Definition: The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Acts 22:24. It’s a really interesting story about a powerful leader being put through a difficult test. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Situation: Peter was preaching and being accused. Peter was speaking to the crowd, and they were intensely angry with him. They were shouting against him because he had challenged the Jewish religious leaders. The Chief Captain (likely a Roman official) commanded action. This powerful leader – the Chief Captain – instructed someone else to bring Peter into their castle. This wasn't a friendly visit; it was a deliberate act of intimidation and control. What Happened Next: Scourging – A painful test. The Chief Captain then ordered someone to scour Peter with a whip. Scouring is a brutal form of punishment, designed to physically and emotionally test the person being punished. It's essentially a painful, humiliating ordeal. The Goal - To Understand Why They Cried Out The chief captain wanted to know why the crowd was so furious. He needed to understand the reason for their intense anger – what they were protesting. Putting it Together – The Meaning: This verse tells us that Peter’s actions were provoking a huge and passionate reaction from the Jewish people. The Chief Captain wasn't just punishing him; he was using this ordeal to understand why they were so angry with him. It’s a strategic move designed to reveal the root of their opposition. In essence, it’s a story about: Confrontation and Opposition: Peter’s words challenged religious authority, which led to a powerful backlash. Intimidation and Control: The Chief Captain used a harsh punishment to force Peter to understand the source of the problem. Strategic Investigation: The act was a way for the Roman authorities (or whoever was involved) to gather information about why the people were so upset with Peter. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a sign that Peter’s preaching was challenging the established religious order, and this led to conflict. It's a pivotal moment in the early church! --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Connect it to a specific theme (like faith or persecution)?