Jettison
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Definition and Context:
The term "jettison" refers to the act of throwing goods overboard from a ship to lighten the load in times of distress. This practice is often undertaken to stabilize a vessel during a storm or when it is in danger of sinking. In a biblical context, jettisoning is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the account of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome.

Biblical Reference:
The most notable instance of jettisoning in the Bible is found in the Book of Acts. During Paul's voyage to Rome, the ship he was on encountered a violent storm. The crew took measures to save the ship by throwing cargo overboard. Acts 27:18-19 states, "We were tossed so violently that the next day the men began to jettison the cargo. On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands."

Theological Significance:
The act of jettisoning in this narrative serves as a metaphor for the spiritual principle of casting off burdens that hinder one's faith journey. Just as the crew lightened the ship to survive the storm, believers are encouraged to rid themselves of spiritual encumbrances. Hebrews 12:1 exhorts, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us."

Historical and Cultural Background:
In ancient maritime practices, jettisoning was a common emergency procedure. Ships often carried heavy cargo, and in times of peril, reducing weight was crucial for survival. This practice underscores the severity of the storm faced by Paul and his companions, highlighting the desperation and urgency of their situation.

Spiritual Application:
The concept of jettisoning can be applied to the Christian life as an illustration of prioritizing spiritual well-being over material possessions. Jesus taught about the futility of earthly treasures in Matthew 6:19-20 : "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

Lessons from Paul's Experience:
Paul's experience during the storm serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Despite the dire circumstances, Paul remained steadfast in his faith, encouraging those on board with him. Acts 27:22-25 records Paul's assurance: "But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me."

Conclusion:
The biblical account of jettisoning during Paul's voyage provides rich insights into the themes of faith, divine providence, and the relinquishing of worldly attachments. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need to trust in God's plan and to prioritize spiritual over material concerns.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(v.) To discard; To disencumber; as, to jettison goods in order to lighten a vessel in danger of wreck.
Greek
1546. ekbole -- a throwing out, ie spec. a throwing overboard (of ...
... ie spec. a throwing overboard (of the cargo) NASB Word Usage jettison the cargo
(1). lighten the ship, jettison. From ekballo; ejection ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1546.htm - 6k
Library

A Total Wreck, all Hands Saved
... They were still not without hope of saving the ship, though Paul had told them it
would be lost; and so they jettison the cargo of wheat from Alexandria. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a total wreck all hands.htm

Eighth Tractate. On Free-Will and the Will of the One.
... Virtue does not follow upon occurrences as a saver of the emperilled; at its discretion
it sacrifices a man; it may decree the jettison of life, means, children ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/eighth tractate on free-will and.htm

Thesaurus
Jettison (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (v.) To discard; To disencumber; as, to jettison goods
in order to lighten a vessel in danger of wreck. ...Jettison (1 Occurrence). ...
/j/jettison.htm - 6k

Jethur (1 Occurrence)

/j/jethur.htm - 6k

Jetur (3 Occurrences)

/j/jetur.htm - 7k

Resources
What is neo-evangelicalism? What is a neo-evangelical? | GotQuestions.org

What is post-theism? | GotQuestions.org

What is faith in God? | GotQuestions.org

Jettison: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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