Definition: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Acts 15:14. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about God’s plan for the spread of Christianity. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about how God first reached out to people outside of Israel – the Jewish people – and started bringing them into a group he called “the Gentiles.” Think of it as a very, very early outreach mission. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Acts 15:14” : This is the specific verse we're focusing on. “Simeon hath declared…” : Simeon is telling us what he learned and understood about this initial visit. “…how God at the first did visit the Gentiles…” : This means that long ago, God started showing his interest in people outside of Israel. He wasn’t just looking at them; he was actively seeking to bring them into a relationship with him. “to take out of them a people for his name” : This is the key part! God wanted to create a group of people who would be dedicated to him and follow his teachings. He wasn't just interested in spreading Christianity; he was establishing it as a way for God to connect with humanity. In simpler terms, it means: God started making contact with people outside of Israel, intending to create a community centered around him and his message. Why is this significant? This passage is crucial because it's the foundation for how Christianity spread throughout the world. It shows that God’s plan wasn’t just about Jewish people; it was about inviting everyone to experience the love and presence of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you a related story or context? Answer any specific questions you have about the meaning of the verse?