Definition: The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Acts 5:30. It's a really shocking and complex story with layers of meaning, but here’s the simplest explanation: The Basic Story: This verse describes the events surrounding Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. Here’s what it means: “The God of our fathers” : This refers to God, the one who created everything – including humanity. It's a way of saying that God is the ultimate source of all things. “…raised up Jesus…” : This means Jesus was brought back to life. “…whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.” : This is the crucial part. The people who were trying to kill Jesus – the Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious leaders – had him nailed to a cross. Putting it all together - A Complex Explanation: This verse tells us that God intervened in history. He actively chose to bring Jesus back from the dead, and then, through a horrific act, He was killed on the cross. It's a powerful statement about God’s sovereignty – His direct involvement in our lives and events. Important Context & Interpretation: This is where it gets really interesting and debated. The exact meaning of this verse has been interpreted in several ways throughout history: God’s Protection: Some believe this verse speaks to God's protective care over his Son, Jesus. He chose to ensure Jesus didn’t die, even at the cost of a terrible sacrifice. Divine Justice: Others see it as highlighting God’s justice and righteousness in sending Jesus to death. God’s Plan: It suggests that God had a plan for Jesus' life and purpose all along, and He ultimately fulfilled that plan through his suffering. It’s important to note: The text itself doesn’t explicitly say why God chose to resurrect Jesus. It simply states the event happened. In short, this verse is a dramatic depiction of a pivotal moment in history – the death of a significant figure and a demonstration of God's power. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Discuss different interpretations of this passage? Connect this story to other biblical themes (like sacrifice, redemption, or divine providence)?