The term "launched" in a biblical context often refers to the act of setting something in motion, particularly in relation to boats or ships. This concept is seen in various passages throughout the Bible, where launching is both literal and metaphorical, symbolizing new beginnings, obedience to divine instruction, and the unfolding of God's plans.

Biblical Instances of Launching

1. Noah's Ark: One of the earliest and most significant instances of launching in the Bible is the account of Noah's Ark. God commanded Noah to build an ark to preserve his family and pairs of every living creature from the impending flood. Once completed, the ark was launched upon the waters as the rains began. This event marked a new beginning for humanity and the animal kingdom. Genesis 7:17 states, "For forty days the floodwaters continued to surge and lift the ark, so that it rose above the earth."

2. The Ministry of Jesus: In the New Testament, the concept of launching is seen in the ministry of Jesus Christ. In Luke 5:4 , Jesus instructs Simon Peter, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch." This directive to launch into deeper waters resulted in a miraculous catch of fish, symbolizing the abundance and fruitfulness that comes from obedience to Christ's commands.

3. Paul's Missionary Journeys: The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys involved several instances of launching ships to spread the Gospel across the Mediterranean region. Acts 13:4 records, "So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus." These journeys were pivotal in the establishment of early Christian communities and the dissemination of Christian teachings.

Symbolic Meaning

The act of launching in the Bible often symbolizes stepping out in faith and trusting in God's provision and guidance. It represents a transition from the familiar to the unknown, requiring reliance on God's promises and direction. This is evident in the lives of biblical figures who launched into new ventures or missions at God's command, often facing uncertainty but ultimately witnessing God's faithfulness.

Spiritual Application

For believers, the concept of launching can serve as a metaphor for embarking on new spiritual endeavors or phases of life. It encourages Christians to trust in God's timing and direction, to be willing to leave their comfort zones, and to embrace the opportunities God presents for growth and service. The act of launching, whether in ministry, personal growth, or community service, is a call to active faith and reliance on God's sovereignty.

In summary, the biblical theme of launching encompasses both literal and metaphorical journeys, highlighting the importance of obedience, faith, and the unfolding of God's divine purposes.(imp. & p. p.) of Launch.321. anago -- to lead up, bring up
... Word Origin from ana and ago Definition to lead up, bring up NASB Word Usage bring
(2), brought (5), launched (1), led (2), put out to sea (4), putting out to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/321.htm - 7k

But we have Launched Far Enough in a Deep that Does not Belong ...
... [Way-1-97] But we have launched far enough in a deep that does not belong
unto us? But we have launched far enough in a deep that ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-1-97 but we have launched.htm

Of the Fact that the Pagans, when Constrained to Laud Christ, have ...
... the harmony of the gospels.Book I. Chapter XV."Of the Fact that the Pagans, When
Constrained to Laud Christ, Have Launched Their Insults Against His Disciples ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xv of the fact that.htm

Unimpeachable Justice
... I could not by any possibility remove, for at every hour I remembered that during
that day one of the most fallen of my fellow-creatures was launched into an ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/unimpeachable justice.htm

Acts xxvi. 30-32
... And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts
of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm

Self-Examination
... A ship, before she is launched, is examined; when launched she is carefully looked
at; and yet before she is allowed to go far out to sea, she takes a trial ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/self-examination.htm

The Two-Horned Beast.
... It was either poured from the rampart in large boilers, or launched in red-hot balls
of stone and iron, or darted in arrows and javelins, twisted round with ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the two-horned beast.htm

The Curse Removed
... one continued career of holiness, if thou hast sinned but once, unless thou hast
an interest in the blood of Christ, the thunders of Sinai are launched at thee ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 57 1911/the curse removed.htm

the harmony of the gospels
... Service. Chapter XV.--Of the Fact that the Pagans, When Constrained to Laud
Christ, Have Launched Their Insults Against His Disciples. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/the harmony of the gospels/

part i.
... Order moulded the planets, and every star that gems the evening sky; it launched
them forth in their orbits, and guides their glorious way, producing "the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part i.htm

Earnest Expostulation
... which is as the sheet lightning of summer, dazzling for the moment, and flaming
over a broad expanse, but altogether harmless, since no bolt is launched from it ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/earnest expostulation.htm

Launched (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Launch. Multi-Version Concordance
Launched (5 Occurrences). Luke 8:22 Now it happened on ...
/l/launched.htm - 8k

Meaning (41 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail
by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being ...
/m/meaning.htm - 18k

Coasts (58 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail
by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being ...
/c/coasts.htm - 24k

Thence (152 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched,
we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto ...
/t/thence.htm - 37k

Entering (124 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail
by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being ...
/e/entering.htm - 37k

Launch (3 Occurrences)

/l/launch.htm - 8k

Let's (74 Occurrences)
... of those days, that he entered into a boat, himself and his disciples, and he said
to them, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out ...
/l/let's.htm - 27k

Launderer (1 Occurrence)

/l/launderer.htm - 6k

Gotten (38 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched,
we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto ...
/g/gotten.htm - 18k

Way (7551 Occurrences)
... have one's way. 11. (n.) Progress; as, a ship has way. 12. (n.) The timbers
on which a ship is launched. 13. (n.) The longitudinal ...
/w/way.htm - 15k

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