Definition: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Acts 2:24. It’s a really fascinating and symbolic verse! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about Jesus Christ’s resurrection. It's saying that God actually raised him up from the dead. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Whom God hath raised up…” – This is a very formal way of saying "Jesus." It means God has brought him back to life. “…having loosed the pains of death:” – This is where it gets really interesting. “Pains of death” refers to suffering, hardship, and even death itself. God released or liberated these pains from Jesus’s life. “Because it was not possible that he should be helden of it.” – This is the most complex part. "Helden" means to be suppressed, subdued, or controlled. This phrase means that Jesus could not have been held down or controlled by death. Putting it all together: God didn't let Jesus experience death. He actively removed the obstacles that would have prevented him from dying. The Significance & Why It Matters: This verse is a powerful symbol of: Victory over Death: It’s a huge statement about God’s power to conquer death and offer eternal life. God’s Sovereignty: It shows that God isn't just passively allowing things to happen; he actively intervenes to bring about change and victory. The Promise of Salvation: It’s a key part of the Christian belief that Jesus’s resurrection is the ultimate victory over sin and death, offering us a way to live forever in God’s presence. In short, this verse tells us that Jesus rose from the dead – he conquered death! --- Resources for Further Exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/read](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/read) (Allows you to read the whole verse and see it in context). GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/Acts-2-24.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Acts-2-24.html) (Provides a deeper explanation of this passage.) Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the context of the New Testament?