Definition: And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 14:15. It's a really important passage about how Paul is trying to reach people in a specific area. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Paul is addressing a group of people – likely a community – and he’s asking them why they are engaging in certain behaviors that he sees as harmful or distracting from the right path. He's essentially saying, “We understand you too, and we also recognize that you have similar feelings and desires.” Let’s unpack it: “And saying…” : This is Paul explaining what he’s doing. “Why do ye these things?” : He’s asking them a direct question: “What are you doing? What are you focusing on that seems to be causing trouble or concern?” “We also are men of like passions with you…” : This is key. Paul acknowledges they share similar emotions and desires – perhaps they're enjoying excitement, gossip, or other things that pull them away from God. He’s recognizing a common human tendency. “…and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities… ” : He’s urging them to change their focus. “We want to tell you something important - we encourage you to stop focusing on these things and return to God.” “Vanities” means things that are unimportant or distracting – like fleeting pleasures, gossip, or worldly concerns. “… unto the living God…” : This is the central message. Paul isn’t talking about himself . He's speaking about returning to God. “The Living God” refers to God himself – the creator and sustainer of everything. “which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:” : This part is a bit poetic, but it emphasizes what God created - everything in existence. It's a reminder of the vastness and beauty of God’s creation. In short: Paul is trying to persuade this group to stop focusing on things that distract them from their relationship with God. He wants them to turn away from worldly desires and return to focusing on what truly matters – God Himself. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the importance of spiritual focus. It’s a call for believers to stay centered on God, not on fleeting pleasures or distractions. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Give you some examples of things that might be considered "vanities"? Talk about the significance of “the living God”?