Definition: And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, [thou] child of the devil, [thou] enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 13:10. It's a really interesting and complex passage that speaks about Paul’s frustration with people who are trying to subtly and deliberately mess with God’s plan. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it means in plain language: Paul is deeply frustrated with someone – let’s call them “the devil” or “the enemy of righteousness” – who isn't following God's will. He’s saying, "You're actively trying to sabotage what God has designed for us." He uses strong words like “subtility and mischief” to describe their actions. Let's unpack the key parts: “O full of all subtlety and all mischief…” – Paul is really angry that this person isn’t being straightforward or honest about their intentions. He’s saying they’re using clever tricks and hidden plans. “[thou] child of the devil…” – This is a figurative way of calling them a negative influence, someone who's trying to tempt people away from God. It's not literally saying they are evil; it's emphasizing their manipulative nature. “…[thou] enemy of all righteousness…” – This is the core of Paul’s anger. “Righteousness” means following God’s law and doing what’s right. This person isn’t striving for moral goodness; they’re actively trying to avoid it. “wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” – This is the crucial part. Paul is asking, "Will you stop trying to change God's plan? Will you continue to lead people astray?" Overall Meaning & Context: Paul’s frustration stems from seeing this person actively working against God’s purpose. He sees them as a challenge to the established order and a threat to those who are following God’s path. It’s a warning – he believes that if this person continues, it will cause significant trouble for everyone. Why is this verse important? This passage highlights several things: The Power of Temptation: It shows how easily people can be tempted to stray from the right path, even when they think they’re doing so “good.” Importance of Obedience: It emphasizes that following God's instructions is crucial and that resisting it leads to trouble. Paul's Role: Paul is actively trying to stop this person from causing harm, showing his commitment to God’s will. In short, the verse warns against those who deliberately try to disrupt God's plan and calls for unwavering obedience to His commands. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Provide examples of how this principle applies today?