Definition: They were ware of [it], and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 14:6. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious part of the story! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: “They were aware of it” : This is key. The people in Lystra and Derbe – two towns near the Lycaian border (which is a region in Asia Minor, now Turkey) – knew something about what was happening. They weren’t completely oblivious, but they understood it was significant. “Fled unto…” : They immediately left Lystra and Derbe to go to nearby cities. It wasn't a decision made lightly; they were actively avoiding something. “The region that lies around:” : This is where it gets a little more complex, but it means they went towards the surrounding area – basically, they headed toward the countryside around these towns. What was “it”? That's the big question, and this is where it gets really interesting! The Bible doesn’t explicitly say what they were aware of. However, we can interpret it as: A Spiritual Encounter: The verse suggests that something powerful and possibly otherworldly was happening – a spiritual event or revelation. Paul's Ministry Begins: It marks the beginning of Paul's ministry in Greece. He’s starting to preach about Jesus and the hope offered through faith. Overall Meaning & Context: This passage is a snapshot of how Paul started his journey. He was traveling through a region known for its strange occurrences – people who were behaving strangely, speaking in tongues (a form of ecstatic worship), and being drawn to places of great spiritual energy. The fact that he deliberately left Lystra and Derbe suggests he was aware of something significant, and he chose to go to these specific towns as a starting point for his message. In short, it’s about Paul's initial encounter with something extraordinary in a region far from home, setting the stage for his important work. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you’d like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like a deeper explanation of what “it” might be?