Definition: And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this important verse from Acts 19:41. It's a really significant moment in Paul’s story and it speaks to his incredible courage and faith. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Paul was about to deliver a powerful message – a judgment – but he stopped himself. Let’s unpack that: "He had thus spoken..." - This means he was about to say something very important. It was a crucial moment where he was going to challenge or warn the people. "...he dismissed the assembly." – This is the key part. Paul stopped speaking right before the crowd began to argue and disagree with him. He essentially turned away from his words. What’s happening here? This verse tells us a lot about Paul's character: He was listening to God: It suggests he was being guided by divine direction, even when it felt uncomfortable or risky. He was prioritizing truth and righteousness: He wasn’t willing to let his words be twisted or misinterpreted. It shows a commitment to speaking the truth as God led him. Why is this important? This act of pausing and withdrawing is a powerful example of Paul's faith. It demonstrates his willingness to stand firm in his convictions, even when it’s difficult. It’s a sign that he was deeply aware of what he was about to say and took the appropriate action. In short, “And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly” means Paul stopped speaking before delivering a critical message because he was listening to God and prioritizing truth. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage? Explore what it might mean in terms of Paul's journey?