Definition: And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 24:12. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious part of the story! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that the speaker (likely Peter) was completely absent from religious settings – the temple, synagogues, or even the city itself – during a specific time. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And they neither found me…” - This means that when people looked for him, they didn't find him participating in any religious activities. He wasn't arguing with anyone, leading prayers, or preaching. “…in the temple disputing with any man…” – This is a key part. It suggests he was not involved in a debate or argument within the Jewish community. “neither raising up the people…” - He wasn’t leading a sermon or speaking to a crowd. “…neither in the synagogues…” - He wasn't participating in religious gatherings. “…nor in the city:” – This means he wasn't actively present in any urban center. So, essentially, this verse says that Peter was completely uninvolved in religious matters during a specific period. Why is this significant? This is a powerful statement about his identity and purpose. It suggests: He was a Gentile: The fact that he wasn't found in a temple setting points to him being a non-Jewish person who had come to faith in Jesus Christ. He was focused on spreading the Gospel (Good News): The verse is often interpreted as a sign that Peter was actively preaching and sharing his message of salvation with people outside the Jewish community. It’s about taking the message out into the world, not just within the established religious circles. In short, this verse tells us that Peter was a figure who was purposefully not involved in organized religion during a particular time. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects further? For example, would you like me to: Explain what "Gentile" means in this context? Discuss the significance of this verse within the larger story of early Christianity?