Definition: But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 10:23. It’s a really important and powerful message about standing strong in the face of adversity. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to protect yourself and your community when people are trying to harm you. It’s essentially saying, “Don’t be complacent; be prepared to move on if things get tough.” Let's unpack it word by word: “But when they persecute you in this city…” – This means that right now , someone is trying to stop you or your group from doing what you’re doing. “Persecute” means to try and harm, discourage, or punish you. It could be anything from being mocked or ignored, to being physically attacked, to being accused of something wrong. “…flee ye into another…” – This is the key instruction. "Flee" means to run away. “Into another” means to move to a different place. “For verily I say unto you…” – This is Jesus’s way of emphasizing his message. “Verily” means very seriously. He's saying this isn't just a suggestion; it’s a command. "I" refers to him, and the “say” signifies that he is speaking with authority. “Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel…” – This part is crucial. It means don’t abandon your entire community or area. It's saying you shouldn't just leave your home, your family, and your work. You should stay strong and continue to serve God wherever you are. "...until the Son of man be come." – This is a very important part that connects to Jesus’s future return. “The Son of man” refers to Jesus Christ. “Be come” means He will arrive, or will take on a human form, and then he will return to earth. So, what does it all mean? Jesus is saying that even when people are trying to cause problems in your current location, you need to be prepared to move to a different place. It’s about protecting yourself and others from harm. It's a call to vigilance and courage. The idea isn’t just about physical safety; it’s about spiritual protection – staying true to God and your faith. In short, this verse is a reminder that God is with you, even when things are difficult, and He will protect you if you trust Him. Does that make sense? Would you like me to: Explain another part of the passage in more detail? Give some examples of how this verse might be applied in real-life situations?