Definition: And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
Explanation: Okay, letās break down that passage from Acts 16:21. Itās a really important and slightly complex verse, and it speaks about the Roman Christiansā responsibilities. Hereās what it means in simple terms: Basically, they're saying: āWe need to be clear about whatās not allowed for us here in Rome.ā Letās unpack that a bit: āAnd teach customsā¦ā : This refers to the practices and traditions of Roman society ā things like how people dress, eat, celebrate holidays, etc. āā¦which are not lawful for us to receiveā¦ā : This means these customs aren't something they can legally or morally participate in. Theyāre outside of their own rules and laws. Think about it ā the Romans werenāt allowed to have certain types of entertainment, ceremonies, or even forms of dress that are common today. āā¦neither to observeā¦ā : This means they shouldnāt be involved in any religious practices that aren't part of the Roman religion. So, what does this mean for them? It suggests a level of separation and focus on their own beliefs and way of life. They were essentially being told to remain focused on their faith ā their core values and beliefs ā rather than getting caught up in the customs and traditions of Rome. Why is this important? This verse highlights that Christians, especially in a new city like Rome, needed to be mindful of not becoming overly involved in the culture and laws of the world around them. Itās about maintaining their spiritual identity while living in a different society. In short: They were instructed to stay neutral and focused on their faith. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, or perhaps discuss its significance within the context of early Christianity?