Book of Acts - Chapter 14 - Verse 28
Meaning
After Jesus' ascension into heaven, his disciples remained in Jerusalem for an extended period of time. The phrase "And there they abode long time with the disciples" signifies the importance of community and fellowship among believers. The disciples stayed together to support one another, share their experiences with Jesus, and continue to spread his teachings. This verse highlights the significance of spending time with fellow believers, learning from each other, and growing in faith together. It emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships within the community of believers, reinforcing the idea that we are not meant to journey alone in our faith. By staying with the disciples, the early followers of Jesus were able to strengthen their faith, receive guidance and encouragement, and continue the work that Jesus had begun during his time on earth.
Theological Overview
When looking at the phrase "And there they abode long time with the disciples" in a theological interpretation, we can see the importance of community and fellowship in the early church. The disciples were called to spread the teachings of Jesus and make disciples of all nations, and part of that mission involved living in close community with one another. This verse highlights the value of spending extended periods of time with other believers, learning from one another, growing in faith, and supporting each other in their walk with Christ.
From a word study perspective, the term "abode" can be understood as not just a physical presence, but a deep connection and commitment to the disciples and the community they were a part of. The idea of staying for a "long time" implies a sense of dedication and investment in building relationships and growing in faith together. This verse emphasizes the importance of investing time and effort into building strong relationships within the body of believers, as well as the value of learning from those who are further along in their faith journey.