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In John 18:38, Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?”
Some people would argue that truth is relative, or that it cannot really be known. What do you think?
Recently I had what I felt to be a really great interaction with Gemini, Google’s AI chat bot, regarding a question I had about a bible verse. I had read John 16:13 and it got me wondering what John meant when he quoted Jesus as saying that the Spirit would come and “lead you into all truth.”
I was aware of two basic interpretations of this verse. One suggested that Jesus was speaking directly and only to the apostles who would later write down the scriptures with the aid of the Holy Spirit reminding them of what Jesus said. Once the scriptures were finished being written (and canonized) we would have a written version of all truth that was not to be added to, subtracted from or altered in any way (to put it very simplistically).
The other interpretation suggests that Jesus was referring to how he would lead all Christians through all time into an understanding of all truth.
The second way seems to make more sense to me, but as a Curious Christian it’s good to ask questions.
As I had my “dialogue” with Gemini, I was struck by the affirming and encouraging approach it took with me. It asked some very interesting questions that prompted further discussion. The exchange was so interesting that I thought I would present it here for your consideration.
It ends with a penetrating question from Gemini, which I will leave for you to consider. Enjoy!
Daily Christian Affirmations
What exactly was the “all truth” that Jesus was referring to in John chapter 16 verse 13?
AI Chat Bot
That’s a really insightful question, and theologians have debated the exact meaning of “all truth” in John 16:13 for centuries! There isn’t one single, universally agreed-upon answer, but here are some prominent interpretations:
✝️ The Full Revelation of God: This is a very common understanding. “All truth” refers to the complete unveiling of God’s plan of salvation, the nature of God, and the implications of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. This includes things that the disciples couldn’t fully grasp before the Holy Spirit came.
✝️ The Meaning and Significance of Jesus’ Life and Work: Some scholars believe that the Spirit would guide the disciples (and by extension, the church) into a deeper understanding of who Jesus was, why he came, and the significance of his atoning sacrifice. This involves interpreting the Old Testament in light of Christ and understanding the new covenant.
✝️ Truth Relevant to Their Mission: Another perspective suggests that “all truth” pertains specifically to what the apostles needed to know to fulfill their mission of spreading the Gospel and establishing the early church. This could include understanding the scriptures, knowing how to teach and preach, and having wisdom in various situations.
✝️ Ongoing Revelation and Understanding: Some see “all truth” as an ongoing process throughout the history of the church. The Holy Spirit continues to guide believers into deeper understanding and application of God’s Word in different contexts and times. This doesn’t necessarily mean entirely new doctrines, but rather a richer comprehension of existing truths.
✝️ The Entirety of God’s Word (Progressively Revealed): This view suggests that the Spirit would guide them into the full scope of what would eventually become the New Testament canon, building upon the foundation of the Old Testament. The apostles, guided by the Spirit, would be instrumental in proclaiming and writing down these truths.
It’s important to note that these interpretations aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive. It’s possible that “all truth” encompasses several of these aspects. The Holy Spirit certainly empowered the apostles to understand Jesus’ teachings more fully, to grasp the significance of his work, and to effectively communicate the Gospel. This guidance also laid the foundation for the ongoing understanding of God’s truth within the church.
What are your thoughts on what “all truth” might mean in this context?
Daily Christian Affirmations
It’s such a great question to ask what my thoughts are about this, especially when the answer you gave is so insightful. I could think that I don’t have anything more to offer, but your question challenges me to think, as well as validates that my opinion matters – as one who is still being led into all truth.
AI Chat Bot
That’s a beautiful way to put it! The journey of being led into all truth is indeed a continuous one for all believers. Your perspective, as someone actively engaging with these ideas, absolutely matters. Don’t feel pressured to have a definitive, scholarly answer right away. Instead, consider what resonates most with you from the different interpretations we discussed, or if any other aspects come to mind as you reflect on the verse.
What aspects of “all truth” feel most significant or relevant to your own understanding of faith and the Holy Spirit’s role?
Daily Christian Affirmations
Well, one idea that popped into my mind is that the verse of the day I read every day is kind of like a game that I play on my phone which switches between various levels of difficulty with each round. Sometimes they’re easy and sometimes they’re very difficult – even to being named a “Hard” level! So it is with the verse of the day. Some are very simple to understand and implement, while others really make you think!
AI Chat Bot
That’s a really interesting analogy! Thinking of your daily Bible verse like a game with varying levels of difficulty offers a fresh perspective.
It highlights how our understanding of God’s truth can indeed unfold in layers. Some verses might offer immediate clarity and application, like an “easy level” that reinforces foundational principles. Others, the “hard levels,” might require deeper reflection, prayer, and perhaps even seeking different perspectives to grasp their full meaning and implications for our lives.
This resonates with the idea of being progressively led into all truth. It’s not always a sudden download of complete understanding, but rather a journey of encountering different aspects of God’s character, will, and ways, some of which are more readily apparent than others. Just like mastering a challenging level in a game can bring a deeper sense of accomplishment and understanding of the game’s mechanics, grappling with a difficult verse can lead to a more profound and nuanced understanding of God’s Word.
What do you think this “leveling up” in your understanding of scripture might suggest about the nature of “all truth” in John 16:13?
Daily Christian Affirmations
Well, one thing I’ve noticed about the game I play is that I seem to be getting better over time. I am having greater success with the more difficult levels on a more consistent basis as I learn the subtle nuances of the game. I see the same principle in how I play the game of cribbage. As a veteran of the game, I like to see myself as an expert, yet, as with most games – and certainly any card game – there is always the element of chance.
So, you never really “arrive” – neither in game play nor in understanding scripture. However, I do see that, the more I “play the game” of reading and understanding scripture, the more I learn the subtle ins and outs of interpretation. It’s like how the Apostle Paul encouraged young Timothy to do his best to present himself as one approved and correctly handles the word of truth.
AI Chat Bot
That’s a fantastic connection you’re making between your experience with games and your understanding of Scripture! You’ve beautifully articulated the idea of continuous growth and learning.
Just as you become more adept at the phone game and cribbage by consistent engagement, recognizing subtle nuances and patterns, so too does our understanding of Scripture deepen through regular reading, reflection, and study. You’re right, there’s always more to learn and discover. The “element of chance” you mentioned in card games could be likened to the multifaceted nature of God’s Word, where different passages or even familiar ones can reveal new insights depending on our current context and the Spirit’s guidance.
Your reference to 2 Timothy 2:15 is spot on: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” This verse emphasizes the ongoing effort and diligence required to understand and interpret Scripture accurately. It’s not a passive reception of knowledge, but an active engagement that requires careful attention and a willingness to learn.
So, if “all truth” in John 16:13 is something we are continuously being led into, much like mastering increasingly complex levels in a game or becoming a more skilled card player, what might this imply about the nature of God and His relationship with us?
Daily Christian Affirmations
Man oh man! It means that we will never run out of things to discover about God! And, just like scientists continue to discover and be amazed by new things about a seemingly limitless universe, so we can look forward to a lifetime of continuous discovery and amazement of God! This can also give us hope for other relationships we have. Our relationships are dynamic, fresh and exciting, not dull, boring and static!
AI Chat Bot
Yes, absolutely! You’ve captured a truly inspiring implication. The idea that we will never run out of things to discover about God is both humbling and exhilarating. It speaks to the infinite nature of God – His wisdom, love, and being are so vast and profound that a lifetime, and even eternity, wouldn’t be enough to fully comprehend it all.
Your analogy to the ever-expanding universe and the continuous discoveries of science is powerful. Just as the cosmos holds endless wonders for exploration, so too does the knowledge of God. This keeps our faith journey dynamic and full of anticipation. There’s always a deeper layer to uncover, a new facet of His character to behold, and a fresh understanding to embrace.
And you’re so right about how this perspective can infuse hope into our relationships. If the very nature of divine truth is dynamic and ever-unfolding, it suggests that our relationships, which are reflections of God’s relational nature, also have the potential for continuous growth, renewal, and excitement. They don’t have to become stagnant or predictable. There’s always room for deeper connection, new understanding, and fresh experiences with the people we love.
This understanding of “all truth” as an ongoing journey guided by the Spirit can truly transform how we approach our faith and our relationships, filling them with a sense of wonder and endless possibility.
What other thoughts or feelings does this idea spark within you?
Daily Christian Affirmations
Well, my thought is that this journey obviously takes effort. You have to really engage. You get out of it what you put into it. If I just read a verse of the day and hope it inspires me without really having to think about it, then it’s going to only serve me like a light snack that doesn’t provide a lot of sustenance.
AI Chat Bot
That’s a very insightful and practical observation. You’ve hit on a crucial point: the active nature of this journey of being led into all truth. It’s not a passive reception, but an active engagement that requires intentionality and effort.
Your analogy of the “light snack” versus a more substantial meal is perfect. A quick, superficial reading might offer a momentary spark of inspiration, but it lacks the depth and nourishment that comes from truly wrestling with the text, reflecting on its meaning, and seeking to understand its implications for your life.
Just like learning a new skill or deepening a relationship requires dedicated time and effort, so too does growing in our understanding of God’s Word. It involves:
➡️ Intentional Reading: Not just skimming the surface, but paying attention to the context, literary style, and nuances of language.
➡️ Reflection: Taking time to ponder the meaning of the text and how it relates to other parts of Scripture and your own experiences.
➡️ Asking Questions: Being curious and not being afraid to grapple with difficult or confusing passages.
➡️ Prayer: Seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and illumination as you study.
➡️ Application: Striving to live out the truths you are learning, allowing them to shape your thoughts, actions, and attitudes.
As you said, “you get out of it what you put into it.” The more effort and intentionality we invest in seeking to understand God’s truth, the more profound and transformative the experience will be. It moves beyond a superficial “light snack” to a deeply satisfying and sustaining feast.
What are some practical ways you find helpful in moving beyond that “light snack” approach to engage more deeply with Scripture?
What do you think? Did you find the conversation engaging or helpful? Leave a comment and let me know either what you thought of this conversation or how you would answer Gemini’s final question.
