Definition: But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Acts 23:21. It’s a really powerful and important passage about forgiveness and the possibility of redemption. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Situation: Peter is being accused: Peter was being questioned by the Sanhedrin (a Jewish council) – essentially, he was facing serious punishment for his actions. They've bound him with an oath: The Sanhedrin had made a binding promise to punish him if he didn’t comply with their demands. Think of it like a legal agreement that must be fulfilled. They’re promising retribution: They were telling him, “If you don’t do this, we will punish you severely.” What the Verse Says: “But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "But do not thou yield unto them..." : This is a crucial part. Peter isn't admitting guilt; he's refusing to be controlled by the people who are trying to harm him. He’s saying, “Don’t let them influence you.” "...for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men..." : This is a significant number – over 40 people – who have made a binding promise to punish him. They're essentially standing on their guard and ready to take action. "...which have bound themselves with an oath..." : They’ve made a solemn vow, a legal contract, that they will not eat or drink until they’ve killed him. This is a very serious commitment. "...that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him:" : They are determined to take action, and the act of killing him is the ultimate goal for them. "And now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee." : This is where it gets really significant. They’ve made their commitment, they're ready to carry out their plan, but they’re looking for someone – Peter – to offer them a promise of forgiveness or relief. The Meaning & Significance: This verse is about the power of God and the possibility of redemption. It speaks to: The threat of punishment: The Sanhedrin's oath represents a serious threat to Peter’s life. Forgiveness through repentance: The core message is that forgiveness is possible, even when we are facing severe consequences. God's Sovereignty: It highlights God's control over events and the possibility of being spared. In short, it's a story about a moment where Peter resisted pressure and chose to trust in God's plan, even when faced with a potentially deadly situation. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of this passage? Discuss the theological significance?