Definition: Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 9:13. It’s a really important and sobering moment in the story of Paul's journey with Jesus. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core of the Verse: “Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "Then Ananias..." : This refers to Paul, who had been traveling with Jesus and was experiencing a profound spiritual crisis. "...answered..." : Paul is responding to something someone else has said. “Lord…” : This is a way of addressing Jesus – acknowledging that he’s speaking about him. It's a humble acknowledgement. "...I have heard by many of this man..." : Paul is telling us that many people, including others who had been with him, have witnessed the terrible things this man (who we’ll call “this man”) has done to the believers at Jerusalem. He's sharing a story of profound suffering and harm. "...how much evil he hath done..." : This is the crucial part – Paul is describing a significant amount of wrongdoing. It’s not just a little bit of bad behavior; it's something that has caused significant pain and distress to those people. "...to thy saints at Jerusalem." : This tells us specifically who was affected - the believers (people) in Jerusalem. So, what does this mean practically? It means that this man had been actively persecuting and harming Christians – essentially, he’d been causing great suffering to people who believed in Jesus Christ. This is a devastating revelation for Paul. Why is it important? This verse highlights the potential for evil within individuals. It shows that even those who are deeply devoted to God can fall into darkness and cause harm to others. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of resisting temptation and striving to be righteous. In essence, this passage reveals a deep wound in the community of believers at Jerusalem caused by one person's actions. It sets the stage for Paul's eventual mission – to confront this evil and bring healing and restoration. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Jesus’ ministry?