Note 5 at Jn. 10:10: The thief mentioned here is specifically speaking of the thieves and robbers of verse 8 who had claimed to be God's messengers but weren't. They were selfish (steal), cruel (kill), and destructive (destroy) in contrast to the true shepherd who was selfless, kind, and laying down His life for the sheep. This verse is still the "acid test" for discerning a false messenger of God today, as well as the demonic inspiration behind him. The devil steals, kills, and destroys, but God ministers the "zoe" life of God (see note 6 at this verse, below).

Note 6 at Jn. 10:10: The Greek word translated "life" here is "zoe" and it means life in the absolute sense or life as God has it. Everyone who is breathing has life in the sense of physical existence, but only those who receive Jesus can experience life as God intended it to be. Jesus came to not only save us from the torment of eternal hell, but also to give us this "zoe" or God-kind of life in abundance. The life of God is not awaiting us in heaven but is the present possession of every born-again person in his spirit (Jn. 5:24; 1 Jn. 3:14). We can release this "zoe" life and enjoy it now by losing our natural life (Mt. 16:24-25; Mk. 8:34- 37; Lk. 9:23-25) and finding this supernatural life. The way we lose our life is to deny any thoughts, emotions, or actions that are contrary to the Word of God, which is life ("zoe" in Jn. 6:63). When we line our thoughts, emotions, and actions up with the instructions of God's Word, then we'll find this "zoe" life manifest in our bodies and souls as well (see note 53 at Mt. 7:14, p. 85).