Definition: And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 9:29. It’s a really important story about someone who was deeply troubled by his own sins and how he tried to avoid facing God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Paul is traveling through Jerusalem. He’s a very influential figure, known for preaching and sharing the Gospel (the good news of Jesus). He encounters some Greek Christians. These are people from Greece – a group of Greeks who lived in Palestine at the time. Paul starts to disagree with them. He's not agreeing with their beliefs or practices; he’s challenging them. What He Says: “And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus…” – This means Paul was speaking with conviction and using his faith in a powerful way. “…and disputed against the Grecians.” - He was actively arguing with these Greek Christians, questioning their ways and challenging their beliefs. What Happened Next: “But they went about to slay him.” – This is the crucial part. The Greek Christians, feeling threatened by Paul’s boldness, decided to try and kill him. So, in short, this verse tells us that Paul was challenging a group of people who were disagreeing with him, and they tried to harm him. What's the Big Message? This story is about: Faith over Fear: Paul’s bravery wasn’t about being powerful or winning an argument. It was about trusting in God’s power and using his faith to stand up for what he believed was right. The Power of Christ: It highlights that Jesus (the Messiah) is the one who empowers us to overcome our own flaws and challenges. He's not just about forgiveness, but about taking on our struggles and helping us become better people. It’s a reminder that God can be very powerful in our lives, even when we feel like we're facing difficult situations. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Acts? Discuss the context of this story (when did it happen, who were these Greeks)? Provide a little more detail about the significance of the phrase "spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus?"