Definition: And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 12:12. It's a little bit complex, but here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, Paul is talking about a group of people gathering to pray. Here’s the breakdown: “And when he had considered…” – This just means Paul was thinking and pondering something. He was wrestling with a decision or problem. “…he came to the house of Mary the mother of John…” – Paul is traveling through a region and finds a home where a woman named Mary is living. This Mary is the mother of John the Baptist. “…whose surname was Mark” - This is a bit more specific – Mary’s surname is Mark. “where many were gathered together praying.” – It says that a large group of people were quietly and intently praying in this house. So, what's the big picture? This verse tells us that Paul was in a place where people were praying. He was observing this gathering, and it seems like he was considering something important. It’s likely related to his own ministry or a situation he was dealing with. It’s a snapshot of a moment of quiet reflection and community. --- Important Note: This verse is from an ancient text (the Septuagint), which is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. It’s important to understand the context of the original language to fully grasp its meaning. Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a particular story or event in the Bible?