Definition: And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 1:21: “And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.” Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it means Jesus was visiting and teaching people in the Jewish community of Capernaum. Let’s unpack each part: “And they went into Capernaum…” : This tells us where this happened – Capernaum is a town near Galilee, which was a very important religious center for Jews at the time. It's described as a bustling place. “…straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue…” : "Sabbath day" refers to the Jewish holy day where people were expected to rest and observe a special ritual. "Straightway" means immediately, without delay. So, Jesus was immediately entering into the synagogue – a place for religious gatherings. “…and taught.” : This is the key part! Jesus was teaching people. What’s the significance? This story is one of the earliest and most important in the Gospels (the books about Jesus). It shows that: Jesus was present and influential: He wasn't just passing through; he was actively engaging with a community. He was teaching: The word "taught" suggests he was explaining principles, giving wisdom, or sharing his message. It’s the beginning of what we know about Jesus’ teachings. In short, this verse tells us that Jesus came to Capernaum on the Sabbath and started sharing his message with a group of people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you some context about the time and place where this happened? Discuss what this story might mean in terms of Jesus' teachings or identity?