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While Jesus was at Jerusalem there came a voice from heaven. For what purpose was the voice sent?
John: For the sake of those who stood by. “Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes” ([xii, 30]).
Of what benefit was the voice when those who heard it were unable to distinguish it from thunder? “The people therefore, that stood by and heard it, said that it thundered” ([29]).
The Evangelists relate several instances of celestial voices being heard. As there is, in nearly every instance, a disagreement in regard to the message conveyed, it is probable that an electrical disturbance inspired the voice, while a vivid imagination interpreted its meaning. Regarding these voices, the Duke of Somerset says: “A belief in these heavenly voices was a common superstition among the Jews.”