Definition: And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto [him] the disciples, and embraced [them], and departed for to go into Macedonia.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 20:1. It’s a really important part of how things started in the early church! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Paul was welcoming his followers back together after a big disagreement. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And after the uproar was ceased…” – This is a little tricky to translate. "Uproar" suggests a loud argument or a disturbance. “Ceased” means stopped. So, it means the arguing or fighting had calmed down. “…Paul called unto [him]…” - Paul was calling out to his followers. He was addressing them individually. “embraced [them]…” – This is key! "Embraced" means to welcome someone warmly and lovingly. He welcomed them back into fellowship. “…and departed for to go into Macedonia.” - Paul left the city of Philippi (a place in Greece) to travel to a region called Macedonia. This was a big move – it meant he was going to a new place to continue his ministry and spread the word of God. So, putting it all together: Paul had been dealing with some disagreement amongst his followers. When things calmed down, he invited them back together. He welcomed them back home, and then he left to travel further afield – to Macedonia – to continue his work. What’s the big takeaway? It shows that Paul was committed to maintaining unity within his community and actively working to spread the message of Jesus Christ. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you a little more context about what this story means in general?

Definition: And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing [him] said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Acts 20:10. It's a really powerful and significant passage about how Paul approaches a situation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Paul is facing a difficult and potentially dangerous situation – he’s being attacked or threatened. He immediately recognizes that the person he’s dealing with might be in danger, and he’s taking action to protect them. Let's unpack each part: “And Paul went down, and fell on him…” : This describes Paul’s immediate response – he’s physically vulnerable and is being attacked. “…and embracing [him] said…” : This is the crucial part. He embraces (or wraps his arms around) the person. It's a gesture of protection, of offering support. “said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.”” : This is the core message. Paul says, “Don’t worry about yourself! His life is secure with me.” What it means on a deeper level: This verse highlights several important ideas: Trust & Dependence: Paul is placing his trust and reliance entirely on the person he's dealing with. He isn't relying solely on himself, but on something else – God’s provision for him. God’s Protection: It emphasizes that God is actively working to protect someone, even when they seem vulnerable. Focus on the Source: It’s a reminder to not focus on our own worries and anxieties. Our security comes from God, not ourselves. In short, this verse is a powerful declaration of faith – that God's love and protection are available to us, even in difficult times. --- Does that explanation make sense? Would you like me to: Explain it further with examples? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Acts 20?

Definition: When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Acts 20:11. It’s a really interesting story about Peter’s leadership and a bit of a moment of rest. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Peter was leading the crowd. He was giving a speech, and people were gathered around him to listen. He ate bread and drank wine. This is key – he was enjoying a meal! He talked for a long time. He wasn’t just chatting; he was engaging with the people. He broke off and left. Suddenly, he stopped talking and went away. What it Means Figuratively (and potentially spiritually): This passage isn't about him physically leaving the crowd. It’s a metaphor for: Peter’s Leadership: The story suggests that Peter was leading the assembly, guiding them with his words and actions. He was actively involved in the event. A Moment of Reflection & Preparation: The long talk, eating, and drinking symbolize a time of deep thought and preparation. It shows he was considering what to say next or how to best serve God’s people. Being Still & Listening: The key part is the “breaking off” and leaving. This suggests Peter needed to be still, listen to the people's needs, and be ready for his next steps – which were likely to continue with delivering the message of Jesus. In essence, it’s a snapshot of Peter’ s role as a leader being carefully managed. Important Note: The Bible doesn’t explicitly say why he was taking a break. It's a moment of reflection and preparation for what came next. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this story in a broader context (like Peter's character)?

Definition: And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Acts 20:12. It's a really important and significant moment in the early church. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: A Young Man is Brought Back to Life: The verse tells us that believers, led by Peter, found a young man who had been dead for three days. They Were Comforted: This isn't just about the physical recovery; it’s about their emotional comfort and relief. They weren't just glad he was alive; they felt a deep sense of joy and peace because they were helping someone in need. What It Means – A Layered Explanation: This verse is a powerful illustration of several important things: 1. God’s Care for the Lost: It shows that God actively cares for those who are lost or suffering. He doesn't just passively allow things to happen; He intervenes and actively helps people. 2. The Power of Faith & Action: It highlights that faith isn’t just about belief; it’s about doing . When believers acted to bring someone back to life, they were demonstrating their faith in God’s ability to restore and heal. 3. A Moment of Divine Intervention: This verse is often interpreted as a sign that God is actively working in the world, providing a miracle and offering hope. It suggests a divine hand guiding events towards good. 4. The Importance of Community & Support: It emphasizes that believers are not alone in their faith. They supported each other – they were comforted by the presence of others and felt united in their care for someone else’s recovery. In short, it's a story about God’s love, His active involvement in our lives, and the power of faith to bring healing and comfort. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this event in Acts 20? Explore what it might mean for believers today?

Definition: And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down that verse from Acts 20:13. It’s a little tricky, but here's the explanation in plain language: Basically, this verse is about planning and sending Paul on a journey. Here’s a more detailed breakdown: “And we went before to ship…” : This means they were traveling and preparing to leave for a specific destination. “Ship” likely refers to a boat or vessel. “…and sailed unto Assos…” : They set sail towards the city of Assos. Assos was a town in the region of Greece, known for its religious significance. “there intending to take in Paul:” : This is the key part. They were planning to bring Paul to Assos. They had a specific goal – to have him there. “for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.” : This is a more poetic way of saying they were carefully planning this journey and thinking about it intensely. “Going afoot” means traveling or moving – it emphasizes the seriousness of their plan. In simpler terms: They were preparing to take Paul to Assos, specifically to bring him there. They were making sure everything was in order for this important meeting to happen. Context is Important: This verse is part of a larger story about how the early church was organizing and supporting Paul’s ministry. It highlights their dedication to bringing him to the right place to do his work. --- Do you want me to explain anything else about this verse, or perhaps delve into a specific aspect like its meaning in the context of the Bible? For example, would you like to know: Why is this verse significant? What does it tell us about Paul’s role in the early church?

Definition: And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 20:14. It’s a really important part of the story of early Christians! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, they took Paul and Timothy to Mytilene. Let's unpack that a little: "And when he met with us..." – This refers to a meeting or gathering of believers. "...at Assos..." – Assos was a town in Greece. It’s a place where they were living. "...we took him in..." – They sheltered and cared for Paul. "...and came to Mitylene." – This is the key part! They traveled to Mytilene, which is a city further south on the Greek island of Crete. So, what’s the bigger picture? This verse tells us that after a significant event (likely a sermon or teaching), Paul and Timothy were taken care of in a particular location – Mitylene. It shows that they weren't just alone; they had support and protection from their community. Why is this important? It’s a reminder of the importance of fellowship, care for believers, and being supported by others. It also highlights that early Christians were actively looking out for each other. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Acts 20? Give you more context about the situation in Assos?

Definition: And we sailed thence, and came the next [day] over against Chios; and the next [day] we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next [day] we came to Miletus.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 20:15. It's a bit of a journey story! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This passage describes a group of believers traveling across the Aegean Sea (the Mediterranean) to reach a new city called Miletus. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And we sailed thence, and came the next [day] over against Chios…” – “Thus hence” means they traveled in a direction. They sailed from Chios (a Greek island) to Chios. It's a long journey! “…and the next [day] we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next [day] we came to Miletus.” – This is where it gets a little more detailed. They continued sailing, then reached the city of Samos. They stayed there for a bit, and then they sailed to Miletus. “Tarried” means to stop briefly while traveling. Putting it all together: The group was traveling from Chios, sailing across the Aegean Sea, and eventually arriving at Samos, then moving on to Miletus. It’s a sequence of travel – a journey! Why is this important? This passage shows that God’s plan for the believers wasn't just about getting to a destination, but also about moving through different places and experiences along the way. It highlights their faith and trust in God’s guidance as they traveled. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you a little context about the time period this verse came from (around the time of the early church)?

Definition: For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 20:16. It’s a really important passage about Paul’s priorities and his commitment to serving God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Paul was planning to travel to Jerusalem for Pentecost (a Jewish festival celebrating the birth of Jesus). He wasn’t happy staying in Asia. Let’s unpack that a little more: “For Paul had determined…” : This means Paul made a firm decision to go. He wanted to go to Jerusalem. “…to sail by Ephesus” : Ephesus was a city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) where he was traveling. He planned to sail his ship there. “because he would not spend the time in Asia…” : This is the key part. He wasn’t interested in staying in Asia – he wanted to focus on his mission. “…for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.” : This means he was hurrying to get to Jerusalem on Pentecost. He was determined to arrive there as quickly as he could. “Hasted” suggests urgency and a sense of needing to get somewhere fast. He wanted to be there for the Jewish festival celebrating Jesus’ birth. What's the big takeaway? Paul was incredibly focused on his mission – to share the good news about Jesus with people. He wasn't willing to waste time and travel in a different part of the world. It shows his dedication to spreading the gospel! In short, this verse highlights Paul’s commitment to traveling to Jerusalem for Pentecost as a crucial step in his ministry. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the significance of this passage within the context of Acts? Give you some background information on Paul's journey?

Definition: And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 20:17. It’s a really important piece of history! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Paul is sending someone to Ephesus (a city near modern-day Turkey) to gather the elders of the church there. Let's unpack that a little further: “Acts 20”: This refers to the events surrounding the arrest and trial of Peter and John. “He sent…” – Paul is taking action, making a decision. “…to Ephesus”: Paul is going to a specific city called Ephesus. It was a significant city in ancient times. “…and called the elders of the church.” – Paul is essentially appointing someone to be responsible for gathering and reporting on what’s happening in the church in Ephesus. What's the significance? This verse tells us that Paul wasn’t just sending a quick trip. He was actively involved in overseeing the well-being of his community. It shows he cared deeply about the spiritual health of the churches he led. In short, it’s a sign of Paul’s leadership and commitment to the church. Do you want me to explain anything else about this verse or perhaps delve deeper into its context?

Definition: And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 20:18. It’s a really important piece of advice to Paul! Here's what it means in simple terms: “And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.” Let’s unpack it: "And when they were come to him..." – This means Paul was visiting a group of people. "...he said unto them..." – Paul is speaking directly to the people he was with. “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia…” – “Ye” refers to the people Paul was with. "From the first day" means since he started his ministry in Asia – basically, since he began traveling and preaching. "...after what manner I have been with you at all seasons.” – This is the key part! He’s saying that throughout his time with them, he's been consistently present and supportive. “After what manner” means “in any way” or "at all times." So, essentially, Paul is reassuring them that he has been a consistent and reliable friend and helper to them throughout his journey. What does this tell us about Paul? This verse shows several things: He was dedicated: He wasn’t just visiting; he was actively involved in their lives. He cared: He wanted to show them that he valued their presence and support. He was trustworthy: It emphasizes his commitment to them. In short, it's a way of saying “I’ve been here for you – I’ve been with you.” Do you want me to explain any of this further? Would you like me to: Give you an example of how this verse might be used in a story? Explain the context of this verse within the larger narrative of Acts?