Refitting, in a biblical context, refers to the process of repairing, restoring, or preparing something for a new purpose or continued use. This concept can be applied both physically and spiritually within the Scriptures, illustrating God's work in renewing and restoring His creation and His people.

Physical Refitting

The Bible contains several instances where physical refitting or restoration is evident. One notable example is the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership. After the Babylonian exile, Nehemiah was burdened by the state of Jerusalem's walls and sought permission from King Artaxerxes to return and oversee their restoration. Nehemiah 2:17-18 records his call to the people: "Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.' And I told them how the hand of my God had been upon me for good, and also the words that the king had spoken to me. They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So they began this good work."

This refitting of the walls was not merely a physical task but also a spiritual renewal for the people of Israel, symbolizing God's protection and the restoration of their identity as His chosen people.

Spiritual Refitting

Spiritually, refitting can be seen in the transformation and renewal of individuals through God's grace. The Apostle Paul speaks of this spiritual renewal in Romans 12:2 : "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." This transformation involves a refitting of the mind and heart, aligning them with God's will and purposes.

The concept of refitting is also evident in the life of the Apostle Peter. After denying Jesus three times, Peter was restored by Christ in a profound moment of forgiveness and commissioning. In John 21:15-17 , Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, each time instructing him to "Feed my sheep." This interaction signifies Peter's spiritual refitting, preparing him for his role as a leader in the early Church.

Refitting in the Church

The early Church also experienced refitting as it grew and adapted to new challenges. The Council of Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 15, addressed the issue of Gentile believers and the requirements of the Mosaic Law. This meeting was a pivotal moment of refitting the Church's understanding and practice, ensuring that the message of the Gospel was accessible to all people, Jew and Gentile alike.

Symbolism of Refitting

Refitting carries rich symbolism in the Bible, often representing God's redemptive work. The prophet Isaiah speaks of God's promise to restore and refit His people in Isaiah 61:3 : "to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified."

This passage highlights the transformative power of God's refitting, turning mourning into joy and despair into praise, ultimately bringing glory to God through the renewed lives of His people.

The Soul of Prayer
... churchly memories. Let us make an eyrie there of large vision and humane,
a retreat of rest and refitting for a dreadful world. May ...
//christianbookshelf.org/forsyth/the soul of prayer/title page.htm

Essay vi. "The Way of Ancient Ordinance, Though it Winds, is yet ...
... In what regards the refitting and provisioning of the fleet, either on ordinary
or extraordinary occasions, Malta was as inconvenient as Minorca was ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay vi the way of.htm

Refitting (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Refitting (2 Occurrences). Matthew 4:21 And having
advanced thence, he saw other two brothers, James of ...
/r/refitting.htm - 7k

Zeb'edee (11 Occurrences)
... 4:21 And having advanced thence, he saw other two brothers, James of Zebedee, and
John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, refitting their nets ...
/z/zeb'edee.htm - 9k

Refining (8 Occurrences)

/r/refining.htm - 12k

Reflect (6 Occurrences)

/r/reflect.htm - 9k

Advanced (32 Occurrences)
... 4:21 And having advanced thence, he saw other two brothers, James of Zebedee, and
John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, refitting their nets ...
/a/advanced.htm - 16k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus