Definition: Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 21:23. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about Jesus’s plan for his followers after he was beaten and imprisoned. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his disciples (the people who followed him) that he will eventually come back. But, instead of just saying “He won’t die,” he's asking them a really profound question about what that means for them to do while he’s away. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then went this saying abroad among the brethren…” : This is like Jesus telling his followers, “I’m going to be gone for a while.” He's making a clear announcement of his departure. “…that that disciple should not die…” : This part acknowledges that he will be gone and that there’s a risk of death. It’s a serious situation. “Yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee?” : This is the crucial part! Jesus isn't saying "He won't die," but he’s deliberately setting up a puzzle for his followers . What does “what is that” mean? This phrase is incredibly important and has been interpreted in several ways. Here are some of the most common understandings: A Test of Faith & Commitment: Jesus is essentially saying, "I'm going to be gone, but I want you to stay committed to me and to following my teachings." It’s a challenge – it’s asking them to focus on their relationship with him and his message, even while he’s away. A Promise of Reunion: The core meaning is that Jesus will return, and this passage is a way of saying that he'll be returning to meet his followers again. It’s a promise of future reunion. In essence, the verse isn't about literal death – it’s about the enduring power of faith and the commitment to follow Jesus even when things are difficult. It’s a reminder that while we may face challenges, our relationship with God is eternal. Why is this important? This passage is a cornerstone of Christian theology. It highlights the importance of: Trust in the Future: Knowing that God will return to us provides comfort and hope when things seem bleak. Staying Faithful: It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even during trials. The Promise of Reunion: The verse reminds us that our ultimate destiny is with Jesus. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? Perhaps you'd like to delve deeper into a specific interpretation or ask me a follow-up question? For example, are you curious about: The historical context of this passage? How this relates to the story of Jesus’s imprisonment? Different interpretations of "what is that?"