First some clarification. Verse 4 does not appear in many of the
versions of the Bible. Most of the newer translations have chosen not to
include this verse since it apparently does not appear in the older manuscripts
that were not available when the older versions were translated. I chose to include it for a couple of
reasons. First, it’s a cool verse and I
have become accustomed to having it be part of the story, even if it sounds
more like a legend than an actual happening.
The second reason is a bit more
viable. I’ve included it for the reason
I believe the scribes added it later.
The people believed an angel actually came down at a certain time of the
day, and they must have had evidence of healings that took place. That is why people came—because there was
evidence of miraculous healings. Had the
story not been true, the narrative of John would have been quickly discredited
by those who lived during that time.
Finally, I believe it was added to the text simply because verse seven
makes more sense if this text antecedes it.
People who are in dire physical
conditions will cling to anything for hope.
Once hope is gone, life ceases soon after. The fact that evidence existed of healings by
those who were able to get in the water first is amazing and sad at the same
time. Those closest to the water have a
great advantage over the rest. Those who
could move have an advantage over those who could not. Those who have help have an immense advantage
over those who just lay there unable to move.
Their chances are almost nonexistent.
But they come anyway. They don’t
care about their chances. They come just
in case—sort of like buying a lottery ticket.
You can’t be healed if you don’t show up. It is a sad sight to behold! You don’t know unless you’ve been in a
similar condition. You cling to any ray
of hope. But Jesus is on his way….
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