Ya‸ hkʼaˇ htawˇ, jawˇmawˇ teˇ hpaˍ awˬ hkʼaw lo ka‸, laiˉ gʼaˇ yawˇ hta‸ yonˍ ve yoˬ. Yawˇ hui yonˍ ve htawˇ, Hpaˍriˍsehˇ teˇ hpaˍ hta‸ kawˆ ve pa taw, yonˍ ve yoˬ teh‸ yawˇ hui maˇ kʼoˆ. Awˬ lawn kʼo, Yuˇda‸ chaw hui ve awˬ moˍ awˬ hkʼaw lo gʼa‸ tawˆ laˇ ve hta‸ yawˇ hui dawˇ haˍ ve yoˬ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse says that many important people believed in Jesus but didn't say so openly because they were afraid of being kicked out from the synagogue by the Pharisees.
Explained for Children
Imagine you really like a new kid at school, but your friends don’t. If you tell everyone how great this new kid is, you might not be allowed to play with your usual group anymore. That’s kind of what happened here: important people liked Jesus but didn't want to lose their place in the synagogue.
Historical Background
John wrote this Gospel around A.D. 90-100 for a Christian audience familiar with Jewish customs and beliefs. The Pharisees were strict religious leaders who controlled many aspects of life, including synagogue membership.
Living It Out Today
Sometimes we hold back from speaking our true beliefs because of fear. Consider the risks and benefits before deciding if it’s worth sharing what you believe, especially when it might affect your social standing or job.
Topics
belieffearsocial pressureconsequences of faithPhariseessynagogue