Definition: And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as [he did] unto us;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 15:8. It’s a really important and comforting passage about God's role in people’s lives. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God knows our hearts – that’s a very powerful statement! And He’s watching us, offering us something precious – the Holy Spirit. It’s like He's observing us with a gentle and watchful eye. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “God, which knoweth the hearts…” - This is a bit tricky to translate directly. “Knoweth” means to understand deeply. God knows our intentions, our thoughts, and our motivations. He’s aware of who we are as individuals. “…bare them witness…” – “Bare” means to reveal or show something. So, God is revealing His presence and guidance to us. He’s letting us know He’s watching over us. “Giving them the Holy Ghost…” - This is the core of the verse. God is offering the Holy Spirit – a divine power and spirit – to those who are receptive to it. “…even as [he did] unto us.” – This is a crucial part! It’s like saying, "Just like He did for us ..." The Holy Spirit was given to us in the past. This verse is essentially saying that God's gift of the Holy Spirit is a continuing and active process, offering it to those who are ready to receive it. In simpler terms: God is actively watching over us and offering us the power and guidance to live a righteous and joyful life. He’s not just passively observing; He’s actively supporting our journey with His presence. It's a promise of protection, encouragement, and divine help. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse emphasizes God's love and care for humanity. It suggests that God doesn’t just look at us from afar; He’s involved in our lives, offering us grace and empowering us to do good. It also speaks to the idea of a relationship between God and humankind – a dynamic one where God is actively working towards our well-being. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Discuss the context of this passage in the Bible? Compare it to another scripture that speaks about God's care for humanity?