Topical Encyclopedia
A voyage, in the context of the Bible, refers to a journey or travel, often by sea, undertaken for various purposes such as trade, exploration, or missionary work. The concept of a voyage is significant in biblical narratives, symbolizing both physical and spiritual journeys.
Biblical Instances of Voyages:1.
Paul's Missionary Journeys: The Apostle Paul is perhaps the most notable biblical figure associated with voyages. His missionary journeys, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, involved extensive travel across the Mediterranean region. These voyages were instrumental in the spread of the Gospel to the Gentile world. In
Acts 27, Paul embarks on a perilous sea voyage to Rome, which includes a shipwreck on the island of Malta. This journey highlights themes of divine providence and faith amidst adversity. As Paul reassures the crew, "But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed" (
Acts 27:22).
2.
Jonah's Flight: The account of Jonah involves a voyage that serves as a backdrop for themes of obedience and repentance. Jonah attempts to flee from God's command by boarding a ship to Tarshish, but a divinely sent storm leads to his being thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. This narrative underscores the futility of trying to escape God's will and the importance of fulfilling one's divine mission.
3.
Solomon's Trade Expeditions: King Solomon's reign is marked by prosperity and extensive trade, which included voyages to distant lands.
1 Kings 10:22 mentions, "For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with the ships of Hiram. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks" . These voyages contributed to the wealth and splendor of Solomon's kingdom, reflecting the blessings of wisdom and divine favor.
Symbolic and Theological Significance:Voyages in the Bible often symbolize the journey of faith and the Christian life. Just as physical voyages involve challenges, uncertainties, and reliance on divine guidance, so too does the spiritual journey of believers. The sea, with its unpredictable nature, serves as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced by individuals and communities.
Theologically, voyages can represent the mission of the Church to spread the Gospel to all nations. The Great Commission (
Matthew 28:19-20) calls believers to "go and make disciples of all nations," a mandate that has historically involved literal voyages to distant lands.
Practical Lessons:1.
Trust in Divine Providence: Biblical voyages teach the importance of trusting in God's providence. Whether facing storms at sea or challenges in life, believers are encouraged to rely on God's promises and guidance.
2.
Obedience to God's Call: The account of Jonah illustrates the necessity of obedience to God's call. Attempts to evade divine instructions can lead to turmoil, while submission brings restoration and purpose.
3.
Missionary Zeal: The voyages of Paul and other early Christians serve as a model for missionary zeal and dedication. Their willingness to endure hardships for the sake of the Gospel inspires believers to pursue their own callings with courage and conviction.
In summary, voyages in the Bible are rich with meaning, offering insights into the nature of faith, obedience, and the mission of the Church. They remind believers of the importance of trusting in God's plan and the transformative power of the Gospel.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Formerly, a passage either by sea or land; a journey, in general; but not chiefly limited to a passing by sea or water from one place, port, or country, to another; especially, a passing or journey by water to a distant place or country.
2. (n.) The act or practice of traveling.
3. (n.) Course; way.
4. (v. i.) To take a voyage; especially, to sail or pass by water.
5. (v. t.) To travel; to pass over; to traverse.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
VOYAGE AND SHIPWRECK OF PAULvoi'-aj, ship'-rek.
SeePAUL, THE APOSTLE;PHOENIX; and "Literature" to SHIPS AND BOATS.
PAUL, VOYAGE AND SHIPWRECK OF
See PAUL, THE APOSTLE, V, 9; PHOENIX.
Greek
4144. ploos -- avoyage... a
voyage. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: ploos or plous Phonetic
Spelling: (plo'-os) Short Definition: a
voyage Definition: a
voyage, sailing.
...4126. pleo -- to sail
... to sail. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: pleo Phonetic Spelling: (pleh'-o)
Short Definition: I sail Definition: I sail, travel by sea,voyage....
Library
For Travellers on theVoyage.
... For Travellers On theVoyage. VI. On theVoyage. 8,7,8,7,7,7,7,7. In die Segel fanst
und linde. [235]de la Motte Fouqu??. On our sails all soft and sweetly,....
Voyage of Helena.
... Chapter III Writings. 6.Voyage of Helena. A matter-of-fact account of things
which are not so, given in Hakluyt's Voyages, 2((1810...
Voyage to India.
... CHAPTER I.VOYAGE TO INDIA.... Every now and then speedier voyages were made, but
a few years previously thisvoyage would have been deemed rapid....
A RoughVoyage
... Chapter 19. An Ideal Circuit; Wesley in his Eighties; Wesley Visits Holland;
Incidents in Scotland A RoughVoyage. Monday, April...
TheVoyage to England
... Chapter 2. Troubles in Georgia; Return to England; Peter Bohler; "I Felt
my Heart Strangely Warmed" TheVoyage to England. Friday...
A RoughVoyage
... Chapter 8. Wesley and the Soldiers; In Ireland and Wales Again; Wesley Burned
in Effigy; Wesley as an Editor A RoughVoyage. Thursday...
How to Secure a ProsperousVoyage
... THE ACTS CHAP. XIII TO END HOW TO SECURE A PROSPEROUSVOYAGE. 'And after
[Paul] had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to...
Voyage to Benares.
... CHAPTER II.VOYAGE TO BENARES. March, 1839.... The most memorable incident of thevoyage
was a storm, which came on us one evening as we were nearing Dinapore....
Voyage to China
... CHAPTER VIIIVOYAGE TO CHINA. SOON... Shanghai. Ourvoyage had a rough beginning,
but many had promised to remember us in constant prayer....
TheVoyage and Shipwreck
... Lesson 42 TheVoyage and Shipwreck. [This chapter is based on Acts 27; 28:1-10.]
At last Paul was on his way to Rome.... Thevoyage began prosperously....
Thesaurus
Voyage (5 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) Course; way. 4. (vi) To take a
voyage; especially, to sail or pass by water.
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
VOYAGE AND SHIPWRECK OF PAUL.
...Course (87 Occurrences)
... change of direction; any part of a progress from one place to another, which is
in a straight line, or on one direction; as, a ship in a longvoyage makes many...
Ophir (12 Occurrences)
... We get a fuller list of the wares and also the time taken by thevoyage if we assume
that the same vessels are referred to in 1 Kings 10:22, "Once every three...
Fair (147 Occurrences)
... Contrary to Paul's advice, the master of the ship determined to prosecute thevoyage,
as the harbour was deemed incommodious for wintering in (9-12)....
Equipment (13 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of equipping, or the state of being
equipped, as for avoyage or expedition. 2. (n.) Whatever...
Shipwreck (3 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia.VOYAGE AND SHIPWRECK OF PAUL.... See PAUL, THE APOSTLE;
PHOENIX; and "Literature" to SHIPS AND BOATS. PAUL,VOYAGE AND SHIPWRECK OF....
Havens (1 Occurrence)
... Contrary to Paul's advice, the master of the ship determined to prosecute thevoyage,
as the harbour was deemed incommodious for wintering in (9-12)....
Danger (118 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:9 When much time had passed and thevoyage was now dangerous, because the
Fast had now already gone by, Paul admonished them, (Root in WEB KJV ASV BBE...
Crete (7 Occurrences)
... The island was visited by Paul on hisvoyage to Rome (Acts 27).... Smith,Voyage and
Shipwreck of Paul; Ramsay, Paul the Traveler and Roman Citizen, 320-30....
Arabah (32 Occurrences)
... Burchkhardt, Travels in Syria and the Holy Land, 1822; De Laborde,Voyage en Orient,
1828; Hull, Mount Seir, Sinai, and Western Palestine, 1889; "The Physical...
Resources
What are the Christian themes in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Macedonian Call? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on Paul's third missionary journey? | GotQuestions.orgVoyage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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