Definition: And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 11:2. It's a really important moment in early Christian history! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it says that some Jewish people who were familiar with the Old Testament traditions were against welcoming someone who was teaching about Jesus. Let’s unpack that a little: “Peter was come up to Jerusalem…”: This refers to Peter, one of Jesus' closest followers. He was traveling to Jerusalem, which was a very important city for Jewish people. “…they that were of the circumcision contended with him.” "Circumcision" is a practice Jews had done for centuries – it’s a scar they got when they were born, marking them as part of their Jewish identity. “They who were of the circumcision” means some Jewish men and leaders were still following traditions and beliefs that Jesus challenged. “Contended with him” means they were arguing or resisting him. So, what's the big deal? This verse is a key starting point for understanding how Christianity started to grow. It shows that even within the established Jewish community, there was some disagreement about who should be accepting Jesus as the Messiah – the promised savior of Jews and Christians alike. Why does this matter? It highlights a conflict between different groups of people who were deeply invested in their traditions. It’s a moment where faith had to navigate complex religious boundaries. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this event happened? Give you some context about the Jewish community at the time? Explore how this verse relates to the broader story of early Christianity?

Definition: And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 11:20. It’s a really important part of how the early church started spreading the good news of Jesus. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, these men were traveling to Antioch and started sharing about Jesus. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Some of them” : This refers to a group of people who were traveling with this message. It wasn't just one person; there were several. "Of Cyprus and Cyrene" : These are two specific locations in the Mediterranean – Cyprus and Cyre (a place that’s not explicitly named in the Bible). Think of them as places where these men had connections or established communities. “Spake unto the Grecians” : “Spoke” means to speak or explain. "unto" is a word for "to" or "about." So, they were explaining something – likely about Jesus! They were telling people about him. “Preaching the Lord Jesus” : This is the core of it. They were sharing about Jesus – inviting others to believe in and follow him. So, what's the big picture? This verse tells us that these men weren’t just traveling; they were actively trying to introduce Christianity to people who already lived in Greece. It highlights a key early step in the spread of the faith. It shows that the message wasn’t just being whispered or told – it was being shared and offered to others. In short, these men were missionaries! They were spreading the good news of Jesus through conversation and sharing. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this event in more detail?

Definition: And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 11:21. It’s a really important passage about faith! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God was helping people believe in Jesus. Let’s unpack that a little bit: “The hand of the Lord” : This is a figurative way of saying God’s help and guidance. It suggests a gentle, supportive presence. “Was with them” : This means God wasn't doing anything; He was simply present and supporting those people. “And a great number believed” : This is the key part! People started to turn to faith in Jesus. It wasn’t just a few, it was a growing group. “And turned unto the Lord” : This means they began to focus their attention and devotion on God. They were choosing to follow Him as their Savior. So, what does this tell us about faith? It shows that faith isn't just believing in something – it’s actively turning your heart and mind to a higher power. When people believe, they start to want to connect with God and worship Him. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as an example of how God can work through the whole world. It highlights that faith isn't always about personal belief; it’s about a shift in our focus and direction toward something greater. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about what was happening at the time?

Definition: Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 11:22. It's a really important passage about spreading the gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ) throughout the Roman Empire! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “Tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church in Jerusalem.” – Imagine people in Jerusalem were hearing about something important. It's like a secret message being revealed. "They sent forth Barnabas." – Barnabas was a young leader, and he was tasked to go further afield to spread this message. So, the whole thing is saying: The church in Jerusalem (a group of believers) heard about something significant and decided to send a messenger named Barnabas to explore even farther - to other parts of the Roman Empire – to share that message with more people. It was a way for them to spread the word of God. In short, it’s an invitation for the early church to reach out and share their faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of this in more detail? Give you some context about what happened before this verse (like why they were looking further afield)? Or, perhaps you have a specific question about the verse that you'd like answered?

Definition: Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 11:23. It's a really important passage about faith and encouraging people to follow Jesus. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “When God showed His grace (His kindness and love) to them, he was filled with joy and encouraged them to stay loyal to Him.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “Who, when he came…” – This refers to the leader of the Jewish community, Barnabas. He was traveling with the group of believers. “…and had seen the grace of God…” – This means he'd witnessed something amazing – God’s kindness and love – that showed Him how truly special and worthy He is. It's like seeing a beautiful sunset – it makes you feel good! “Was glad…” – Barnabas felt a deep sense of happiness and gratitude. It wasn’t just a polite feeling; he genuinely enjoyed witnessing this grace. “…and exhorted them all…” – He spoke to the group, urging them to continue following God’s will. “That with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.” – This is the key part! “Cleave unto” means to stick closely to something or someone. So, he was telling them to fully commit themselves to and follow Jesus. It’s about choosing to stay loyal and devoted to Him. In a nutshell: Barnabas was filled with joy because God showed him goodness, and he encouraged the group of believers to remain faithful to Him by sticking with his mission. Why is this important? This verse shows that God’s grace isn't just given to us; it’s also received and appreciated . It encourages us to be grateful for God’s love and to stay committed to following what He wants us to do. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (when did it happen)? Compare it to a similar idea in other parts of the Bible?

Definition: For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 11:24. It's a really important verse that speaks about the growth and impact of the early church! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that Peter was a truly good person and filled with God’s Spirit – meaning he had a strong connection to God. And because of this, he had a lot of people drawn to him and to Jesus. Let's unpack each part a little further: “For he was a good man…” This means Peter was kind, honest, and morally upright. He wasn’t just someone who followed the rules; he truly cared about doing what was right. “…and full of the Holy Ghost…” The “Holy Ghost” is often referred to as the Spirit of God. It signifies a deep connection with God – a feeling of being guided and blessed by Him. It's like having a special, inner light. “…and of faith:” This means he had strong belief and trust in Jesus Christ. He wasn’t just accepting him; he truly believed in his teachings and the promise of salvation. “And much people was added unto the Lord.” This is the key part! “Added” means that more people were coming to believe in Jesus. Because Peter was a good person filled with the Holy Spirit, he drew many others to him – it’s like planting seeds and they grow into a forest! So, putting it all together: Peter was a wonderful person who felt deeply connected to God. His faith was strong enough to attract a large crowd of people to Jesus Christ. It's a beautiful story about how the early church started growing and spreading its message. In short, it’s a celebration of Peter’s impact and the power of his faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss what this passage might mean in a broader context (like how it relates to the early church)?

Definition: Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 11:25. It’s a really important part of the story of how Christianity started spreading. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Barnabas was traveling to Tarsus (a city near Jerusalem) to talk to Saul. Let’s unpack that: “Then departed”: This tells us Barnabas made a decision to leave and go somewhere. “To seek Saul”: Saul was a Jewish leader who had previously been very opposed to the message of Jesus Christ. He was known for his strong beliefs and often persecuted Christians. “Seeking” means he wanted to understand him better, likely to try and persuade him about the truth of Christianity. So, what's the big deal? This is a crucial step in the early church’s growth. It shows that they weren’t just starting with a small group of believers; they were actively trying to reach out and connect with someone who was critical of their faith. It signifies a strategic move toward establishing a wider network of followers. Why is this important? It's a key event in the story because it opens the door for the message of Jesus to spread further! It’s like planting a seed – it needs someone to nurture it and grow into something big. Does this mean Barnabas was trying to convert Saul? Not exactly. He wasn’t trying to force him to believe. Rather, he was establishing a connection with someone who could help spread the word of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the story?

Definition: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 11:26. It’s a really important story about how Jesus’s ministry spread! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that after Jesus started his ministry, a group of believers – the early church – started to grow and spread their message. Let’s look at it piece by piece: “And when he had found him…” - This refers to Jesus returning to earth after his death and resurrection. It's a significant moment for believers because they believe he’s alive and can help them. “…he brought him unto Antioch.” – Jesus was traveling, and someone recognized him. He led the group of believers to a place called Antioch, which was a major city. “And it came to pass…” - This is a way of saying "it happened." It's a normal statement about events. “…that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church…” – The believers gathered together, probably praying and worshipping. "Assembly" means a gathering or meeting. “…and taught much people.” - They shared their beliefs, stories, and teachings. It suggests they were actively teaching about Jesus and his message. “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” – The word "disciples" means followers. The believers started calling themselves “Christians” because they were following Jesus and believing in him. In short, this verse tells us that Jesus’s ministry was growing rapidly, and the early church began to spread his message through gatherings and teaching. What does this tell us about the beginning of Christianity? It shows that the faith wasn't just a small group anymore; it started to grow into a significant community. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Acts 11? Give you some context about why this story is important in Christian history?

Definition: And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse! “Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch” means a group of people – primarily prophets – started traveling to the city of Antioch. Here's a simplified explanation: “In these days…” This tells us it happened at a specific point in the past, likely sometime in the early church’s history. “…came prophets from Jerusalem…” “Prophets” were people who spoke about God and delivered messages to the community. This group came from Jerusalem – which was a major religious center at the time. “…unto Antioch.” This means they traveled specifically to the city of Antioch, which was a significant trading and religious hub. So, essentially, it’s a story about a group of messengers from Jerusalem traveling to Antioch. What does this tell us? It suggests that God was actively working to spread His message and influence through these prophets. It's a foundational moment in how the early church began to grow and spread its beliefs. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the time period?

Definition: And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 11:28. It’s a really important passage about how the early church spread its message. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where people were spreading the word of God – Christianity – and it was becoming increasingly difficult. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And there stood up one of them named Agabus…” - Think of this as someone who was leading or speaking about the message. Agabus is a key figure in this verse. “…and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.” – This is the tricky part, but it's really about a shift in the spread of Christianity. “Dearth” means scarcity or lack. “Throughout all the world” means everywhere. The phrase "in the days of Claudius Caesar" refers to a specific time in Roman history - roughly around 49 AD – when the Roman Emperor Claudius Caesar was in power. Putting it together: The verse says that because Christians were spreading their faith, they were experiencing a massive shortage of people who understood and believed in Christianity. It’s like there wasn't enough people to talk about the good news! This happened because Claudius Caesar was ruling over a large empire (Rome). What does this tell us? It highlights that early Christians faced significant challenges in spreading their religion. The fact that it happened during a time of political power shows the importance of God’s plan for his people and how to overcome obstacles. In short, it's a story about a growing need for faith and a reminder that God provides for his followers. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this passage (like the role of Agabus)?