Definition: Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 20:19. It’s a really important part of understanding how Paul initially dealt with the Jewish community in Jerusalem. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Paul is saying that he was really struggling to handle the situation and the negativity coming from the Jewish people. He wasn’t just trying to be polite; he was experiencing a lot of emotional pain and frustration because they were actively trying to cause trouble for him. Let's unpack it word by word: “Serving the Lord…” – This is the core of the verse. It means Paul was dedicated to following God’s will and doing what is right. “…with all humility of mind…” - He wasn’t being arrogant or boasting. He was approaching things with a sense of submission and reverence. It meant he was trying to understand and respect others, even when they were difficult. “…and with many tears…” – This shows the depth of his struggle. It wasn't just a little sadness; it was a significant amount of emotional pain. Think of it like a flood of feelings – frustration, worry, perhaps even anger. “…and temptations…” - This is key. Paul was being deliberately provoked and challenged by the Jewish people. They weren’t just making simple mistakes; they were actively trying to undermine him and his work in spreading the Gospel (the good news about Jesus). “Which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:” – This is where it gets a little more detailed. The Jewish people were actively plotting to cause trouble for him. They weren't just being careless; they were deliberately trying to disrupt his efforts and even try to stop him from doing what he was meant to do. “Lying in wait” means they were subtly scheming and trying to thwart him. So, putting it all together: Paul was facing a lot of difficult challenges because the Jewish people were actively trying to make his life hard and prevent him from fulfilling his mission. He wasn’t just reacting; he was experiencing intense emotional pain due to their actions. It’s a powerful example of how God can test us and challenge us, but it's also an opportunity for growth – to learn about our own struggles and seek His guidance. Why is this important? This passage shows Paul's incredible faith and perseverance. It highlights that even when facing significant opposition, he remained steadfast in his commitment to God’s will and didn’t give up easily. It also emphasizes the importance of being aware of the challenges we face and seeking His help to overcome them. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Connect it to a specific story or example?