Definition: For he mightily convinced the Jews, [and that] publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Acts 18:28. It's a really important and slightly complex verse, but I’ll do my best to explain it simply for you. Here’s what it means in plain terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a dramatic moment where an Apostle, named Saul (which is the name of one of the original leaders), used his words and arguments to convince a group of Jewish people that Jesus was indeed God – specifically, that he was the Messiah, or the Son of God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For he mightily convinced…” : This means Saul wasn't just telling them something; he actively and powerfully persuaded them. He used his skills to make a convincing case. “…the Jews…” : This refers to a specific group of Jewish people – likely the followers of Jesus, but it could also be interpreted as including some skeptical or opposition figures. “…publickly, shewing by the scriptures…” : This is key. “Publicly” means in front of everyone else. "Shewing" means showing something – in this case, presenting evidence and arguments. “By the scriptures” refers to the Jewish laws, traditions, and writings they believed were true. Saul was essentially arguing that Jesus fulfilled those ancient texts and that he was indeed God’s fulfillment. “…that Jesus was Christ.” : This is the core of the message. Saul interpreted a passage in the Old Testament (Jewish scriptures) to say that Jesus wasn't just a man, but the divine Son of God – the very essence of God! In short, Saul’s argument was: “Jesus is the Messiah, and he is God!” He was essentially challenging established beliefs and presenting a new understanding of who Jesus was. Why is this important? This story is significant because it shows: The power of persuasion: Saul's words were effective enough to sway a significant portion of the Jewish community. The importance of Scripture: The verse highlights that the Bible itself – the Jewish scriptures – plays a crucial role in understanding God’s plan and truth. Important Note: It’s important to understand this story within its historical context. Saul was a zealot, and his arguments were controversial. It's not necessarily about proving Jesus as God, but rather presenting a new interpretation of scripture that challenged existing beliefs. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of this verse in more detail? Talk about why this story is still relevant today?