Definition: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 15:24. It’s a really important passage about how early Christians were dealing with people who weren't following their teachings. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Early Christians were facing trouble: The story starts with the early church encountering individuals – often those who weren't fully committed to their faith – who were challenging and even trying to force others to follow a strict, new religious law. They were saying things like "You must be circumcised" and “You must keep the law.” The words were harmful: These people weren’t just being polite; they were actively undermining your faith and causing you distress. They were trying to pressure you into something that wasn't right for your soul. What "circumcised" means: In ancient times, circumcision was a ritual marking of Jewish identity and a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham. It was a strict requirement for Jewish men. The verse uses this imagery to mean they were trying to force you into a religious practice that wasn't your own. What the Christians did: They recognized the problem: The early Christians realized they were being targeted by those who weren’t following their teachings. They offered no guidance: Crucially, they didn’t give anyone clear rules or instructions on how to live a righteous life. They simply didn't provide any way for you to know what was right and wrong. The Key Point – It’s about lack of instruction: The verse is essentially saying: "We have heard that these people are trying to force you into a strict rule, and we haven’t given you enough guidance on how to live your life in the way that God wants you to." In short, it's a warning about the importance of clear teaching and guidance when it comes to faith. --- To help me explain this verse even better for you , could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (Are you struggling with a particular concept or feeling related to this passage?) Why are you asking about this verse? (Are you studying it for a specific reason, like understanding its context in the Bible or applying it to your own life?)