Paragraph 16:31–33

Jesus warned his disciples that they would soon face hard times. But he would give them inner peace.

16:31

Do you finally believe?: This rhetorical question expresses doubt that Jesus’ disciples had a strong belief in him. It does not doubt that their faith was real, just whether it was strong enough. Jesus knew that when he was arrested, most of them would abandon or deny him. There are several ways to express this doubt. For example:

• Use a rhetorical question. For example:

So now you believe? (New Century Version)
-or-
Do you now believe? (New Revised Standard Version)

• Use a statement indicating doubt. For example:

You ⌊think⌋ you believe now.

• Use a statement followed by a tag that shows doubt. For example:

You believe now, do you?

Translate this rhetorical question in a way that is natural in your language for expressing doubt.

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