Definition: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 5:39. It's a really important and somewhat complex passage about faith and obedience. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that if something happens that seems like God’s will, it’s incredibly risky. It suggests that if people are acting against God, they could actually end up fighting against Him. Let's unpack the parts: “But if it be of God…” – This is a crucial qualifier. It means we can’t just blindly believe anything that happens and assume it’s right. It acknowledges that sometimes things seem like God’s plan, but they might not actually be. "...ye cannot overthrow it;" – This part warns us against trying to defy or fight God directly. It's not about being rebellious; it’s about actively opposing something that seems divinely ordained. "lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." – This is the scary part! If we do act in a way that opposes God, there's a real risk that we'll end up fighting against Him. This isn’t just about a minor disagreement; it means we could become a threat to His plan and purpose. What does this mean practically? Historically, this verse has been interpreted as a warning against: Disobeying authority: It's suggesting that if people are acting against God’s leadership, they might be setting themselves up to become enemies of God. Acting on selfish desires: It warns against pursuing goals or making choices that are contrary to what God intends for us. The Context – The Apostle Paul and the Jewish Christians This verse is found in the same chapter as the story of the Apostle Paul being arrested and facing trial by the Jewish authorities. It’s a significant moment because it highlights the tension between the Jewish faith and the burgeoning Christian community. Paul was essentially challenging some of their practices, which could be interpreted as defying God's will. In short: The verse is urging us to be cautious and mindful of our actions, recognizing that even if something seems like divine action, it could actually lead us astray and put us at odds with God’s plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain the historical context in more detail? Discuss what this verse might mean for believers today? Give you a different analogy to help understand the idea?