Definition: But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Acts 5:22. It’s a really important part of the story about the early Christians! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: The Officers are Searching: The verse tells us that some men were searching for Peter and Paul. They were looking for them because they suspected something was wrong – perhaps they’d been arrested or imprisoned. They Find Them Not in Prison: The officers discover that Peter and Paul weren't actually in a prison. They were simply not found inside. What Happened Next: They Returned: The officers, realizing this, decide to go back to the area where they’d found them. They Told…? The verse ends with "they told." This suggests that they revealed what happened. In simpler terms, it means the officers were surprised to find Peter and Paul not in prison. It implies something unusual occurred – likely a secret meeting or a situation where they were being held against their will. What’s the Significance? This is a crucial moment because it sets up a significant event: the beginning of the Christian ministry. It shows that God was working in secret, and that Peter and Paul weren't immediately under arrest. It's a foundational story that lays the groundwork for their later struggles and triumphs. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is important? Give you more context about what was happening at the time?