Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: The term "stilling" in a biblical context primarily refers to the miraculous act of Jesus Christ calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. This event is a significant demonstration of Jesus' divine authority over nature and is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, and Luke 8:22-25. Biblical Account: In the Gospel of Mark, the account is detailed as follows: "That day when evening came, He said to His disciples, 'Let us go across to the other side.' Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him along, just as He was, in the boat. There were also other boats with Him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, don’t You care if we drown?' He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Silence! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was perfectly calm. He said to His disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?' They were terrified and asked each other, 'Who is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!'" (Mark 4:35-41). Theological Significance: The stilling of the storm is a profound testament to Jesus' divine nature and His mastery over creation. It underscores His identity as the Son of God, who possesses authority over the natural world. This miracle serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the peace that comes from faith in Him. The disciples' reaction, filled with awe and fear, highlights their growing understanding of Jesus' true identity. Symbolism and Interpretation: The storm can be seen as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced by believers. Jesus' ability to calm the storm symbolizes His power to bring peace and order into the chaos of human life. The disciples' fear and subsequent questioning of Jesus' care reflect the human tendency to doubt in times of crisis. Jesus' rebuke of the wind and His question to the disciples about their faith serve as an invitation to trust in His providence and power. Application for Believers: The stilling of the storm encourages believers to trust in Jesus amidst life's challenges. It reassures them of His presence and His ability to bring peace in the midst of turmoil. This narrative invites Christians to deepen their faith and reliance on Christ, recognizing that He is in control even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Related Scripture: Other biblical passages that emphasize God's control over nature include Psalm 65:7, which speaks of God stilling "the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the tumult of the nations," and Psalm 107:29, which states, "He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed." Historical and Cultural Context: The Sea of Galilee, known for its sudden and violent storms due to its geographical setting, provides a fitting backdrop for this miracle. The disciples, many of whom were seasoned fishermen, would have been familiar with the dangers of such storms, making their fear and Jesus' subsequent calming of the storm all the more impactful. Conclusion: The stilling of the storm is a pivotal event in the Gospels that reveals Jesus' divine authority and invites believers to trust in His power and presence. It serves as a reminder of the peace that comes from faith in Christ, who is sovereign over all creation. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Still.Library Stilling the Storms. CM Mrs. Hemans. Christ Stilling the Tempest. Index to Preachers and Sermons Full Power through Rhythm. Child's Story of the Bible Nothing but Leaves Hymn for all Hours The Gospel of Luke Soul-Healing First: Body-Healing Second Be Thou Contented. Thesaurus Stilling (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Still. 2. (n.) A stillion. Multi-Version Concordance Stilling (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah ... /s/stilling.htm - 6k Stilleth (3 Occurrences) Stillness (1 Occurrence) Jesus (10891 Occurrences) Christ (573 Occurrences) Resources Who was Jonah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is quietism? | GotQuestions.org Stilling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Stilling (1 Occurrence)Jeremiah 51:55 Subtopics Related Terms |
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