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. --- 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)?