Definition: And there arose a great cry: and the scribes [that were] of the Phariseesâ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Acts 23:9. It’s a really important moment in the story of Paul and his journey. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Paul was being accused of something – he was facing a legal trial for a crime. The Pharisees (a group of Jewish leaders) were arguing that he was guilty. They felt like they needed to prove he did do it, and they were trying to find fault with him. What Happened Next: The Pharisees started shouting and trying to argue against Paul. They kept saying "There’s no evil in this man!" – meaning they were trying to find something wrong with Paul that they could point out. Paul's Response - A Turning Point: Paul, feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, said something very powerful: “And there arose a great cry…” This is a dramatic way of saying he was upset. Then, the Pharisees started arguing again , but this time, Paul responded with a statement that was really surprising: “We find no evil in this man!” What does that mean? He’s admitting his own guilt: He's saying that he does have the crime he’s accused of. That’s a big deal – it means he’s taking responsibility for what happened. He’s rejecting the Pharisees’ argument: The Pharisees were trying to make him look bad and prove they were right. Paul is saying, “I don’t see any evil in this man!” He's asserting his innocence. Why was this important? This verse shows a shift in Paul's perspective. Instead of getting defensive, he chose to stand firm in his belief that he wasn’t guilty and that God is just. It demonstrates his courage and faith. In short: Paul recognized his own wrongdoing and refused to let the Pharisees try to make him look bad. He stood up for his innocence and showed a remarkable shift in how he thought about the situation. --- Does this explanation help you understand what’s happening in that verse? Would you like me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of it, such as its context or significance in Paul's story?