Definition: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Acts 14:16. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising one! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s perspective on humanity – that He understands that people have been through hard times and experienced different ways of living throughout history. Let's unpack it word by word: “Who?” - This refers to the very early Christians, specifically those who were traveling and preaching in Jerusalem. “…in times past” – This means they’ve been around for a long time! It’s not talking about their current lives; it's referencing a historical period. “…suffered all nations…” - This is the key part. “Suffered” means to have experienced hardship, trouble, or difficulty. "All nations" means every country and people – not just the ones they were currently preaching to. "...to walk in their own ways." – This is a bit more figurative. It means that people have always been free to choose how to live, what beliefs they hold, and how they act. They’ve made choices that have led to different paths and traditions across the globe. So, putting it all together: The verse acknowledges that God has seen humanity throughout history – through all its struggles and diverse paths. He understands that people have always been free to choose their own way of life, even if those ways sometimes lead to conflict or disagreement. Why is this important? It’s a reminder that we’re all part of a long chain of human experience. It suggests God is patient and understanding, recognizing that humans are imperfect and make mistakes. It can also encourage us to be kind and compassionate to people who are struggling because they've faced difficult times in their own lives. In essence, it’s saying: “We understand the challenges humanity has faced, and we see that everyone has a unique path.” --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with some examples? Discuss its significance in a different context (like its role in Christian theology)?