Definition: They answering said, John the Baptist; but some [say], Elias; and others [say], that one of the old prophets is risen again.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 9:19. It’s a really important passage about Jesus and his ministry. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus was talking to some people – likely followers or those who were concerned – and they were debating whether he was the Messiah, which is someone prophesied to come. They had different ideas about who he was. Let’s unpack each part: “They answering said…” : This means Jesus was speaking to a group of people. “…John the Baptist; but some [say], Elias; and others [say], that one of the old prophets is risen again.” : This is where it gets a little more complex. Let’s break down each part: “John the Baptist” : This refers to a person named John who lived many years before Jesus. He was known for preaching about repentance and calling people back to God. “…some [say], Elias…” : This is a phrase used by some people – likely those skeptical of Jesus – to argue that he wasn’t the Messiah. They were saying that Elias, a prophet in the Old Testament, wasn't the person Jesus was supposed to be. “…and others [say], that one of the old prophets is risen again.” : This is the most crucial part. This group believes that one of the old prophets – people who spoke about God’s future and a powerful, returning Messiah – has actually returned! So, what does it all mean? The core message is that some people were questioning Jesus' identity and believed he wasn’t the Messiah. They were suggesting someone from the past was resurrected – which is a very significant idea in many religious traditions. Why is this important? Jesus understood this disagreement. He didn't get defensive. He continued to speak about his message of love, forgiveness, and salvation, emphasizing that he was the Messiah, not some other person from the past. It’s a powerful illustration of how Jesus addressed challenging questions and ultimately clarified who he was. In short: The verse highlights a debate about Jesus' identity and affirms that he was the Messiah – and that this wasn’t a new or unexpected thing. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage? Discuss the context surrounding this verse?