Definition: Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from John 8:31. It’s a really important and often misunderstood part of the Gospel (the story of Jesus). Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about following Jesus’ teachings and being true followers. It's saying that if you believe in him, you are already on the right path. It’s a call to action – to live according to his words. Let’s break it down word by word: “John 8:31” : This is the specific verse we're focusing on. “Then said Jesus…” : Jesus is making a statement. “…to those Jews which believed on him…” : This refers to people who already believe in Jesus. It’s not about everyone, but specifically those who have accepted him as the Messiah (a special person who is expected to come and save us). “If ye continue in my word…” : This is the key part – “continue.” It means keep following his teachings. “[then] are ye my disciples indeed” : This is where it gets a little tricky, and it’s often misinterpreted. "Disciples" means followers or students. So this phrase means: “If you continue to follow me, then you are truly my disciples.” What does this mean practically? It's saying that consistent adherence to his teachings is what makes someone a true follower of Jesus. It’s not just about intellectually understanding him – it's about living out his principles in your daily life. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and practical application of his message. Important Context - Why it's Controversial: This verse has been used to support the idea that Jesus was not fully human, and that he was a divine being (like God the Father). This interpretation is controversial because it’s based on a misunderstanding of what Jesus meant in this context. The original Greek word for "disciples" wasn’t about a strict religious relationship but more about being a devoted follower. In short, John 8:31 encourages believers to live their lives according to Jesus' teachings and be true followers. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how to follow Jesus’ teachings? Discuss the historical context surrounding this verse?