Definition: Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Acts 2:37. It’s a really important moment in the beginning of the church! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse is about fear and disbelief . It’s saying that when God speaks to them – specifically, when He reveals Himself through the Holy Spirit – it really shakes people up. It’s a moment where they start to feel a sense of danger or worry because they're realizing the truth about Jesus. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now when they heard [this]” : This refers to what happened earlier – Peter and the apostles were listening intently to the Holy Spirit, who was speaking about Jesus. “…they were pricked in their heart” : This is a powerful metaphor. "Pricking" means to be deeply affected, to feel something strongly. It’s not a physical prick – it's an emotional one. It suggests that the message of Jesus was causing them pain and concern. “and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?” : This is the question they were asking. “Men” here means all the apostles – all twelve of them! "Brothers" emphasizes that this wasn’t just about Peter; it was a shared experience. They were wondering what to do with this incredible and potentially frightening news. So, what's the overall message? It’s saying that God’s message is powerful and can shake people up. It’s a moment where they start to realize that Jesus is who He says He is – the Messiah, the Savior, and the one who offers forgiveness and eternal life. It’s a sign of belief, and it's a starting point for something amazing! In short: They were startled by the truth about Jesus, and they were asking what to do with this new revelation. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? Perhaps we could talk about: The significance of "pricked in their heart"? What it means to be "brothers" in the context of the church? How this event led to the early church's mission?