Definition: And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 13:18. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious part of the story! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a period of hardship and change for the Jewish people in the wilderness. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Acts 13”: This refers to a specific time in the early church – a group of believers who were traveling through the wilderness. “…about forty years…” This tells us this wasn't just a single event; it was a long, drawn-out period of trouble. It’s about 40 years! “…suffered they their manners…” This is the key part. "Manners" in this context refers to customs , ways of doing things , and social practices . The Jewish people had been living under a strict religious law for a long time, which heavily influenced their daily lives – how they behaved, what they did, even where they lived. So, what was happening? The verse suggests that the Jewish community was undergoing a significant shift in their way of life. They were experiencing a period of intense difficulty and change because of their old laws and traditions. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that even seemingly stable societies can face challenges and need to adapt or change. It highlights the idea that things don't always stay the same, and growth often comes from overcoming difficulties. In essence, it tells us that the Jewish people were going through a really tough time – a period of significant transformation – for about 40 years. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Talk about the historical context of this passage? Discuss what the verse might be suggesting about the future of the church?