Definition: And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken [it], he began to eat.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Acts 27:35. It's a really interesting and significant moment in the early church! Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Context – A Difficult Situation At this point in the book of Acts, the Roman soldiers who had captured Paul and his followers were about to deliver them to the authorities for further punishment. They were facing a very tense situation. They were trying to avoid any potential conflict and wanted to minimize damage. What Happened Next – A Moment of Prayer & Action “And when he had thus spoken…” - This is key. Paul was speaking – he was delivering a message, a blessing, or perhaps a prayer. “…he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all:” This describes a symbolic act. He held out a loaf of bread (often seen as a symbol of peace and nourishment) and began to offer a heartfelt thank you to God. It was a gesture of humility and acknowledging His power. “…and when he had broken [it], he began to eat.” – This is the most dramatic part. Paul broke the bread. This wasn't just a casual act; it was a deliberate breaking, a symbolic act of giving something up. It meant relinquishing his authority or power in that moment. What Does This Mean? This passage isn’t about Paul literally eating a loaf of bread. It’s a powerful metaphor for several things: Submission & Trust: Paul was showing his trust and submission to God's will, even when facing daunting challenges. He wasn't arguing or resisting; he was offering a humble acknowledgement of His power. Giving Up Control: Breaking the bread symbolized giving up control – relinquishing authority and the ability to command. Humility & Recognition: It’s about recognizing God as the ultimate source of everything, rather than being self-reliant or powerful. Overall Significance This is a very important moment in the early church's history because it shows Paul's faith and willingness to trust in God even when things were incredibly difficult. It demonstrates his commitment to submission and a profound understanding of His role. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Acts 27? Discuss the meaning of bread in this context further?