Definition: And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat [them] evil four hundred years.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 7:6. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling verse about God’s plan for the Israelites. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a period of severe hardship and oppression for the Jewish people – specifically, a long, drawn-out period of slavery and exile. It’s essentially saying that God is deliberately setting them into a foreign land and forcing them to be treated badly. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “God spake on this wise…” : This means God was speaking in a way that was thoughtful, knowledgeable, and guided by wisdom. He wasn’t just talking randomly; he was carefully considering the situation. “…That his seed should sojourn in a strange land…” : This refers to the Israelites' history – their wandering, their displacement, and their separation from the land they were originally promised to inherit. Think of it like being sent away from your home. “…and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat [them] evil four hundred years.” : This is the core of the verse. God is instructing the Israelites to force them into a state of servitude for 400 years. “Entreat” means to plead or beg, which emphasizes the oppressive nature of this arrangement. What does it mean? This passage is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the events leading up to the Babylonian exile in ancient Babylon. It suggests that God's plan isn’t about simply allowing them to leave; it’s about actively controlling their destiny and forcing them into a state of vulnerability. Important Context: The Covenant: The Old Testament is built on a covenant – a promise between God and the Israelites. This verse highlights that God’s promises are not always straightforward or easy. He sometimes chooses to test and challenge his people, even to the point of hardship. A Test of Faith: Some scholars believe this period was designed as a test for the Israelites' faith and loyalty to God. It wasn't necessarily about punishing them; it was about proving their commitment to follow God’s will. In short, the verse describes a prolonged period of suffering and control for the Israelites, intended to be a consequence of God’s plan and a test of their faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the historical context in more detail? Explore different interpretations of this verse?

Definition: And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 7:60 together. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious part of the story. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes a moment of intense distress and a plea for God to stop something terrible. “And he kneeled down…” - This shows that someone was deeply worried or upset. They were likely facing a difficult situation. “…and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” – This is the core of it. The person was expressing a strong feeling of concern and perhaps even anger. They were saying, "Lord, don't let this thing happen to them." “Sin” in this context isn’t necessarily a specific act of wrongdoing, but rather a problem or a difficult situation that could cause harm. “And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” – This is the crucial part. As they were speaking this plea, God seemingly paused or relieved himself of his responsibility to intervene in a way that might be harmful. He stopped being actively involved in protecting them. What does it tell us about God’s relationship with people? This passage suggests a few things: God's Empathy: It shows that God understands and feels the pain of others, even when they are facing difficult challenges. His Willingness to Let Things Happen: It implies that sometimes, God allows things to unfold naturally without direct intervention. He might be letting events take their course, even if it’s not what we would expect. Trust and Patience: It also hints at a sense of trust – that God is allowing things to happen despite the person's distress. It’s a bit symbolic. The act of falling asleep isn't necessarily a literal physical action, but rather a representation of God relinquishing his role in protecting this particular situation. Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Acts 7? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of the book of Acts?