Definition: And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 16:33. It’s a really significant moment in the story of early Christianity! Here's what it means, explained simply: Basically, it says that Jesus washed the people he had baptized right then and there. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Acts 16:33” : This is a specific verse from the book of Acts. It’s a detailed account of what happened after Jesus’ resurrection. “He took them…” : Jesus was leading a group of people, likely disciples and followers, that he had already baptized. He was moving them towards his presence. “…the same hour of the night…” : This means it happened at a time when they were gathered together, perhaps before prayer or worship. It’s not just any time; it's a specific moment. “washed [their] stripes” : “Stripes” refers to their white robes – the ceremonial garments they wore during religious rituals. So, Jesus was washing them with water. “and was baptized, he and all his…” : This is the key part. He began baptizing them! Baptism was a very important practice in early Christianity, and it symbolized repentance and forgiveness of sins. It’s essentially a public declaration of faith. “…straightway” : This means immediately . The washing happened almost instantly – without any delay. What's the significance? This act wasn’t just a ritual; it was a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ authority and his connection to God. It signaled that he was truly present, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with those who believed in him. It shows that Jesus was actively inviting people to turn away from their sins and come to him. In short, this verse tells us that Jesus initiated a significant event - washing the people he had baptized – right after his resurrection, demonstrating his power and offering salvation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what baptism meant in early Christianity?