Definition: And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Acts 22:18. It’s a really pivotal moment in the story of Paul’s early ministry. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Story: Paul was traveling through Jerusalem, and he had been accused of speaking against God. He was being pressured to stop preaching his message. What happened next? He’s told to hurry. Jesus tells him, “Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem.” This is a direct command – he needs to leave as soon as possible. He's warned about the consequences. Jesus then says, “For they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.” What does it mean? This verse paints a picture of a very dangerous situation for Paul. It means: The crowd is angry and hostile. They are actively trying to stop him from sharing his message. They're determined to discredit him. They’re not just being polite; they’re actively trying to undermine what he says. Their goal is to silence him. It suggests a deliberate effort to prevent him from spreading the Gospel (the good news of Jesus). In short, it’s about facing opposition and having to take quick action to protect his message. Why is this important? This verse is a classic example of Jesus’ power. It shows that God isn't just interested in what we say, but also how we respond. It highlights the importance of standing firm on our beliefs and not being intimidated by opposition. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the story in Acts 22? Discuss the significance of the word "testimony"? Explore how this verse relates to Paul’s later life and his ministry?