Definition: And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 1:42 together. It's a really fascinating and symbolic passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a pivotal moment in Jesus’ life – he recognized someone who was previously known as Simon. Let's unpack the parts: “John 1:42” : This is the exact wording of the verse. It’s a key part of the Gospel of John, which is one of the four books of the New Testament Bible. “And he brought him to Jesus” : Jesus was in a situation where he needed to be with someone important – perhaps because he was about to do something significant or because he needed to be with people who were vital to his mission. “And when Jesus beheld him” : This is the crucial part. Jesus saw Simon. It’s not just a casual glance; it's a deliberate and thoughtful observation. “he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona:” This is where the real magic happens. “Simon the son of Jona” was a very old name – in Hebrew, it means "the son of Judas." The word “son” is used here to describe a specific person who had been previously known as Simon. It’s important to understand this context: This refers to a man named Judas, who was known for his betrayal. “Thou art Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.” This is the most famous part of the verse and what makes it so significant. "Cephas" is the Greek name for Simon. The verb “is” means “is,” but the meaning is much richer: "Cephas" : This becomes "A Stone." “By interpretation” : This is the key! It means that Simon was made a stone – a solid, enduring figure – through his faith and actions. So, what does it all mean? The verse speaks of Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem after his birth. He recognizes Simon, who was previously known as Judas, and he’s given the name “Cephas” (Stone). This suggests: Jesus is choosing a leader: This could be about Jesus establishing himself as the head of the church or as a figure to guide people. Simon's role in the future: “A Stone” symbolizes Simon’s role as a foundation, a stable and enduring presence – a vital part of the plan for God. In essence, this verse is a powerful image of Jesus' arrival – he's coming to establish himself as the leader and foundation of something important. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you a quick summary of the overall message of John 1:42?