Definition: And now, behold, the hand of the Lord [is] upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 13:11. It's a really interesting and slightly unsettling part of the story of early Christianity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms:
The Basic Idea:
This verse describes a moment of intense spiritual confusion and disorientation for Peter after he had made a significant, perhaps even controversial, decision about following Jesus.
Let's unpack it:
“And now, behold…”
: This is a dramatic introduction – it’s like saying, “This is happening
now
.” It signifies a turning point.
“…the hand of the Lord [is] upon thee…”
: The word "hand" here isn't about a physical hand. It means God is actively intervening in Peter’s life and spirit – He’s giving Him power and direction.
"...and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.”
: This is the core of the verse. Peter is experiencing a
spiritual blindness
. He's losing his way, unable to see clearly or understand things properly. It’s like being lost in a fog – you can’t grasp anything. The "season" refers to a period of time—a temporary loss of sight.
“And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness…”
: This describes the
effect
of God's intervention. Peter is enveloped in a swirling, shadowy cloud - this represents confusion, fear, and perhaps even a sense of being overwhelmed by his own thoughts or doubts.
What’s happening next?
The verse continues:
“And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.”
This is crucial. Peter, in this moment of disorientation,
begins
to seek someone – someone to guide him. It's as if his mind is struggling to grasp what’s happening and needing assistance.
What does it mean?
This passage is a powerful illustration of:
God's Sovereignty:
God is in control and actively working in our lives, even when we don’t understand why.
The Importance of Guidance:
Peter needed guidance – he was too focused on his own ideas to see the bigger picture. It highlights that we all need someone to help us navigate life's challenges.
Faith and Trust:
The act of seeking someone to lead him is a sign of faith - a willingness to trust in God’s plan, even when it's difficult to understand.
In essence, the verse portrays a moment of profound spiritual confusion where Peter needs help to see the truth and continue on his path.
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Do you want me to:
Explain this passage further?
Give you some examples of how this story might be interpreted in different contexts (like its significance for the early church)?