Charles Spurgeon Commentary Jonah 1:14-15

"Wherefore they cried unto Jehovah, and said, We beseech thee, O Jehovah, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man`s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood; for thou, O Jehovah, hast done as it pleased thee. So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea; and the sea ceased from its raging." — Jonah 1:14-15 (ASV)

Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee. So they took up Jonah, –

Put the emphasis on the first word, So they took up Jonah; that is, with great reluctance, with much pity and sorrow, not daring to do such a deed as that recklessly and with a light heart. When people do deeds like this on a far greater scale, and go to war with a light heart, they will have a heavy heart before long. If ever you have to cast a brother out of the Church—if ever you have to relinquish the friendship of anyone—do it as these men did with Jonah, patiently, and carefully. Investigate the matter, and do not act until you are driven to it after consulting the Lord.