Definition: When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 22:53. It's a really important and slightly unsettling passage about Jesus’s encounter with Peter. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling Peter – one of his closest disciples – that he was spending time with him in the temple, and Peter was not doing anything to stop him. But this isn't just about a disagreement; it’s a sign that something really significant is happening. Let’s unpack it: “When I was daily with you…” : This means Jesus was regularly visiting Peter in the temple, which was a very important place for Jewish people to worship. “…ye stretched forth no hands against me…” : This is the key part. “Stretched forth” means they were actively resisting or opposing him. They weren’t just quietly disagreeing; they were actively trying to stop him. "...but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” This is where it gets a little more profound. "Your hour" refers to Peter's time – specifically, the time he was about to die. “The power of darkness” is a metaphor for evil, temptation, or opposition. It suggests that darkness (representing evil) is already overwhelming and threatening him. What it means in a deeper sense: This verse speaks to a moment when Jesus recognized that Peter was facing a significant challenge – a test of faith and willpower. It’s suggesting that Peter was about to be overcome by the forces of evil, and that this was a critical point in his life. Important Context (Why it's important): This passage is often interpreted as foreshadowing Jesus’s crucifixion. The "power of darkness" could symbolize the spiritual forces of evil that were trying to thwart Jesus’s mission – the Jewish authorities, the Roman Empire, and ultimately, Satan himself. It’s a warning about the potential for evil to undermine faith and righteousness. In short: Jesus was witnessing a moment where Peter was being tested by an overwhelming darkness, and he recognized that this test was crucial to his own fate. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to elaborate on the symbolism of "darkness" or perhaps discuss how this verse relates to Jesus’s teachings about temptation and evil?