Definition: And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 9:11. It’s a really important verse that tells us about Jesus’ first ministry in Jerusalem. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling Saul (a Jewish man) to go into a specific house – the house of Judas – and talk to someone named Peter. He’s essentially giving him a mission. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the Lord said…” : This establishes that Jesus is speaking with God, and His word is important. “…arise, and go into the street which is called Straight…” : Jesus is telling Saul to leave his current life and start a new one. He’s saying "Rise up" – get up and move on. The name “Straight” refers to a particular street in Jerusalem. “…and inquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul…” : This is the key part! Jesus wants Saul to talk to someone named Saul. He's giving him a specific person to find. “for, behold, he prayeth” : This is a very important phrase. “Behold” means "look closely" or "notice." "He prayeth" means Saul is praying – He’s seeking God’s help and guidance for this new path. So, what's the big picture? Jesus was sending Saul on a mission to find and eventually become an apostle (a follower of Jesus). It’s like Jesus is saying, "You need to talk to this person about something important." Why is this important? This verse is crucial because it's the beginning of how Jesus started his ministry in Jerusalem. It sets the stage for Saul to change direction and become a key figure in spreading the word of God. It’s a powerful illustration of Jesus' ability to influence people and lead them toward a new purpose. In short, this verse says that Jesus is sending someone to find a specific person named Saul, who is asking for help from God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Connect this verse to a broader theme in the Bible (like faith and transformation)?