Definition: This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Acts 18:25. It’s a really important part of understanding how Paul started to share his faith. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says: “This man was instructed by God in the way of the Lord, and he spoke and taught with great passion about the things of the Lord – specifically, baptism.” Let’s unpack that a little further: "This man was instructed..." - This means Paul received guidance from God. He wasn't just randomly preaching; someone gave him a specific set of rules or teachings to follow. "...in the way of the Lord..." – “The way of the Lord” refers to following God’s will and principles perfectly. It’s about living according to His plan for his life, which includes loving Him, obeying His laws, and worshipping Him. "...and being fervent in the spirit..." - “Fervent” means passionate, intense, and full of emotion. Paul was really excited about what he was teaching – he wasn't just reciting facts; he was conveying a deep sense of God’s truth. "...he spake and taught diligently..." - He began to speak and teach the Bible in a clear and thorough way. "...the things of the Lord..." - This is key! He was focusing on teaching about Jesus Christ, His teachings, and the importance of baptism. "...knowing only the baptism of John." – This means he primarily taught about the baptism that Jesus himself initiated. He wasn't delving into all aspects of Christianity at this point; his focus was on the fundamental message of repentance and new life through Christ. In short, Paul started to teach about Jesus and the importance of baptism, driven by a deep and passionate faith. Why is this important? This verse shows that God's guidance isn’t just about giving us rules; it’s about leading us towards Him. It’s a crucial step in how Paul began to spread his message of salvation through Jesus Christ. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect this verse to a specific story or event in the Bible?