Definition: No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth [it] under a bed; but setteth [it] on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 8:16. It’s a really important and comforting message about faith and God's presence. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is saying that when we believe in Him, He’s like a light – a shining example of His love and goodness. We don’t hide our belief or try to keep it secret. Instead, we let it shine out! Let's look at the parts: “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth [it] under a bed;” - This is saying that if you’re truly believing in Jesus, you don’t try to hide your faith. You don't put it away or try to keep it secret. You simply let it be visible and open to the world. “but setteth [it] on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.” - This is the key part! If you believe in Jesus, your faith – your belief – becomes a light. It’s like putting a candle on a candlestick. When people look at that light, they can see God’s love and goodness. What does this mean practically? Faith is visible: It means our belief isn't just in our hearts; it's outwardly expressed. When we truly believe, we aren’t hiding it – we’re letting it shine. God’s presence is clear: This verse suggests that God’s love and goodness are readily apparent to those who are open to seeing them. In a nutshell, Luke 8:16 encourages us to be open and let our faith shine through. It's about trusting in God and allowing His light to illuminate our lives. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Discuss the significance of this verse within a larger context of the Bible (like the story of Thomas)?