At this
This phrase refers to the immediate context of the preceding verses where Jesus declares, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). This statement is a profound claim of unity with God, which the Jewish audience perceives as blasphemy. The context is crucial as it highlights the escalating tension between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, who are increasingly hostile to His teachings and claims.

the Jews
In the Gospel of John, "the Jews" often refers to the Jewish religious leaders and authorities rather than the Jewish people as a whole. These leaders are portrayed as being in opposition to Jesus throughout the Gospel. Their reaction is rooted in their understanding of the Law and their perception of Jesus' claims as a threat to their religious authority and traditions.

again picked up stones
The word "again" indicates that this is not the first time the Jewish leaders have attempted to stone Jesus. A previous instance is recorded in John 8:59, where they reacted similarly to Jesus' claim of divinity. Stoning was a prescribed method of execution for blasphemy according to Levitical law (Leviticus 24:16). This action reflects their belief that Jesus has committed blasphemy by equating Himself with God.

to stone Him
Stoning was a common form of capital punishment in ancient Jewish law for certain offenses, including blasphemy. The act of picking up stones signifies their intent to carry out this punishment immediately, without a formal trial. This reflects the severity of their reaction to Jesus' claim and their understanding of the law. Theologically, this moment foreshadows the ultimate rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, fulfilling the prophecies of the suffering Messiah (Isaiah 53).

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching and revealing His divine nature, which provokes a strong reaction from the Jewish leaders.

2. The Jews
Referring to the Jewish leaders and people who were present during Jesus' teaching. They are depicted as being in opposition to Jesus' claims about His identity.

3. Stoning
An event that signifies the Jewish leaders' intent to execute Jesus for what they perceive as blasphemy. Stoning was a traditional Jewish method of capital punishment for blasphemy.

4. Jerusalem
While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the events occur in the context of Jesus' ministry in and around Jerusalem, a central place in Jewish religious life.

5. The Temple
The broader context of John 10 includes Jesus teaching in the temple area, a significant place for Jewish worship and law.Understanding Jesus' Divinity
Jesus' claims about His identity were radical and challenged the religious leaders' understanding. Believers today must grapple with the full implications of Jesus being both fully God and fully man.

Responding to Opposition
Just as Jesus faced opposition, Christians today may encounter resistance when sharing their faith. It's important to respond with grace and truth, following Jesus' example.

The Cost of Discipleship
The threat of stoning underscores the potential cost of following Jesus. Believers are called to be prepared for sacrifice and persecution for their faith.

The Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus' life and teachings fulfill the Old Testament law, including the laws about blasphemy. Understanding this fulfillment helps believers appreciate the continuity and completion of God's plan through Christ.

Courage in Proclamation
Jesus' boldness in proclaiming His identity encourages believers to be courageous in sharing the gospel, even in the face of hostility.(31) Then the Jews took up stones again.--Better, The Jews therefore . . . Their action follows as an effect caused by His words. The word "again" reminds us that they had done this two months before, at the Feast of Tabernacles (8:59). The words for "took up" are not the same. There the sense is, "they lifted up stones," and we are told that Jesus hid Himself; here the meaning is, "they carried stones," there being none in the cloister where they were. During this process their first burst of anger expended itself, and our Lord further disarms it with a question.

Verses 31-39. -

(3) Resented and challenged, but vindicated by word and sign. Verse 31. - That the Jews supposed him to speak of an essential unity is obvious from what follows. The Jews (then) took up - should rather be carried or bore in their hands - stones again, huge pieces of marble lying around in the public works then proceeding. There is an increase of malice over and above what was involved in simply lifting stones from the pavement (cf. John 8:59), and the alteration of the word is another hint of the eye-witness. The word "again" reminds the reader that this was a second and more desperate attack upon the life of Jesus.

Parallel Commentaries ...

At this,
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Jews
Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

again
πάλιν (palin)
Adverb
Strong's 3825: Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.

picked up
Ἐβάστασαν (Ebastasan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 941: Perhaps remotely derived from the base of basis; to lift, literally or figuratively.

stones
λίθους (lithous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3037: A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

stone
λιθάσωσιν (lithasōsin)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3034: To stone, pelt with stones. From lithos; to lapidate.

Him.
αὐτόν (auton)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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NT Gospels: John 10:31 Therefore Jews took up stones again (Jhn Jo Jn)