Definition: From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 4:17: “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, ‘Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it means: Jesus started sharing his message – teaching about God’s love and salvation – and he started telling people to change their minds or repent . Let’s unpack that further: "From that time Jesus began to preach..." - This refers to the very beginning of Jesus' ministry. He started sharing his message with people, starting with a small group. "...and to say, ‘Repent…’” – "Repent" is a really important word. It means to turn away from sin and evil and to seek God’s forgiveness. It's like taking a wrong path and choosing the right one. “For the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” - This is the big takeaway! The "kingdom of heaven" refers to God’s eternal rule, a place where everything will be perfect and good. “At hand” means it’s coming soon – it's not something we have to wait for anymore; it’s already happening. So, the verse is saying that Jesus started sharing his message and urging people to change their hearts and turn towards God. It sets the stage for the rest of his ministry – a call to repentance and the promise of a better future. In short, it's a powerful message about God’s invitation to change and find salvation through faith in Jesus. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about when this verse was written? Discuss what “repentance” means in the context of Christian belief?