Acts 13:18

Arabic Bible ERV 2009

وَاحتَمَلَهُمْ نَحوَ أربَعِينَ عاماً فِي البَرِّيَّةِ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that God allowed the Israelites to wander in the desert for about forty years because of their stubbornness and disobedience. The speaker is not directly stated but it is part of a speech by Paul, explaining how God dealt with the people during this period.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a very patient parent who lets you play outside all day long even though you keep making mistakes. That's like what God did for the Israelites; he was very patient and let them wander in the desert for many years to teach them important lessons.

Historical Background

The Book of Acts, written by Luke around 60-80 AD, describes Paul's speech to a group including Jews and Gentiles. This section is part of a broader narrative about God’s guidance and discipline towards his people through the wilderness journey described in the Old Testament.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can see this verse as a reminder that during challenging times, God is patient with us and uses these experiences to shape our character and faith. For instance, when facing difficulties at work or home, remember that God's patience helps you grow stronger.

Topics

• patience
• discipline
• wilderness experiences
• God's guidance
• Israelites' journey
• faithfulness

Related Verses

• Exodus 16:35
• Numbers 14:29-30
• Deuteronomy 8:2-4
• Hebrews 3:9-17
• Psalm 95:10

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main message of Acts 13:18?

The main message is about God’s long-term patience and guidance even when his people are stubborn or disobedient.

How can we apply this verse in our daily lives?

By remembering that during tough times, God's patience helps us grow stronger and learn valuable lessons.

Where does the number forty years come from in relation to Acts 13:18?

The number forty comes from the Old Testament narratives about the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.

What are some key cross-references for a deeper study of this verse?

Some key references include Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Hebrews, and Psalms which provide more context on God’s patience during the Israelites' journey.