Definition: Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Acts 20:30. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about the potential for division within a group of believers. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse warns against people within the community of Christians – specifically, those who are leading or influencing others – being tempted to say hurtful, negative, or divisive things. It suggests that these individuals might be trying to divert people away from following Christ. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Also of your own selves shall men arise…” - This refers to the leaders and influential figures within the church community. "Your own yourselves" means they . It's not just about one person, but everyone involved in the leadership or influence. "...speaking perverse things..." – This is a strong word! “Perverse” means going against God’s will, being negative, harmful, or misleading. “Speaking” refers to what they are saying. "...to draw away disciples after them?" - This is the crucial part. It means these individuals are trying to isolate or distract people from the true message of Jesus Christ – the good news of salvation and a relationship with God. They’re creating division, making it harder for people to follow Jesus. Why is this important? This verse isn't about individual Christians being bad; it’s about the potential danger that can arise when people are focused on negativity and division. It highlights the importance of: Unity: Maintaining a strong, united community based on truth and love. Focusing on Christ: Keeping the attention of believers on Jesus and His teachings. Avoiding Division: Being mindful of creating conflict or disagreement within the church. In essence, it’s a warning to stay true to the core message and avoid anything that could lead people away from faith. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Give you an analogy to help understand the concept? Explore what this verse might be teaching about leadership within a community?