Definition: And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou [art] God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 4:24. It's a really important and profound statement about God’s relationship to creation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “When they heard that – meaning when the apostle Peter spoke to them – they realized that God wasn’t just present in the world, but that He was the creator of everything.” Let's unpack that a little further: “Lord, thou [art] God…” - This isn't a question. It’s an acknowledgment and praise. It’s saying, “You are God!” It's a humble recognition of His power and existence. “…which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:” – This part describes what God created. It lists everything: The heavens: The sky - the vast expanse above us. The earth: The ground we stand on – everything below us. The sea: All the water – oceans, lakes, rivers, etc. And all that in them is: This means everything within those things – plants, animals, people, and even space itself. So, the whole verse is a statement of awe and wonder at God's boundless power and creativity. It emphasizes that God isn’t just involved with the world; He created it all. Why was this important? It shows that God doesn’t just create things for us, but He created everything for Himself . This is a key concept in many Christian traditions – a focus on God's sovereignty and His absolute authority over creation. In short, the verse means: “God is the ultimate creator of all existence.” --- Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail, or perhaps delve into its significance within a specific context (like the early church)?