Definition: Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 19:27. It’s a really important and slightly challenging one in the Bible! Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: Peter is asking a crucial question about whether someone who has completely abandoned their faith and followed Jesus is still truly Christian. Let's unpack it word by word: "Then answered Peter..." – This tells us we’re hearing from Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers. "...and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all..." - This means they’ve stopped believing in Jesus and everything he teaches. They’ve essentially rejected his message. “Forsaken” means to leave behind completely – they've abandoned their faith. "...and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?" – This is the key question. Peter is asking, "What will happen now if we continue this way?" He’s essentially posing a dilemma: “If we keep drifting away from Jesus, what are the consequences?” So, what's the meaning? The verse suggests that when people stop believing in Jesus and follow him, they lose something essential. It's like a ship without a rudder – it might drift aimlessly, but it doesn’t have direction or purpose. It implies that true faith involves commitment, obedience, and a relationship with God – things that are lost when you abandon them. Important Context: This verse is often interpreted as a warning to believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to resist the temptation to stray from Jesus. It’s a reminder of the importance of genuine belief and devotion. In short, the verse challenges us to ask ourselves: Are we truly following Jesus, or are we just drifting? --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the broader context of the Bible? Give you a different interpretation of the verse?