Definition: Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 18:40. It’s a really important and dramatic moment in the story of Jesus' trial. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Story: After Jesus was wrongly accused of sedition and arrested, the prisoners (the people who were with him) started arguing. They kept saying “Not this man, but Barabbas!” What did they mean? They were arguing that Barabbas was the real thief – the one who had robbed them. So, what happened next? Jesus then told the prisoners to stop arguing and say: "Now Barabbas is a robber." What does this tell us? Jesus is speaking of Barabbas: The word “robber” in this context means someone who steals or takes something without permission. It’s a very clear reference to the thief Jesus was accused of. Barabbas was innocent: The authorities had wrongly accused him. Because he wasn't the real thief, he was innocent and should be released. Why is this significant? This verse highlights a few key things: Jesus’ Power: It shows that Jesus has the power to judge people fairly, even when they are wrong. He’s not just following the rules of the authorities; he's taking action based on what’s right and true. The Importance of Justice: It emphasizes that justice is about holding people accountable for their actions, especially when they have been wrongly accused. In short, this verse is a reminder that Jesus is a righteous judge who isn’t afraid to speak the truth. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain why this story is important in the Bible? Give you some context about the events leading up to this verse?