The pilot's role in Acts 27 provides insight into the trust placed in human expertise while also highlighting the ultimate sovereignty of God in guiding the course of events.1. (n.) One employed to steer a vessel; a helmsman; a steersman.

2. (n.) Specifically, a person duly qualified, and licensed by authority, to conduct vessels into and out of a port, or in certain waters, for a fixed rate of fees.

3. (n.) Figuratively: A guide; a director of another through a difficult or unknown course.

4. (n.) An instrument for detecting the compass error.

5. (n.) The cowcatcher of a locomotive.

6. (v. t.) To direct the course of, as of a ship, where navigation is dangerous.

7. (v. t.) Figuratively: To guide, as through dangers or difficulties.

PILOT

pi'-lot.

See SHIPS AND BOATS.

2942. kubernetes -- a steersman, pilot
... a steersman, pilot. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: kubernetes
Phonetic Spelling: (koo-ber-nay'-tace) Short Definition: a steersman, pilot ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2942.htm - 6k

2116. euthuno -- to make straight
... delay. See 2117 (). Word Origin from euthus Definition to make straight NASB
Word Usage make straight (1), pilot (1). make straight. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2116.htm - 6k

2941. kubernesis -- steering, government, administration
... (2941 only occurs in 1 Cor 12:28.). 2941 ("a helmsman who steers") refers to a pilot
(a captain, as in Plato) -- a who guides, administrates, etc. (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2941.htm - 7k

2259. chobel -- sailor
... pilot, shipmaster. Active participle from chabal (in the sense of handling ropes);
a sailor -- pilot, shipmaster. see HEBREW chabal. 2258, 2259. chobel. 2260 ...
/hebrew/2259.htm - 6k

Pilot.
... 341 Pilot. 7s. Savior, Pilot Me. Jesus, Savior, pilot me, Over life's
tempestuous sea; Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lorenz/the otterbein hymnal/341 pilot 7s.htm

Arria and Her Brother were Far from the Shores of Hellas and Near ...
... With a Jew for a pilot we should make a landing in Hades.". ... Have no fear.". Now,
the young Roman had begun to suspect the pilot of some evil plan. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 21 arria and her.htm

Faith in the Sacred Scriptures.
... It is tossing upon the waves and needs a pilot. ... Altho this Captain pilots souls
safely across very deep waters, He does not pilot all souls. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii faith in the sacred.htm

"Let the Lower Lights be Burning. "
... One wild, stormy night, a steamer was trying to make her way into the harbor.
The Captain and pilot were anxiously watching for the lights. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/let the lower lights be.htm

The Signs
... As it stood near one of the islands, suddenly there came from the shore a voice,
loud and clear, calling Thamus, the pilot, an Egyptian, by his name. ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xxi the signs.htm

When Appius Told his Mother and his Sister what Augustus had Said ...
... The sun had set and the sea lay calm in a purple dusk. He went aboard his trireme
at once and called his pilot to him. ... "And you know her pilot?". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 19 when appius told.htm

Warning.
... you.". A pilot guiding a steamer down the Cumberland saw a light, apparently
from a small craft, in the middle of the narrow channel. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter viii warning.htm

Incidents of the Voyage.
... Let the bishop, as the mate, wakefully ponder the words of the pilot alone.
Let Christ, even the Saviour, be loved as the pilot, and ...
/.../unknown/epistle of peter to james/chapter xv incidents of the voyage.htm

The Invisible God Perceived through his Works.
... in like manner, as any person, when he sees a ship on the sea rigged and in sail,
and making for the harbour, will no doubt infer that there is a pilot in her ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter v the invisible god perceived.htm

Death or Deep Water.
... George's Channel, headed for Liverpool. When the pilot was taken on board,
he cried abruptly to the captain, "What do you mean? ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/death or deep water.htm

Pilot (2 Occurrences)
... difficulties. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PILOT. pi'-lot. See SHIPS AND
BOATS. Multi-Version Concordance Pilot (2 Occurrences). Acts ...
/p/pilot.htm - 7k

Branch (60 Occurrences)
... a family. 6. (n.) A warrant or commission given to a pilot, authorizing
him to pilot vessels in certain waters. 7. (a.) Diverging ...
/b/branch.htm - 28k

Noah (55 Occurrences)
... represent it as six stories high, with the length, width, and depth, each as 140
cubits (262 ft.), and having a mast on top of all, and a pilot to guide the ...
/n/noah.htm - 66k

Ark (212 Occurrences)
... represent it as six stories high, with the length, width, and depth, each as 140
cubits (262 ft.), and having a mast on top of all, and a pilot to guide the ...
/a/ark.htm - 84k

Deluge (17 Occurrences)
... Upon the third trial they returned no more, whereupon they disembarked and Xisuthrus
with his wife, daughter and pilot offered sacrifice to the gods and were ...
/d/deluge.htm - 47k

Knob (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A knoblike ornament or handle; as, the knob of a lock, door, or drawer.
3. (n.) A rounded hill or mountain; as, the Pilot Knob. 4. (n.) See Knop. ...
/k/knob.htm - 8k

Julius (5 Occurrences)
... her. (WEY). Acts 27:11 But Julius let himself be persuaded by the pilot and
by the owner rather than by Paul's arguments; (WEY). Acts ...
/j/julius.htm - 8k

Governor (78 Occurrences)
... Pennsylvania. 2. (n.) One who has the care or guardianship of a young man;
a tutor; a guardian. 3. (n.) A pilot; a steersman. 4. (n ...
/g/governor.htm - 48k

Guided (86 Occurrences)
... James 3:4 Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce
winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires. ...
/g/guided.htm - 31k

Guide (89 Occurrences)
... and shoulder. 2. (vt) To lead or direct in a way; to conduct in a course
or path; to pilot; as, to guide a traveler. 3. (vt) To ...
/g/guide.htm - 37k

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