Definition: Delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Acts 26:17. It's a really significant statement about Paul’s mission and his understanding of God’s plan. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Paul is saying that he’s being sent specifically to a group of people – the Gentiles – who are now receiving the message of Jesus Christ. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Delivering thee from the people…" This means Paul is being freed from his previous role as a persecutor and enemy of Jewish people. He was actively trying to stop them from following Jesus. “…and [from] the Gentiles…” This is the key part! "Gentiles" refers to non-Jewish people – those who aren’t descendants of Abraham (the patriarch considered the first human). It's a huge shift in Paul’s perspective. "...unto whom now I send thee." This means that Paul is being sent specifically to these Gentiles, and he’s now entrusting them with the message of Jesus Christ. What does this all mean practically? Paul was deeply troubled about his past actions – the violence and hatred he'd directed against the Jewish people. He realized that God had a plan for him, and that this mission to the Gentiles was a crucial step in fulfilling that plan. It wasn’t just about spreading the Gospel (the good news of Jesus); it was about bringing the Gospel to those who didn't already believe. In essence, Paul is acknowledging that God has chosen to reach out to everyone, regardless of their background or previous allegiance. Why is this important? This verse highlights a pivotal moment in Paul’s journey. It shows his growing understanding of God’s love and mercy, and his willingness to embrace those who were previously excluded from the Christian message. It's a powerful reminder that God’s grace extends to everyone, including those we might not understand or accept. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story?