Definition: But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 27:21. It’s a really important moment in Paul’s life and how he was dealing with a difficult situation. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Paul was facing a problem: He had been preaching and teaching about the Holy Spirit and salvation for many years. He was essentially leading a large group of people – likely Christians in Rome – towards a new life in God. They’d released him: Paul had been sent to Crete (a Greek colony) as a prisoner. He’d been held captive there for a period, and his mission had been temporarily suspended. What Paul is Saying - The Core of the Message: "But after long abstinence..." : This means he was waiting for a specific time – a pause or a period of rest. He wasn't immediately back to what he was doing. "...Paul stood forth in the midst of them..." : He stepped forward, looking directly at the people. "...and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me..." : This is the key part. He’s addressing the crowd – the listeners – and reminding them of something crucial. “Sirs” means "people" or "listeners." He's calling on them to listen to him. "...and not have loosed from Crete..." : This refers to a specific agreement he made with those in Crete. He had promised to help them, and now he was leaving. "...and to have gained this harm and loss." : This is the most important part. Paul is saying that because they didn’t listen to him, they suffered a harm and loss . He's pointing out a negative consequence of their inaction – something bad happened as a result of not following his guidance. In Simple Terms: Paul is essentially saying: “I was trying to help you, but you didn’t listen to me. As a result, this situation has led to problems for you.” It's a plea for understanding and acknowledging the consequences of their choices. What it means about Paul: This verse shows that Paul wasn’t just focused on his own mission. He understood the importance of listening to people, even when it was difficult. It highlights his humility and recognition of the impact of his actions. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in Paul’s life? Offer a different perspective on its meaning?