Definition: But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 14:2. It’s a really important part of understanding how early Christianity began to spread. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where some Jewish people – specifically, the leaders of the Jewish community in Jerusalem – were trying to make things difficult for believers in Jesus Christ. They were acting against the group who believed in him. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “But the unbelieving Jews…” : This refers to a group of Jewish people who didn't believe in Jesus or his teachings. They were often resistant to new ideas and traditions. “…stirred up the Gentiles…” : “Gentiles” means "non-Jews." The verse says they were actively agitating – pushing, arguing, and creating problems – with the non-Jewish people (the Greeks and other inhabitants of the region). They weren't just generally friendly; they were deliberately trying to create conflict. “…and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.” : This is the key part. The Jews were disturbing the believers, causing them to feel worried, anxious, and even angry about their faith. They were making it difficult for the believers to continue following Jesus and sharing his message. What’s happening? Essentially, they were creating a negative atmosphere – a situation where people weren't feeling welcome or supported in their belief. It was like a small storm brewing that threatened to upset the peace of the community. Why is this important? This verse tells us that early Christians faced opposition and resistance from those who didn’t share their beliefs. It highlights that the message of Jesus wasn't always easy to receive, and it required courage and perseverance to stay true to what he taught. In short: The Jews were actively trying to discourage believers in the region, creating a difficult environment for them to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (when did it happen)? Explore the significance of this event in the history of Christianity?

Definition: Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 14:20. It’s a really important part of how Jesus started his ministry in Jerusalem! Here's what it means, explained simply: Basically, this verse tells us that Jesus was actively involved in the city and then left with his companions. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Acts 14:20”: This is a specific section of the book of Acts. “Howbeit…” – This is an introductory phrase that means "even though" or "in spite of." It's like saying “Even though…” “as the disciples stood round about him…” – This describes what was happening when Jesus was in the city. The disciples (the followers of Jesus) were gathered together, looking at him. “…he rose up…” – This means Jesus started moving around, getting involved. “…and came into the city:” - He physically entered the city! “and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.” – This is the key part. After being in the city for a while, Jesus and his companion Barnabas left to go to a place called Derbe. So, what's happening? Jesus was actively present in Jerusalem, and then he decided to head out with his friend Barnabas to a different town – Derbe. It suggests he wasn’t just observing; he was participating! Why is this important? This verse shows that Jesus wasn't just teaching or preaching in the city. He was actively doing things, and he started to take steps toward his mission of spreading the good news of God's love and salvation. In short, it’s a story about Jesus starting his journey and taking action within a significant community. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about what was happening in Jerusalem at the time?

Definition: And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and [to] Iconium, and Antioch,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 14:21. It’s a really important part of how Paul started his mission in the early church! Here's what it means, explained simply: Basically, Paul was traveling around spreading the good news about Jesus. “Acts 14:21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many…” – This means he started sharing his message in a particular town (Lystra, then Iconium, and finally Antioch). He was making progress! “…they returned again to Lystra, and [to] Iconium, and Antioch.” – This is the key part. Paul didn't stop there. After preaching, he went back to those three cities. So, what’s happening? It shows that his work was growing . He wasn’t just starting out; he was actively spreading the message of Jesus to different places. He kept going and continuing to build a community of believers. What does this tell us about Paul? It suggests several things: Persistence: He didn't give up easily. Faith & Dedication: He was committed to his mission, even when it wasn’t easy. Mission Focused: He was focused on spreading the good news and building a community. Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Give you a little more context about what the “gospel” is? Explain why these three cities were important?

Definition: Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 14:22. It’s a really important part of how the early church was structured and guided. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying: “Don’t give up! We need to support and encourage these disciples – those people who are following Jesus – but also tell them to keep going through tough times because they’re heading towards God’s kingdom.” Let's unpack that a little further: "Confirming the souls of the disciples..." This means strengthening their faith. It’s reassuring them and helping them stay strong in believing what Jesus taught. "...and exhorting them to continue in the faith..." This is like giving them a gentle nudge and saying, "Keep going! Don't stop believing!" It’s encouraging them to stay committed to their beliefs. "...and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." This is the really key part. “Tribulation” means difficult times – challenges, hardships, and possibly even suffering. The verse suggests that Christians need to endure these trials because they’re going towards a future where God rules in its entirety - His Kingdom. It's about preparing for a time when God will ultimately bring everything together in perfect peace and justice. Think of it like this: The early church was facing huge challenges – maybe persecution, illness, or simply difficult living. The verse is urging them to persevere through these struggles, knowing that their ultimate goal is to be with God in the afterlife. In a nutshell, it’s about encouragement and preparation for a future where God's kingdom will ultimately prevail. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you an example of how this verse applies to modern life?

Definition: And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 14:23. It’s a really important part of how Jesus established his early ministry! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that after praying and fasting for a group of people to teach and serve, they trusted God and gave them to Him. Let's unpack it further: “And when they had ordained them elders in every church…” – This means Jesus started appointing leaders – elders – to each local church. Think of them as the shepherds and teachers of the community. “…and had prayed with fasting…” - They were praying, and they were doing it before they made a decision about who to send out. Fasting is a special prayer time where people are focused on God and willing to give up something for Him. "...they commended them to the Lord…” – This is the key part! They weren’t just letting these leaders go off on their own; they commended them, meaning they trusted them completely to God's plan. It was a deliberate act of faith and hope. What does it mean in practical terms? It shows that Jesus recognized the importance of having strong, capable leaders within his church. He wasn’t just trusting them to do things; he was trusting them to believe . It signifies that God is working through these leaders and that they are guided by His will. In short, it's a powerful statement about faith, trust, and the importance of relying on God's plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context for this passage?

Definition: And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Acts 14:24: “And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.” Simply put, it means: After traveling through the region of Pisidia – a place in Asia – the missionaries or travelers continued their journey into the area of Pamphylia. Let’s unpack that a little more: Pisidia: This was a very old and geographically diverse area in southern Asia. It's known for its mountains, deserts, and various cultures. Pamphylia: This is a specific region within Pamphylia. It’s described as being a fertile area, likely used for farming and raising livestock – which is important for the Bible! What does this verse tell us about the missionaries/travelers? It suggests they were continuing their mission to spread Christianity into a new territory. They weren't just traveling randomly; they were deliberately moving towards Pamphylia, indicating a strategic plan. In short, it’s a step in their journey as they aimed to establish and expand the Christian faith. Do you want me to: Explain what "Pisidia" and "Pamphylia" might have been like? Give you some context about the time period this verse comes from?

Definition: And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Acts 14:25: “And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia.” Basically, it means: After they started sharing their message – about Jesus and his teachings – they decided to travel further south to a city called Attala. Let’s unpack it a little bit: “When they had preached the word…” This refers to the ministry of the early Christians who were traveling and teaching people about Jesus. They were actively spreading the good news! “…in Perga” Perga was a city in Turkey (though it’s debated whether it was actually a real place). It was a significant stop on their journey. “They went down into Attala:” This is where it gets interesting. Attalla was a larger, more important city than Perga. So, they chose to move further south to this bigger location to continue spreading their message. What’s the significance? This story shows that the early church wasn't just focused on one location. They were intentionally expanding their reach and trying to share the gospel with more people. It highlights a key aspect of early Christianity: a willingness to travel and spread the message, even when it meant going further afield. Do you want me to: Explain any of this in more detail? Provide some context about Perga or Attalla? Connect this verse to other Bible stories?

Definition: And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 14:26. It's a pretty important part of how the early church started its journey! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, they were continuing their mission and moving on to a new place. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Acts 14:26” : This is the specific verse we're talking about. It’s a recording of what happened shortly after the Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles. “And thence” : This means "and then," or “from there." It’s an adverb, telling us where they are going next. “Sailed” : They sailed – they travelled by boat. “To Antioch” : They headed to a city called Antioch in Syria. “From whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.” : This is the key part! "Which they fulfilled" means they were working towards a specific goal – their mission. "Were recommended to the grace of God” means that God had already given them permission and support to continue. So, putting it all together: The church was continuing its work – they'd been given permission to do it – and they sailed to Antioch, Syria, to continue working towards their mission. It’s a story of continued effort and being supported by God. In short, the verse tells us that the early church was moving forward in their ministry, guided by divine favor. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this verse within the context of the book of Acts? Give you a more detailed explanation of what "the work which they fulfilled" might have been?

Definition: And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 14:27. It's a really important part of understanding how the early Church started to spread its message beyond Jewish people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, they were remembering and reflecting on God’s work with them. Let's unpack that a little: “When they came…” – This refers to the first believers who arrived in Jerusalem after Paul and the other leaders had been sent out. “…and had gathered the church together…” – They were all coming together, forming a group of people dedicated to God. “…they rehearsed all that God had done with them…” – This is key! They were re-examining everything God had been doing for them. It’s like looking back at a story and remembering all the amazing things He did. We can think of it as a memory of God's work in reaching out to new people. “…and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.” – This is where it gets really significant. “The door of faith” refers to opportunity . God, through His love and grace, was opening a pathway for people from other nations (the "Gentiles") to believe in Him. It means He was making it possible for them to accept Jesus as their Savior. So, the whole verse is saying that the believers were remembering and celebrating how God had been working with them – and now, because of His plan, they could start sharing that work with everyone – including people from other cultures and nations. In short, it's a story of God’s grace opening the way for faith to spread throughout the world! --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of what God had been doing with them?

Definition: And there they abode long time with the disciples.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Acts 14:28: “And there they abode long time with the disciples.” Basically, it means these people – likely early Christians – stayed in a particular place for a significant amount of time. Here's a more detailed explanation: “They abode” : This suggests they were staying and living in that location. “Long time” : This is key! It doesn’t mean just a short visit. “Long time” implies a sustained period, possibly weeks or months. What does this tell us about the situation? This verse paints a picture of early Christian faith being actively cultivated and supported. It suggests: They were establishing a community: They weren’t just passing through; they were building something – a community of believers. They were helping each other: The phrase "abode" can also mean “lived” or “settled,” implying a sense of mutual support and care among the disciples. In short, it's about the Christians being actively involved in spreading the gospel (the good news) and nurturing their faith within a specific location. Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse – perhaps its historical context or what it might signify?