Definition: And though they found no cause of death [in him], yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important passage from Acts 13:28. It's a fascinating and complex part of the story of Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse describes a moment of intense pressure on Pilate – the Roman governor – to have Jesus executed. It’s not about fear for Jesus’ life; it’s about desire for him to be killed. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And though they found no cause of death” : This is a crucial part. The Jewish people, who were watching the events, were concerned that Jesus was dying. They were worried he might be crucified – a very gruesome death. They thought there was no reason for him to die. “Yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain” : This is where it gets interesting. The Jewish leaders, and particularly the throng of people gathered before Pilate, were actively wanting for him to kill Jesus. They weren't necessarily asking for his death; they were expressing a strong desire for it. What does this suggest? This verse is a powerful example of political pressure . It shows that even when people are worried about the fate of a person, they can still exert influence on those in power – particularly the authorities. It highlights that people can try to manipulate events to achieve their own goals, even if it means causing harm. Why is this significant? This passage is considered one of the most important in early Christian history because: It shows Jesus’ influence: He was skillfully manipulating the situation to draw attention to himself and his message. It demonstrates the power of political pressure: It illustrates how even seemingly ordinary people could be influential, especially when they have a strong desire for something. It lays the groundwork for Jesus' arrest and trial: This scene is a key moment that led to Jesus being arrested and ultimately crucified. In short, this verse shows that even when people are worried about someone’s life, they can still push for their death – it demonstrates the power of political influence. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story from Acts 13? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?