Definition: And after that he gave [unto them] judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Acts 13:20. It’s a really important part of understanding how God’s plan unfolds in the story of the early church. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is choosing a group of people to lead and guide his followers. Let's unpack that a little further: “He gave [unto them] judges…” – This doesn’t mean giving them direct power or authority. Instead, “judges” refers to a group of trusted leaders – specifically, the elders of the church – who were chosen to watch over and guide the people God had called. “…about the space of four hundred and fifty years…” – This is a long time! It’s a significant amount of time, stretching back nearly 2000 years. It shows how much God has planned for his people. “until Samuel the prophet.” – This is the key part! Samuel was a very important prophet in the Old Testament who spoke to King David and warned him about the dangers of disobedience. God chose Samuel to be a leader of these elders, and he would guide them for nearly 2000 years. So, what’s the big takeaway? God is deliberately setting up a long period of time where a specific group of people – guided by trusted leaders like Samuel – will play a crucial role in leading and shaping the future of his church. It's about careful planning and establishing a foundation for growth and faithfulness. In essence, it’s a promise that God is working steadily through his people over a very long period. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant? Give you some examples of the kinds of leaders God chose in this time? Or perhaps delve into a specific aspect of this verse, like its connection to the Old Testament?