Definition: And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 12:8. It's a really interesting story about leadership and being led. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus was traveling through a city when he was arrested and brought before the Jewish authorities. They wanted to put him on trial for something they didn't understand. To protect him, the authorities decided to have a leader present – someone who could be trusted to guide them. What Happened Next: The angel appeared and instructed the leader to: Gird himself: This means to wrap his clothes around him. Bind on sandals: He was told to tie up his shoes. Cast about thee: He was asked to drape his garments over his body. Follow me: Crucially, he was instructed to follow the leader. What it Means – A Symbolic Explanation: This is a symbolic representation of Jesus’s ministry. It's saying: Leadership is important: The authority figure is crucial for guiding and protecting Jesus. Jesus needed guidance: He needed someone to help him navigate the situation and protect him from potential harm. Following leads to a greater purpose: The leader was instructed to follow Jesus, which meant embracing his teachings and mission. Key Takeaway: This passage shows that Jesus wasn’t just a man; he was also a figure of authority who needed someone to lead and protect him. It highlights the idea that leadership is about responsibility and being guided by those in authority. --- Do you want me to explain another verse, or perhaps delve into a specific aspect of this passage? For example: Are you interested in the historical context? Would you like a more detailed explanation of the symbolism?