Definition: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Acts 15:17. It's a really important verse in understanding how Jesus’ ministry began and how it impacted the whole world. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is calling people to seek him and to follow his teachings . And specifically, He’s calling out to everyone who calls His name – that's including Gentiles (people outside of Jewish tradition). Let’s unpack the parts: “That the residue of men…” : This is a bit tricky. “Residue” means leftover or remaining. It refers to all the people God has chosen to follow Him. It’s not just the Jewish people, but everyone who is open to hearing and understanding His message. “…might seek after the Lord…” : This means that people should start looking for a relationship with God. It's about wanting to be closer to Him. “and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called…” : This is the really important part! “Gentiles” was a term used by Jesus to refer to non-Jewish people – those who didn’t follow his Jewish teachings. So, this verse says that everyone who calls on His name – anyone – regardless of their background or tradition – should start seeking Him. “…saith the Lord…” : This is a formal and authoritative way of saying God is speaking. What does it mean practically? Jesus’ ministry started by reaching out to Gentiles, showing them that He was inclusive and welcoming to everyone . It wasn't just about Jewish people; it was about inviting anyone to connect with the love and life of God. Why is this important? This verse is a foundational part of how Christianity developed. It signifies that Jesus didn’t just focus on the Jewish community, but he extended his message and invitation to all humanity. It's a powerful statement about God’s inclusive love and desire for connection with everyone. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts in more detail? Give you an example of how this verse applies today?