Definition: And Philip ran thither to [him], and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Acts 8:30. It’s a really important moment in the story of Jesus’ ministry! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Philip is asking someone – likely a leader or someone who understands the message – to explain what the prophet Esaias was saying. Let’s unpack it further: “And Philip ran thither…” : Philip is traveling towards this person. It suggests he's on his way to meet them and has a specific purpose. “…and heard him read the prophet Esaias…” : This is the key part. He hears the prophet Esaias reading something. Esaias was a Jewish writer who wrote prophecies about a future Messiah (a special person coming to save humanity). The reading is essentially delivering a message of warning and hope. “and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?” : This is Philip’s question. He's expressing his confusion and asking for clarification. He's saying, “Can you explain this to me? What does this message actually mean?” What it’s telling us about the message: This verse highlights a few things: The Message is Serious: Esaias was speaking of judgment and a coming time of great suffering. Philip wants to understand why this message is so important. Esaias's Words are Powerful: The fact that Esaias is reading this suggests the message has a significant impact. It’s not just some old story; it's a message about something fundamental. Philip Wants Understanding: He's not just passively listening; he's actively seeking knowledge and meaning. In short, Philip is recognizing that Esaias’s words are profound and needs to be understood. --- Does this explanation make sense? Would you like me to go into more detail about any part of this passage, or perhaps discuss the historical context of this story? For example, we could talk about: The importance of Esaias in early Jewish thought. What “understanding” might mean in this context.