In biblical times, the concept of "wintering" refers to the practice of spending the winter months in a particular location, often due to the harsh weather conditions that made travel difficult or dangerous. This practice is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, providing insight into the seasonal rhythms and challenges faced by people in the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean world.

Biblical References

One of the most notable references to wintering is found in the New Testament, in the context of the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys. In Acts 27:12, during Paul's voyage to Rome, the ship's crew sought a suitable place to spend the winter: "Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to sail on, hoping somehow to reach Phoenix, a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, to winter there." This passage highlights the importance of finding a safe and suitable harbor to avoid the perilous winter storms that were common in the Mediterranean Sea.

Another reference is found in 1 Corinthians 16:6, where Paul expresses his travel plans to the Corinthian church: "Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go." Here, Paul indicates his intention to remain in a location during the winter months, emphasizing the need for stability and support during this time.

In Titus 3:12, Paul again mentions his wintering plans: "As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there." This demonstrates the strategic planning involved in Paul's ministry, taking into account the seasonal limitations on travel.

Cultural and Historical Context

Wintering was a practical necessity in the ancient world, where travel by sea and land could be severely hindered by winter weather. The Mediterranean climate, with its mild, wet winters, posed significant challenges for navigation and transportation. Ships were often anchored in safe harbors to avoid the risk of shipwreck, as the stormy seas could be treacherous.

In addition to maritime considerations, wintering also affected land travel and agricultural activities. The colder months were a time when people would focus on indoor tasks, maintenance, and preparation for the coming spring. Communities would gather resources and ensure they had sufficient provisions to last through the winter.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of wintering can be seen as a metaphor for periods of waiting and preparation in the Christian life. Just as the early Christians had to plan and adapt to the changing seasons, believers today are called to discern the times and seasons in their spiritual journey. Wintering can symbolize times of rest, reflection, and reliance on God's provision, as well as the anticipation of new growth and opportunities in the seasons to come.

The biblical accounts of wintering remind Christians of the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom in planning and decision-making. They also highlight the value of community and mutual support, as seen in Paul's interactions with the churches and fellow believers during his winter stays.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Winter.3915. paracheimasia -- a wintering
... a wintering. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: paracheimasia Phonetic
Spelling: (par-akh-i-mas-ee'-ah) Short Definition: wintering Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3915.htm - 6k

Harvest Joy
... Keep them out till we have tried them for a very long time." It came to pass, after
the process of "summering and wintering", that a great many of them never ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/harvest joy.htm

To Olympias. Do not be Anxious on My Behalf, nor Rack Yourself ...
... And do not be distressed at my wintering here, for I am in a much more comfortable
and sounder state of health than I was last year; so that if you also would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/to olympias do not be.htm

How Herod Sent his Sons to Rome; How Also He was Accused by ...
... about this time] sent to succeed Caesar in the government of the countries beyond
the Ionian Sea, upon whom Herod lighted when he was wintering about Mitylene ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 how herod sent.htm

The Commandment, Old yet New
... But it will take summering and wintering with Him, through many a long day and year,
before we can ever have a partially adequate apprehension of all that lies ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the commandment old yet new.htm

Essay v. Whose Powers Shed Round Him in the Common Strife...
... never exhaust his wonder." The citizens of Valetta were fond of relating their
astonishment, and that of the French, at Captain Ball's ship wintering at anchor ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay v whose powers shed.htm

A Revival Sermon
... with grace. Our old Baptist churches in the country treat young converts
with what they call summering and wintering. Any young ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a revival sermon.htm

Wintering (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Winter. Multi-Version
Concordance Wintering (1 Occurrence). Acts 27:12 and as the ...
/w/wintering.htm - 6k

Wipe (24 Occurrences)

/w/wipe.htm - 14k

Second (2060 Occurrences)
... In 1 Corinthians Paul had intimated his intention of visiting the Corinthians and
wintering with them, coming to them through Macedonia (1 Corinthians 16:5-7 ...
/s/second.htm - 96k

North-east (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:12 and as the harbour was inconvenient for wintering in, the majority were
in favour of putting out to sea, to try whether they could get to Phoenix--a ...
/n/north-east.htm - 7k

Winter-house (2 Occurrences)
Winter-house. Winterhouse, Winter-house. Wintering . Int. ... (See JPS ASV DBY WBS
YLT). Winterhouse, Winter-house. Wintering . Reference Bible.
/w/winter-house.htm - 7k

Inconvenient (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:12 and as the harbour was inconvenient for wintering in, the majority were
in favour of putting out to sea, to try whether they could get to Phoenix--a ...
/i/inconvenient.htm - 7k

Facing (79 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:12 and as the harbour was inconvenient for wintering in, the majority were
in favour of putting out to sea, to try whether they could get to Phoenix--a ...
/f/facing.htm - 31k

Favour (171 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:12 and as the harbour was inconvenient for wintering in, the majority were
in favour of putting out to sea, to try whether they could get to Phoenix--a ...
/f/favour.htm - 37k

Fair (147 Occurrences)
... Contrary to Paul's advice, the master of the ship determined to prosecute the voyage,
as the harbour was deemed incommodious for wintering in (9-12). ...
/f/fair.htm - 40k

Try (84 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:12 and as the harbour was inconvenient for wintering in, the majority were
in favour of putting out to sea, to try whether they could get to Phoenix--a ...
/t/try.htm - 31k

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