It is, however, an excellent example of a typical "variant" in the Bible manuscripts: noncontroversial, relatively unimportant, and well-understood. Ultimately, this is a minor point, theologically. Most likely, a marginal note, put in as an explanation of the pool, was inadvertently moved into the main body and became part of future copies. And, it seems unfair for God to make a contest out of healing.īy and large, however, it seems that the words of John 5:4 were not part of the original manuscript. For instance, this seems to contradict the normal biblical approach to miracles. Some have raised theological objections to this. According to the disputed words, an angel would occasionally stir up the water, and the first person into the water would be healed. The text usually associated with that verse explains the reason for the crowd of invalids: miraculous healing. Older, more reliable manuscripts do not contain the words of John 5:4. This verse leads into an interesting textual debate. The gospel is not about physical health-it is a matter of eternal life. This was as true for the people of Jesus' day as it is today. True miracles, like the "signs" John records, are not common. God uses supernatural events to send a message, or further His will. This underscores an important truth about the Christian life: it's not primarily about miracles. It should be noted that this verse refers to the number of people seeking healing here as "a multitude." And yet, Jesus will only be healing one of them at this time. This, also, is a sad reflection on Jerusalem's unwillingness to love their neighbors. dated, now usually offensive see usage paragraph below : unable or only partially able to use a body part and especially a limb. In this story, we see "a multitude" of people in need of support, within close range to the temple. Jesus drove greedy merchants out of the temple these men had replaced ministry with money (John 2:13–22). Part of Jesus' complaint against the people of Israel, in His day, was their spiritual coldness. Jesus has come to the city in order to attend one of the required festivals (John 5:1), and is about to perform the third of His seven "signs" recorded in the Gospel of John. Whether because of the shade, nearness to the temple, or some healing property of the water, this area was filled with people suffering from various disabilities. North of the temple, in the northeast corner of Jerusalem, was a two-section pool covered by five roofed porches (John 5:2).
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