Definition: Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 15:10. It's a really important and complex passage about leadership and responsibility within the early church. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it means: This verse is saying that the leaders of the Christian community – specifically, Paul and Silas – are questioning God’s plan for the disciples (the people they were teaching). They're asking why God is asking them to impose a certain kind of restriction or burden on these new believers. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now therefore…” : This is a formal introduction, like saying “So, let’s move on.” “…why tempt ye God…” : This means they're questioning God’s motivation – why He would want to put a difficult or burdensome task on the disciples. “…to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples…” : This is a figurative way of saying “to impose a restriction” or “to burden” them with something difficult. A yoke is a heavy, binding strap used in ancient times – it represents a heavy responsibility or constraint. “Neck” here refers to the disciples' shoulders and backs. “…which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” : This is the core of the question. The leaders are asking if God is really asking them to handle this situation, given their past experiences and the challenges they’ve already faced. They're suggesting that putting this burden on the disciples is too much for them to handle – it goes beyond what they were prepared for. What’s happening in context? This verse comes before a significant decision by Paul. He's facing opposition from some elders in Jerusalem, and he’s trying to convince them of the importance of trusting God’s plan for his ministry. He's questioning whether it was wise or appropriate to place such a heavy burden on these new believers. Overall meaning: The verse is about responsibility and judgment. It highlights that leaders have a duty to guide and protect their followers, but they must also understand the limitations of their own ability to handle challenges. It’s a reminder that God's plan isn’t always easy or straightforward. In short, it’s asking: Is this burden too much for us to carry? --- To help me explain further and tailor the explanation to your needs, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand better about this verse? (e.g., its historical significance, its theological implications?) Are there any specific aspects of the meaning that you'd like me to focus on?