Definition: But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 20:6. It's a really important part of understanding Jesus’ early ministry and how he was treated. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is telling people that they – the crowd – are convinced that John the Baptist is a prophet, and therefore, they will stone him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet." This is a key phrase. It’s essentially saying, "If we believe John is a prophet, then they will stone him.” The “for they be persuaded” part is crucial – it suggests there's a reason behind their belief. “Luke 20:6” - This is the verse itself, and it’s important context. It’s from a specific moment in Luke’s Gospel. What does this mean in practice? Jesus was facing opposition and challenges. The crowd was becoming increasingly hostile towards him and his followers. They were questioning whether he was a true Messiah or not. Why is this important? This verse shows: Early Opposition: It highlights how early Christians faced significant resistance to Jesus’ message. Strategic Thinking: Jesus understood that if the crowd believed John was a prophet, they would be more likely to stone him. He deliberately used this tactic to deflect their attention and test the crowd's beliefs. The Significance – It’s about Belief & Challenge This verse is a classic example of how faith can be challenged. Jesus wasn’t just trying to stop the stones; he was using the situation as an opportunity to demonstrate his power, truth, and the importance of his message. It's a moment where faith and belief were put to the test. In short: This verse is telling us that the crowd believed John was a prophet, and their belief was causing them to consider taking action against him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (e.g., its historical context)?