Acts 27–28: The Cerebral Scars of Shipwreck

Abstract

Conclusions drawn from recent studies on memory and trauma shed light on the vividness and immediacy of Acts 27:1-28:15. First, trauma catalyses enduring recollection. Subsequent memories can be visualised as 'cerebral scars' left by first-hand traumatic experiences. Second, shipwreck survival creates a plausible scenario for the formation of such memories. After analysing four possible approaches to Acts 27:1-28:15, this article concludes that the passage captures the cerebral scars of an eyewitness experience and ought to be approached accordingly.