Definition: Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 19:26. It's a really important part of understanding how Paul started his mission in the early Church. Here’s what it means, explained simply: Basically, Paul is telling people that he’s convincing them that God doesn't create things like we do – like statues or objects – but only creates things with human hands . Let’s unpack it a little further: “Moreover ye see and hear…” : This means Paul is sharing what he’s seen and heard. He’s letting people know what he’s experiencing. “…that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia…” : He's talking about a wide area – Ephesus (a city in Turkey) and then spreading outwards across much of the Asian land. It wasn't just one place; it was a large area. “This Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people…” : This is the core of the verse. He’s effectively preaching to people that God isn't made by hands, like anything we see or create. “…saying that they be no gods…” : He’s directly stating this – that these people don’t believe in a god who is made with human hands. The Context & What It Means: This verse is crucial because it's the beginning of Paul’s mission to spread the Gospel (the good news about Jesus Christ). He was initially preaching to a small group of people in Ephesus, and he started to challenge their beliefs. He was trying to introduce a new understanding of God that wasn’t based on human creation. Why is this significant? It’s a foundational point in understanding how Paul's ministry began. It shows that he was actively challenging the prevailing religious views of the time, and it laid the groundwork for his later work – spreading the message of Jesus Christ. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this passage (like Paul’s method of teaching)?