Definition: Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with [his] hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 13:16. It's a really important part of the story of how Jesus started to be accepted by the Jewish people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Paul is calling out to the people of Israel – meaning the Jews – and urging them to listen to him. Let’s look at each part: “Paul stood up…” This tells us that Paul was actively involved in speaking. “…and beckoning with [his] hand said…” This is a gesture, like raising his hand. “Beckoning” means inviting someone to pay attention or listen. “Men of Israel, and ye that fear God…” This is a formal introduction – it’s addressing everyone who is called "Israel." It's specifically referring to Jewish people. The word "fear" is important - it suggests they are showing respect and acknowledging the seriousness of what Paul is saying. “…give audience.” This is the key part! “Give audience” means to listen carefully, to pay attention, and to understand what Paul is saying. So, putting it all together: Paul is inviting the Jewish people – those who are religious and respectful of God – to hear his message and to consider it seriously. He’s essentially saying, "Listen up! There's something important I want you to know." Why was this verse significant? This verse is a crucial moment because: It marked the beginning of Paul’s ministry: Before this, he wasn’t widely accepted by the Jewish community. This act of calling out to them was a huge step toward his mission of spreading the Gospel (the good news about Jesus). It established a dialogue: It started a conversation between Paul and the Jewish people, which would eventually lead to a significant shift in their beliefs and practices. In short, it’s a call for attention and understanding – a plea for people to listen to the message of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Acts?