Definition: But neither so did their witness agree together.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Matthew’s Gospel (Mark 14:59). It's a really significant moment in Jesus’ ministry and speaks to the growing doubt among his disciples. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a disagreement within the group of twelve disciples who were with Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane. They weren’t just having a debate; they were fundamentally questioning something. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But neither so did their witness agree…” – This is key. “Witness” means someone who believes, observes, and affirms. The disciples weren't just thinking about Jesus; they were actively believing . “Neither so did their witness agree…” means that their shared belief, their conviction, was starting to diverge. “…together.” – This emphasizes that it wasn’t just one disciple doubting. It was a group of twelve people who had been with Jesus all along. "…” - The ellipsis (…) signals a pause and a problem is occurring. What does this mean ? This verse speaks to several important things: Growing Doubt: Jesus was facing a significant challenge – the possibility that his followers weren't truly believing in him. This wasn’t just a minor disagreement; it was a growing sense of uncertainty and perhaps even disbelief. The Importance of Faith: The disciples were not completely wrong. They did believe in Jesus. However, their belief became fractured and inconsistent, leading to doubt. Jesus's Perspective: It shows that Jesus recognized the potential for dissent within his followers. He knew they needed to be grounded in genuine faith. Why is it important? This verse is often seen as a crucial moment in understanding Jesus’ teaching about truth and the importance of unity within the Church. It highlights that even those who believe deeply can struggle with doubt, and that true faith requires more than just belief; it requires consistent and unwavering commitment. In short: The disciples weren't completely convinced of Jesus's divinity, but their disagreement led to a growing uncertainty within the group, which is a significant moment in the narrative. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context (e.g., what was happening at the time)? Explore how this verse relates to other biblical stories?