Definition: And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Acts 15:15 – “And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written.” Here’s a simple explanation: What it means: This verse is saying that the idea and message of the prophets has been widely accepted and supported. It's essentially acknowledging that what the prophets have been preaching for a long time – about God’s plan, about repentance, and about turning to him – is a common understanding across different cultures and people. Here’s a breakdown: “The words of the prophets…” - This refers to the writings and teachings of various prophets throughout Jewish history. These were figures who spoke with God on behalf of the people and offered guidance. “…as it is written” – This is the key part. It means that these prophecies (the messages they delivered) have been consistently interpreted and believed by people for a long time. So, essentially, the verse is saying: "The prophets have been telling us about this same thing - God’s plan and how to respond - for a very long time. And it's clear that most people agree with them." Why it’s important in the story: This verse sets the stage for the early church. It tells us that even though there were different interpretations among some people, they all agreed on the basic message of the prophets – a message about God’s love and invitation to salvation. It's a foundation upon which the believers could build their faith and understand what Jesus did. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give some examples of what the prophets were preaching? Talk about the significance of this verse in the context of the early church?