Definition: For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 4:27. It's a really important and slightly complex passage about God’s plan for the early church. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where people were gathered together because of Jesus, specifically because He was chosen to be the leader and protector of the Church (the community of believers). It's saying that there was a group of people who were opposed to Jesus’s work and ministry. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "Acts 4:27" : This is where we start – it’s a specific section of the book of Acts. “For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus…” : This is key. "Holy child Jesus" refers to Jesus himself. The verse means there was a disagreement or opposition towards him, possibly because he was being treated unfairly or not fully understood by some people. Think of it like someone challenging his authority or beliefs. “…whom thou hast anointed…” : This is the most important part – “anointed” means God has chosen and appointed someone. The verse says that God officially chose Jesus to be the leader and protector of the Church. "...with Herod, and Pontius Pilate..." : This names a few prominent figures who were actively working against Jesus: Herod: A powerful Roman governor who was trying to kill Jesus. Pontius Pilate: The Roman Governor who ordered Jesus’s crucifixion. So, what does this all mean? It's essentially saying that there was a group of people – perhaps those who were politically or religiously opposed to Jesus – who were together and actively working against him. This opposition was orchestrated by powerful figures like Herod and Pilate. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of God’s plan and protection for His chosen one. It shows that even when people try to thwart Jesus, God remains in control and provides support for his followers. It also speaks to the challenge that Christians faced early on – being opposed by those who didn't agree with their beliefs or actions. In short: The verse describes a situation where some people were gathered together because of opposition to Jesus, highlighting his leadership and protection within the Church. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Expand on the significance of "holy child"? Discuss the context of this verse in the larger story of the early church?