Definition: And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Acts 4:7. It’s a really important and slightly surprising verse! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Peter and Paul are speaking to the Jewish people who had been listening to a sermon. They were gathered, and they were discussing something unusual. They're asking why these men are setting up a place for them. It’s like, “What’s going on here? What’s this about?” Putting it Together - The Core of the Verse: The verse says: "And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? " What Does It Mean Literally? “They had set them…” – This refers to the men who were performing a special action. “…in the midst” – They were arranged in a particular spot, likely for a gathering or some kind of worship. “they asked…” – This is the key part. They're expressing confusion and disbelief. The Significance - It’s About Their Beliefs: What’s so important here is that these men are not just performing a regular service. They’ve been using a method of prayer – a specific form of prayer – to bring believers together in a group, even when they weren't physically present. The Connection to Jesus: This verse is often interpreted as a subtle but powerful reminder that Jesus himself was also performing this kind of ministry – bringing people together through prayer and fellowship. It highlights the idea that God’s ways are often beyond our full understanding! In essence, the verse is asking: “How did you manage to bring these people together in such a way?” --- Do you want me to: Explain any of this further? Give you an example of how this passage might be used in a story or context?