Definition: And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very short and thought-provoking passage from Luke 18:4. It's a really interesting snippet about faith and doubt! Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: The verse describes someone who is deeply afraid of God, but they still choose to trust in Him despite that fear. It highlights a shift in perspective – from being paralyzed by worry to accepting a relationship with God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he would not for a while…” - This immediately sets up the contrast. The person is actively hesitating, pausing before making a decision. It’s not just a fleeting thought; they're actively stopping themselves from taking action. “…but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;" - This is the key part! The person then begins to think about it. They acknowledge their fear of God, but then they start to think about God's goodness and love. They begin to realize that even though they’re afraid, God still loves them. So, what does this mean practically? It suggests a few things: Doubt is natural: Everyone experiences doubt and fear at times. It’s okay to have those feelings. Trust comes from within: It's not about not being afraid; it’s about having faith – a belief in something bigger than your own fear. The verse shows that true faith isn't about ignoring your worries, but about trusting God even when you feel scared. In essence, the verse is saying that despite our fear, we can still choose to trust in God because He's good and loving, even if it’s a difficult thing to admit. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this passage in more detail? Give you some examples of how faith can help us overcome fear?