Definition: And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 9:26. It’s a really important moment in the story of how Paul starts his mission to spread the Gospel (the good news about Jesus). Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Saul – a Jewish man who was once a Pharisee (a religious leader) – was trying to get involved with the Christian movement. He wanted to be part of it. But he was met with fear and disbelief. The people he encountered – the disciples – were scared of him. They didn't believe that he was actually interested in following Jesus or spreading his message. It’s like a roadblock on the path to sharing the good news. Saul had been deeply religious and held strong beliefs, and this experience showed him that his faith wasn't compatible with the new movement of Christians. So, what happened next? He tried to join in, but he was rejected. It’s a crucial turning point – it sets the stage for Paul’s journey to change his life and ultimately share the gospel with others. In short: Saul was initially hesitant and fearful of the Christian movement, showing that faith and belief can be tested by different perspectives. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage? (Where did it happen?) Connect it to a broader idea about faith and overcoming fear?