Definition: And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 17:10. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious part of early Christian history. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse tells us that Paul and his companions – essentially his traveling group – were sent to the meeting of Jewish Christians (basically, the early followers of Jesus) in Berea. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas..." This means Paul was being led out of a specific location – likely a town or city. “The brethren” refers to his close group of followers. "Immediately" suggests a quick and urgent action. "...unto Berea:" This is where it gets a little more interesting. “Berea” was a small, remote village in Greece (modern-day Macedonia). It was a place known for its Jewish community. “Who coming [thither] went into the synagogue…” This is the key part. "Coming thither" means they traveled to or went to . “Synagogue” refers to a Jewish gathering – a place where Jews discussed religious matters, prayed together, and shared stories. So, what's happening? Paul and his group were traveling to Berea, and they went into the Jewish meeting. It’s like they were sneaking in while everyone else was focused on the usual prayers and discussions. What does this tell us about Paul and the early church? This is a classic example of how Paul initially faced resistance and challenges. He wasn't immediately accepted by the Jewish community. It suggests that he was trying to reach out to them, even though they weren’t welcoming him. It shows his persistence in sharing his message. Overall Significance: This verse is significant because it shows: Paul's Outreach: It highlights Paul's effort to connect with Jewish people and introduce the Christian message. Initial Challenges: It demonstrates that even when he started, he faced opposition from those who were already firmly committed to their beliefs. Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., what the "thither" refers to?) Compare it to another passage in the Bible?