Definition: Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 18:14. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about Jesus’s final moments. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus was advising the Jewish leaders that it was good for one person to die for the sake of the entire group of Jews. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now Caiaphas was he…” : This refers to Caiaphas, a high priest and leader in Jerusalem during Jesus's time. He was a powerful figure who held significant authority over the Jewish community. “…which gave counsel…” : Caiaphas was speaking and offering advice. “…that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.” : This is the core of the verse. Caiaphas was suggesting that one death, a single person's sacrifice, would be beneficial to the Jewish community as a whole. He wasn’t arguing about individual guilt or blame; he was framing it as a practical necessity. The Context – Why is this significant? This passage is incredibly strange and controversial because it seems to contradict everything we know about Jesus's teachings. Here’s why it’s important: Jesus’s Message of Love: Jesus frequently emphasized love, forgiveness, and compassion. This verse suggests a darker side – that sometimes, sacrifice (even death) is necessary for the good of others. The Jewish Law: The law in the Old Testament was very strict about ritual purity and atonement. This action could be seen as challenging those laws, which is why it's been debated for centuries. Possible Interpretations – It’s not always clear! There’s no single, definitive interpretation of this verse. Here are a few possibilities: Jesus was anticipating his own crucifixion: Some believe Caiaphas was trying to prepare the Jewish community for Jesus's death and that this advice foreshadowed his own sacrifice. Jesus was offering a radical solution: Perhaps he was suggesting a way to break free from the rigid rules of the law, even if it meant sacrificing someone. It’s a symbolic representation: It could be interpreted as a symbol of the need for repentance and atonement through suffering. In short, this verse is a complex one that raises questions about Jesus’s teachings and his relationship to the Jewish community. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (like its historical context)?