Definition: And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 8:11. It's a really important and slightly unsettling part of the story. Here’s what it means in simple terms: “And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.” Basically, Jesus was trying to influence people – specifically the crowd – with something that wasn't truly divine or God’s will. He used a trick, essentially a form of mind control, to lead them away from following him. Let’s unpack it further: “To him they had regard”: This means Jesus was paying attention to these people and noticing their behavior. He wasn't just dismissing them; he was actively observing what was happening. “Because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries”: This is the key part. "Sorceries" refers to a form of manipulation, trickery, or deception. The word “bewitched” emphasizes the deliberate and persistent nature of this influence. It suggests Jesus was actively trying to steer their thoughts and actions in a direction that wasn't aligned with God’s guidance. What was happening? Jesus was using a clever tactic – perhaps involving words, gestures, or even a false vision – to distract the crowd from his message about repentance and coming back to God. He wanted to pull them away from following him and toward something else. Why is this significant? This story highlights several important themes: The Power of Deception: It shows that people can be easily led astray by clever or misleading tactics. Jesus’s Strategy: It reveals Jesus’s deliberate efforts to influence the crowd, demonstrating his authority and power. Importance of Faith: It also underscores the importance of trusting in God and staying true to His word, even when faced with temptation or manipulation. In short, this verse describes a moment where Jesus used a deceptive tactic – influencing people through trickery – to distract them from following him. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the context of the story in Acts 8? Explain the significance of "sorceries" as a form of manipulation?