The well-sealed bottle bearing...
Illustration
The well-sealed bottle bearing a precious message is known to be one of the world's most seaworthy vessels. Such bottles have been known to survive hurricanes, shipwrecks, and brutal beatings. Many factors effect this small vessel's well-being, endurance, and speed (such as currents and overall weather conditions). Some have lasted more than 250 years and have traveled in excess of six nautical miles a day.
The imagery called upon in this passage is that of purging or emptying such a vessel (also translated “instrument”), reconstituting it, and filling it afresh (see especially verse 15). The process is accomplished by: 1) being humbled by the presence of the light -- the glory of the Christ; 2) being blinded and undergoing cataract surgery (verse 18) under the flawless scalpel of the Holy Ghost; 3) reconstituted, given a new status of “chosen vessel,” and a new commission (verse 15); and 4) having the reconstituted vessel filled up and sealed with “Holy Spirit” as its content rather than with other spirits (such as spirits of threats and murder). This new chosen vessel brims over with its contents which overflow into proclamation:
“Jesus, He is the Son of God” (verse 20).
The imagery called upon in this passage is that of purging or emptying such a vessel (also translated “instrument”), reconstituting it, and filling it afresh (see especially verse 15). The process is accomplished by: 1) being humbled by the presence of the light -- the glory of the Christ; 2) being blinded and undergoing cataract surgery (verse 18) under the flawless scalpel of the Holy Ghost; 3) reconstituted, given a new status of “chosen vessel,” and a new commission (verse 15); and 4) having the reconstituted vessel filled up and sealed with “Holy Spirit” as its content rather than with other spirits (such as spirits of threats and murder). This new chosen vessel brims over with its contents which overflow into proclamation:
“Jesus, He is the Son of God” (verse 20).
