Definition: Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 13:41. It's a really important passage about God's plan and how He works things. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: “You people who are being disrespectful and confused, you’re going to find out that God is actively working something amazing in your lives – something you can’t even imagine – and it will be a really significant change for you.” Let's unpack the parts: “Behold, ye despisers…” - This means “you people who are being disrespectful” or "you who are skeptical." It’s pointing out that they’re resisting God’s plan. “…and wonder, and perish:” – This is a dramatic phrase. "Perish" means to be lost or destroyed. “Wonder” means being puzzled and confused. So, it's saying you are perplexed and starting to question why God wants something to happen. “For I work a work in your days…” - This is the core of the verse. “Work” here doesn’t mean just physical labor. It refers to God’s divine plan – His purpose for things to happen. He's actively doing something. “…a work which ye shall in no wise believe:” – This emphasizes that it's a secret or hidden thing. “In no wise believe” means you can't truly understand it, you can’t grasp it completely. It's beyond your normal understanding. “Though a man declare it unto you:” - This is a crucial part. "A man declare it" means someone – perhaps a leader or influential person – is telling others about this secret work. So, put it all together: God is actively working something incredibly significant in your life. He’s not just planning; He's doing it. And you, as individuals, can’t possibly understand the full extent of what’s happening until it happens. It’s a powerful message about God’s sovereignty and His plan for us. The Context: This verse is often interpreted as relating to the early church in Jerusalem, where they were facing opposition from Jewish leaders who were trying to discredit Paul's ministry. It highlights that God’s work isn't just happening "behind the scenes"; it's being revealed and impacting people's lives. Does this make sense? Do you have any specific questions about any part of this verse, or would you like me to explain it further with a different example?