Topical Encyclopedia
Embarking, in a biblical context, often refers to the act of setting out on a journey or undertaking a new venture, both physically and spiritually. This concept is richly illustrated throughout the Scriptures, where embarking is not only a physical act but also a metaphor for spiritual journeys and missions.
Old Testament ExamplesOne of the earliest examples of embarking in the Bible is found in the account of Noah. God commanded Noah to build an ark and embark on a journey that would preserve humanity and animal life through the flood.
Genesis 7:1 states, "Then the LORD said to Noah, 'Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.'" Noah's obedience in embarking on this divine mission exemplifies faith and trust in God's plan.
Another significant instance is the call of Abram (later Abraham) in
Genesis 12:1-4 , where God instructs him to leave his country and embark on a journey to a land that He would show him. "The LORD said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you.'" Abram's willingness to embark on this journey without knowing the destination highlights the theme of faith and reliance on God's promises.
New Testament ExamplesIn the New Testament, the concept of embarking is vividly portrayed in the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul.
Acts 13:2-3 describes the Holy Spirit's call for Paul and Barnabas to embark on their first missionary journey: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off." Paul's journeys were pivotal in spreading the Gospel and establishing early Christian communities.
The disciples' call to follow Jesus can also be seen as an act of embarking. In
Matthew 4:19-20 , Jesus calls Peter and Andrew, saying, "'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.' And at once they left their nets and followed Him." This immediate response to Jesus' call signifies the readiness to embark on a transformative spiritual journey.
Spiritual ImplicationsEmbarking in the Bible often involves a call to faith, obedience, and trust in God's guidance. It signifies leaving behind the familiar and stepping into the unknown with confidence in God's promises.
Hebrews 11:8 reflects this sentiment: "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."
The act of embarking is also a reminder of the Christian life as a journey. Believers are called to embark on a spiritual journey of growth, discipleship, and mission. This journey requires faith, perseverance, and a willingness to follow God's leading, even when the path is not clear.
ConclusionThe biblical theme of embarking encompasses both physical journeys and spiritual missions, illustrating the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God's plan. Whether it is Noah building the ark, Abraham leaving his homeland, or the disciples following Jesus, embarking signifies a commitment to God's call and a readiness to step into the unknown with confidence in His promises.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Embark.
Greek
1910. epibaino -- to go aboard, to go up to... Word Origin from epi and the same as basis Definition to go aboard, to go up to
NASB Word Usage arrived (1),
embarking (1), mounted (1), set foot (2), went
...Library
Letter cxviii. (AD 410. )
... Be this, however, as it may, I beg you to do me this kindness, for I am on the point
ofembarking on a voyage." In these words of your letter you are indeed...
A Break to Canada
... The Adjutant was undoubtedly nervous of her powers, whenembarking upon an enterprise
so new as this, and she asked if I could not accompany the sailing from...
How the Will Being Dead to Itself Lives Entirely in God's Will.
... Consider, Theotimus, the glorious and never sufficiently praised S. Louis,embarking
and setting sail for beyond seas: and see the queen, his dear wife...
Preparation for Service
... and it was consequently a very serious question to my mind, not whether He was faithful,
but whether I had strong enough faith to warrant myembarking in the...
The Power of God's Word to Deliver Men from Sin.
... In the course of his work he handed one to a man who was justembarking on a voyage
to China, and with an oath the sailor took it, crumpled it up and thrust it...
Nineteenth Day. Subjection.
... to go into the ship; if all should be darkness and tempest, frowning providences""
the wind contrary;" how blessed to feel that inembarking on the unquiet...
Acts XXVII
... (2) Andembarking on a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, intending to sail to
places along the coast of Asia, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica...
The Conversion of Apollos, his Character, and the Ministry of Paul...
... The Apostle "took his leave" [115:1] of the Corinthian brethren in the spring of
AD54, andembarking at the port of Cenchrea, about eight or nine miles distant...
Athor, the Golden
... The slave had eased his load into the boat and Kenkenes was on the point ofembarking
when a four-oared bari, which had passed them like the wind a moment...
The Coming of the Pharaoh
... Bridges of boats had been hastily run out between the vessels, and over these
theembarking voyagers or visitors passed in a stream....
Thesaurus
Embarking (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Embarking (3 Occurrences). Mark 5:18 As He was
embarking,
the man who had been possessed asked permission to accompany Him. (WEY).
...Regions (22 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:2Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places
on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica...
Macedonian (4 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:2Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places
on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica...
Coast (70 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:2Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places
on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica...
Aristarchus (6 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:2Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places
on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica...
Adramyttium (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:2Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places
on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica...
Accompanied (43 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:2Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places
on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica...
Sail (32 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:2Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places
on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica...
Places (610 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:2Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places
on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica...
Ship (122 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:2Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places
on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica...
Resources
What is personal evangelism? | GotQuestions.orgEmbarking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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