Definition: But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 26:16. It's a really significant passage about Jesus’s purpose and his relationship with us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, Jesus is telling Peter to get up and walk again. Let's unpack that a bit: “But rise, and stand upon thy feet…” : This isn’t just about physical movement. It's about regaining his strength and standing tall after being knocked down. It suggests a feeling of weakness or defeat. “…for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee.” This is the core of the message. “I have appeared unto thee” : Jesus is calling Peter back to him – meaning he’s reminding him that he's not just a past figure; he’s now present with him. “to make thee a minister…” : This means Jesus wants to call Peter to be his assistant, or a leader, in a specific way. He wants to help him fulfill his role as a witness. Think of it like a mentor or guide. “…and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee.” : This is where it gets really important. “These things which thou hast seen” : Peter had just been telling people about Jesus’s miracles – things like healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out demons. He was sharing his experiences. “…and those things in the which I will appear unto thee.” : This refers to future events that Jesus is going to do. He's talking about His coming return and the promises He made. It’s essentially saying, “I’m going to show you what’s coming, and I’m going to show you how it will happen.” So, the overall message is this: Jesus is inviting Peter back into a ministry – not just as a witness (remembering what happened), but as an active participant in bringing about His future plans. He wants to help him be a guide and leader for those who will come after him. He’s saying he wants to help you understand the bigger picture of what's going to happen. It's a powerful message of hope and anticipation. It speaks to the idea that God is working in our lives, and we have a role to play in His plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss what this passage means in relation to Peter’s life? Give you some examples of how this message might be applied to your own life?