Definition: Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 22:29. It’s a really important part of how Peter gets his chance to share his faith. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Situation: Peter was talking to the Jewish leaders. They were trying to trick him into denying Jesus. They wanted to make him say he didn't believe in Jesus, so they asked him a question that would throw him off balance. They’d already examined him – meaning they’d tried to find ways to discredit and convince him. They were looking for any weakness or doubt. The chief captain was afraid. This is key! The captain was a high-ranking Roman official who had bound Peter. Binding meant he was held captive, which was a very serious punishment in the time. What happened next: They knew he was a Roman. This tells us Peter wasn't just any ordinary person; he was a foreigner, and this made him a target for suspicion. Because he had bound him – this is the crucial part. The captain was bound - held captive. This meant he couldn’t move around freely or talk to anyone without being noticed. So, putting it all together: Peter was being questioned and pressured by Jewish leaders who were trying to trick him into denying Jesus. The captain, a Roman official, was bound and held captive. As a result of this situation, Peter immediately left the meeting, and the captain also felt terrified because he knew he was a Roman and that he had been bound. The Overall Meaning: This passage shows how Peter’s position made him vulnerable. He was facing intense pressure and danger, and his circumstances were incredibly unsettling for the captain as well. It highlights the importance of being careful about who you associate with and the potential dangers that can arise from those connections. In a nutshell, it's a story about being targeted and needing to be cautious in situations where you’re under scrutiny. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in the context of Peter’s life?