Definition: And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 19:8. It’s a really interesting story about someone who was deeply involved with a group of people and seemed to be passionately arguing about what it meant for God’s kingdom. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a man named Saul (later known as Paul) who spent a long time speaking and debating about the idea of God’s kingdom. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he went into the synagogue…” - This means Saul was traveling around and meeting with groups of people. He wasn't just wandering; he was actively engaging with communities. “…and spake boldly for the space of three months…” – "Spoke boldly" suggests he was very passionate and articulate. “The space of three months” is a long time - it means he spent a significant amount of time speaking about this topic. “…dis disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.” - This is the key part! “Dis disputing” means he was arguing, debating, and challenging people’s beliefs about God's kingdom – how it should be, what it should mean, and how it could be achieved. “Persuing” means he was trying to encourage and guide others towards this idea. So, what was he doing? He was essentially trying to teach and explain the concept of God’s kingdom – a place where God reigns supreme and people live in peace and justice. He wasn't just offering opinions; he was actively challenging and trying to change people's minds about it. Why is this important? This story is significant because it shows that Saul was deeply influenced by his faith and began to see the kingdom of God as a central part of everything. It's a crucial point in how he eventually changed his path and became a major figure in the early church! In short, it’s about someone who spent a lot of time talking about God’s kingdom – and that’s a really important story in understanding the beginning of Christianity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Give you some context about Saul's life or the early church?