Definition: And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 22:14. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about God’s plan for someone who has been speaking against him. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying to Peter that he is special – he’s chosen to understand God’s will and hear His voice. He’s offering a chance for Peter to truly know the truth about God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he said…” : This establishes that Peter was speaking against Jesus, which is a big deal – it’s a rejection of his message. “…The God of our fathers hath chosen thee…” : "Our fathers" refers to the patriarchs – the first human beings who were part of God's plan for humanity. “Chosen” means selected or designated by God. It's like saying, "God has a specific purpose for you." “…that thou shouldest know his will…” : This is key. "His will" means God’s plan and purpose – what He wants to happen. Peter needs to understand what God wants him to do. "...and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.” : “The voice of his mouth” refers to God speaking through His Son, Jesus. It's like God speaking directly to us through Jesus. Putting it all together: God is giving Peter a chance to understand why He wants him to be involved in spreading His message and to really listen to what Jesus is telling Him. It’s about recognizing that God has a specific plan for Peter, and he's meant to be a witness to that plan. Why is this important? This verse shows that God doesn't just give us opportunities; He actively chooses who gets those opportunities. It emphasizes that God's love and purpose are always revealed through His Son Jesus. It’s about recognizing that God wants to be heard and understood, and that Peter is a vital part of that process. In short: God has chosen Peter, and he needs to understand what He wants him to do – to listen to the voice of Jesus and spread His message. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to everyday life?