John 18:20 - Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret.
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What does "John 18:20" mean?
John 18:20 is part of Jesus's defense when being interrogated by the high priest. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Jesus answered him, 'I spoke openly to the world.'" This is Jesus's central claim. He's emphasizing that his teachings weren't hidden or confined to a select few. He made his message available to everyone.
"I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet." This provides specific examples of where he taught. Synagogues and the temple were public gathering places for Jewish worship, study, and community life. Jesus deliberately chose to teach in these highly visible locations, demonstrating that he had nothing to hide.
"I said nothing in secret." This reinforces the previous points. He didn't have a secret agenda or hidden teachings. His message was consistent and available for anyone to hear.
In essence, Jesus is asserting his innocence by highlighting the public nature of his ministry. He's arguing that if the authorities want to know what he taught, they should ask those who were present during his public sermons and teachings in the synagogues and the temple.
Why this is important in the context of John 18:
Legitimacy: By emphasizing the public nature of his teaching, Jesus challenges the legitimacy of the high priest's inquiry. The high priest is trying to investigate him as if he's a subversive figure. Jesus is saying, "My teachings weren't secret; they were out in the open for all to hear."
Justification: It sets the stage for Jesus to suggest that his followers could be questioned about his teachings, further emphasizing the public nature of his ministry.
Contrast with Darkness: The verse also contrasts with the nature of evil, which often operates in secret. Jesus's openness underscores his integrity and righteousness.
John 18:20 - Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret.
What does "John 18:20" mean?
John 18:20 is part of Jesus's defense when being interrogated by the high priest. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Jesus answered him, 'I spoke openly to the world.'" This is Jesus's central claim. He's emphasizing that his teachings weren't hidden or confined to a select few. He made his message available to everyone.
"I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet." This provides specific examples of where he taught. Synagogues and the temple were public gathering places for Jewish worship, study, and community life. Jesus deliberately chose to teach in these highly visible locations, demonstrating that he had nothing to hide.
"I said nothing in secret." This reinforces the previous points. He didn't have a secret agenda or hidden teachings. His message was consistent and available for anyone to hear.
In essence, Jesus is asserting his innocence by highlighting the public nature of his ministry. He's arguing that if the authorities want to know what he taught, they should ask those who were present during his public sermons and teachings in the synagogues and the temple.
Why this is important in the context of John 18:
Legitimacy: By emphasizing the public nature of his teaching, Jesus challenges the legitimacy of the high priest's inquiry. The high priest is trying to investigate him as if he's a subversive figure. Jesus is saying, "My teachings weren't secret; they were out in the open for all to hear."
Justification: It sets the stage for Jesus to suggest that his followers could be questioned about his teachings, further emphasizing the public nature of his ministry.
Contrast with Darkness: The verse also contrasts with the nature of evil, which often operates in secret. Jesus's openness underscores his integrity and righteousness.