Definition: And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 23:49. It's a really important part of the story after Jesus’ arrest and being brought to the cross. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, it describes the reaction of people who were with Jesus after he was arrested. “And all his acquaintance”: This refers to everyone who had been with Jesus – his followers, friends, and anyone who followed him. Think of it like a group of people gathered together. “…and the women that followed him from Galilee…” This specifically names the women who were with Jesus in Jerusalem. They're the ones who were likely accompanying him on his journey to the cross. "...stood afar off, beholding these things." This is the key part! “Beholding” means looking at something intently or carefully. So, they were looking at what was happening. They were observing this event – Jesus’ arrest and being taken away. What does it mean in a broader sense? It paints a picture of disbelief, shock, and perhaps even fear amongst the people who were with Jesus. They weren't celebrating or cheering; they were simply watching . It suggests that the events were happening before their eyes, and maybe they were struggling to understand what was taking place. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the coming suffering and death of Jesus. It shows that even people who are with him at the time of his arrest – those who were witnesses – were surprised by what was happening. It’s a moment of quiet observation, hinting that something significant and terrible was about to unfold. In short, it's a snapshot of the aftermath of Jesus' arrest and shows that even those closest to him were taken aback by what was going on. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore different interpretations of this verse?