Note 5 at Joh 10:10: The thief mentioned here is specifically speaking of the thieves and robbers of Joh 10:8 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 and kind and laid down His life for the sheep. This verse is still the "acid test" for discerning false messengers of God today as well as the demonic inspiration behind them. The devil steals, kills, and destroys, but God ministers the "ZOE" life note 6 at this verse.

Note 6 at Joh 10:10: The Greek word translated "life" here is ZOE, and it means "life in the absolute sense, life as God has it" (Vine's Expository Dictionary). 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 not only to save people from the torment of eternal hell but also to give them this ZOE life, or God-kind of life, in abundance. The life of God is not awaiting people in heaven but is the present possession of all born-again believers in their spirits (Joh 5:24 and 1Jo 3:14). Believers can release this ZOE life and enjoy it now by losing their natural lives (Mt 16:24-25, Mr 8:34-37, and Lu 9:23-25) and finding this supernatural life. The way believers lose their lives is to deny any thoughts, emotions, or actions that are contrary to the Word of God, which is life (ZOE in Joh 6:63). When they line their thoughts, emotions, and actions up with the instructions of God's Word, then they'll find this ZOE life manifest in their bodies and souls as well (see note 53 at Mt 7:14).