This verb describes being buffeted or driven about by a storm, particularly at sea. Luke uses it to describe Paul's situation during the disastrous voyage to Rome: 'And because we were violently storm-tossed, the next day they began to jettison the cargo.' The vivid detail captures the desperation of a ship at the mercy of Mediterranean winter weather, with crew and passengers battling for survival. Ancient sea travel was perilous, and storms like this one could easily end in shipwreck, as indeed this voyage eventually did on the island of Malta.