John 8:2

And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

And {G1161} early in the morning {G3722} he came {G3854} again {G3825} into {G1519} the temple {G2411}, and {G2532} all {G3956} the people {G2992} came {G2064} unto {G4314} him {G846}; and {G2532} he sat down {G2523}, and taught {G1321} them {G846}.

At daybreak, he appeared again in the Temple Court, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them.

Early in the morning He went back into the temple courts. All the people came to Him, and He sat down to teach them.

And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

Commentary

John 8:2 offers a snapshot into the daily ministry of Jesus during his time in Jerusalem, specifically within the sacred precincts of the Temple. This verse sets the immediate scene for one of the most well-known narratives in the Gospels: the encounter with the woman caught in adultery (John 8:3-11).

Context

This verse immediately follows the events of the Feast of Tabernacles, as described in John chapter 7, where Jesus had already been teaching and facing significant opposition from the Jewish religious leaders. His return "early in the morning" signifies a regular, dedicated routine. The Temple was not just a place of worship but also a bustling center for religious instruction, legal discussions, and social gatherings, making it an ideal location for Jesus to engage with the populace.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Dedication to Ministry: The phrase "early in the morning" underscores Jesus' consistent and diligent commitment to his mission of teaching and revealing God's truth. He wasn't simply reacting to events but proactively engaging with the people.
  • Accessibility and Popularity: The fact that "all the people came unto him" demonstrates Jesus' widespread appeal and the spiritual hunger of the crowds. They sought him out, drawn by his words and the authority with which he spoke.
  • The Authority of His Teaching: "He sat down, and taught them" highlights Jesus' role as a rabbi, or teacher. Sitting was the traditional posture for a Jewish teacher, indicating a formal and authoritative instruction session. This posture signifies his authority not just as a prophet, but as one speaking with divine wisdom. Compare this to the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:1, where Jesus also sat down to teach his disciples.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "taught" is edidasken (ἐδίδασκΡν), which is in the imperfect tense. This grammatical form suggests a continuous or repeated action, indicating that Jesus was not just delivering a single sermon but was engaged in an ongoing process of instruction. This highlights his consistent role as a divine educator, patiently and persistently imparting truth to those who gathered around him.

Practical Application

John 8:2 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of consistent spiritual engagement and the pursuit of God's truth. For believers, it encourages a diligent approach to learning from Christ, just as the people in the temple eagerly gathered. For those who teach, it exemplifies Jesus' dedication, accessibility, and authoritative yet compassionate approach to instruction. It underscores that genuine spiritual teaching, rooted in divine authority, will naturally draw those who are seeking truth and understanding.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 26:55

    In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

  • Luke 21:37

    And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called [the mount] of Olives.

  • Luke 4:20

    And he closed the book, and he gave [it] again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

  • Luke 5:3

    And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

  • Matthew 5:1

    ΒΆ And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

  • Matthew 5:2

    And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

  • John 8:20

    These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
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