Definition: And it shall come to pass, [that] every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 3:23. It’s a really important and impactful part of how Jesus and the early church dealt with sin. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about the consequences of not listening to God's message through prophets – specifically, Jesus. It suggests that if people refuse to hear and understand the truth revealed by God, they will be lost from the community. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And it shall come to pass…” : This is a dramatic statement, meaning something significant is going to happen. “[That] every soul…” : This means everyone . It's not just one person; it applies to every single individual who hasn’t heard the truth. “…which will not hear that prophet…” : This refers to Jesus and his message – specifically, the prophets who spoke about repentance, judgment, and God’s plan for salvation. "...shall be destroyed from among the people." : This is the scary part! It means that those who don't listen to the truth will be lost . “Destroyed” doesn’t necessarily mean death, but it signifies being banished or abandoned from the community of believers – a loss of their place and connection to God. What does this tell us about Jesus and the early church? Jesus’s Message was Critical: Jesus wasn't just offering comfort; he was challenging people to change. He was pointing out that many were still resisting God's plan, and that resistance would ultimately lead to consequences. The Importance of Repentance: The verse highlights the importance of repentance – turning away from sin – as a key part of being saved. It’s not enough to simply not be bad; you need to actively change your ways. The Church's Role: It emphasizes that the church (the community of believers) has a responsibility to share the truth and to guide people toward repentance. In short, this verse is a warning about the consequences of rejecting God’s message and calling for a renewed commitment to faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain it further with an example? Discuss what this verse might be telling us about the early church? Or do you have any other questions about this passage?