Definition: Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and [some] of them they shall slay and persecute:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 11:49. It's a pretty significant passage about God’s plan for the early church. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is preparing his people – specifically, the early Christian community – for a challenging time ahead. He’s giving them tools and guidance to stand up against opposition and persecution. Let's unpack it word by word: “Therefore also said the wisdom of God…” - This isn’t just a casual statement. It indicates that this is a deliberate and thoughtful plan from God. "...I will send them prophets and apostles..." – God intends to empower his followers with these individuals. “Prophets” are people who share important messages, often about the future and God’s will. “Apostles” are those who spread that message and guide others. “…and [some] of them they shall slay and persecute:” – This is the crucial part. God specifically wants some of these individuals to be targeted by those who oppose him. “Slay” means to kill, and “persecute” means to actively try to harm or hinder someone. So, what does it mean in a nutshell? It’s saying that God is preparing his followers for a time when they will face opposition and hardship. He’s giving them the ability to stand up for their beliefs and defend themselves against those who seek to stop them. It's a call to be courageous and prepared! Important Context: This verse comes before a significant event in the book of Acts – the early church is facing intense challenges from Jewish authorities, which is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the persecution of Christians. In short, it’s about God’s strategy for protecting and empowering his followers to fight for what's right. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this phrase might be used in the Bible?