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Book of John - Chapter 4 - Verse 38

4:38
I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.

Meaning

Through this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the work that they are doing in spreading the message of the gospel. He explains to them that they are reaping the benefits of the hard work of others who came before them. Jesus is acknowledging the efforts of those who have laid the foundation for the disciples to continue the ministry. This verse serves as a reminder to the disciples that they are not alone in their work and that they are part of a larger community of believers who have all contributed to the spread of the gospel. It also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the mission of sharing the message of Christ.

Theological Overview

One way to interpret the verse "I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours" (John 4:38) is through a theological lens. This verse can be seen as a reminder of the interconnected nature of spiritual work and the importance of building upon the efforts of those who came before us. The "other men" who laboured before us could represent the prophets, apostles, and disciples who worked tirelessly to spread the message of God. By acknowledging their efforts, we are called to appreciate the foundation they have laid and continue to build upon it. This interpretation highlights the idea of unity in the body of Christ, where each person plays a role in the larger mission of spreading the Gospel. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of humility, recognizing that our own work is part of a larger tapestry woven by those who laboured before us.

American Standard Version

I sent you to reap that whereon ye have not labored: others have labored, and ye are entered into their labor.
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