Definition: So there was a division among the people because of him.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down John 7:43: “So there was a division among the people because of him.” This verse is a really interesting and somewhat mysterious one, and it speaks to a significant shift in power and belief within the early Christian community. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, it means that people started questioning Jesus' authority and his teachings. Let's unpack that a bit: "Division among the people..." – This refers to disagreements, arguments, and perhaps even hostility towards Jesus. "...because of him." - This is the crucial part. It suggests that Jesus himself was the cause of this division. Here's a more detailed explanation: The text describes a situation where people were arguing with Jesus, and this argument wasn’t about his divinity or his mission, but rather about his power and influence . It felt like they were questioning why he was so important – what he could do, how he could help them. Why is this significant? This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of Jesus' crucifixion. It’s believed to be a moment where the Jewish leadership, especially the priests and Pharisees, began to question his authority and believe that he was not divine. It suggests that the seeds of doubt were sown before the events of the Passion Week. Important Note: It's important to understand this context within the ancient world – the Jewish community at the time was deeply religious and believed in a complex system of laws and traditions. The verse isn’t necessarily about Jesus being wrong , but rather highlighting a growing sense of unease and questioning within his followers. In short, John 7:43 describes a period of conflict and doubt stemming from the question of Jesus' power and influence. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further in more detail? Provide some context about the time it was written? Discuss its significance within the New Testament?