Definition: And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Acts 13:44. It’s a really significant and important part of the story of early Christianity! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes a huge crowd gathering to listen to Jesus Christ. Let's unpack it a little further: “And the next sabbath day” : This is a bit tricky. “Sabbath” was a holy day of rest and worship in Jewish tradition. The word "sabbath" means “rest.” So, this refers to the seventh day of the week – the day God rested after creation. “came almost the whole city together” : This isn’t just a small group; it was almost every single person in Jerusalem and its surrounding areas. It emphasizes that the message of Jesus was being widely proclaimed. “to hear the word of God” : This is the core of what's happening. The verse means people were gathered to listen intently to Jesus’ teachings, sermons, or whatever he was saying. What does this tell us about early Christianity? This event is a really important sign that Jesus was becoming very popular and influential. It shows that his message was resonating deeply with the people of Jerusalem, and it’s believed to have been a crucial moment in the beginning of the Christian movement. It's a powerful illustration of how God’s word could draw people together. In short, this verse describes a massive gathering where people were eager to hear Jesus speak. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you more context about the time period?