Definition: Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Acts 28:26. It’s a really striking and thought-provoking verse! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it's telling us to not focus on the reactions of the people we're talking to. Let’s unpack that a bit: “Saying, Go unto this people…” – This is about someone who’s been speaking to a group of people. It’s a specific audience. “…and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:” This is the core of it. Here's what each part means in plain language: “Hearing ye shall hear…” – This means they’re going to tell people about something important. “…and shall not understand;” – This is the key part. It means that when we speak, we shouldn't expect them to immediately grasp what we're saying. We need to keep it simple and clear. We don’t want them to get confused or frustrated with complex explanations. “and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:” – This is the consequence of not understanding. When we speak plainly, when we are clear and concise, they will experience a change in their perspective. They'll see something new, something that was previously hidden or invisible to them. It’s like a window opening up - they’ll realize something important. What does this mean practically? It encourages us to: Speak honestly and simply: Don't use complicated language or big words. Be clear in your message: Make sure people understand what you’re saying. Don’t expect immediate understanding: Let the truth of your message sink in naturally. It takes time for people to process information. Why is this important? This verse speaks to Paul's strategy in his travels. He knew he needed to reach a specific audience, and he used simple language to introduce Jesus. It’s about leading people to Christ without overwhelming them with explanations. In short, it's a call for humility – to not try to force understanding on others, but instead, to let the truth of your message reveal itself. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of how this principle might be applied in a specific situation?