Definition: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Thessalonians 2:16. It's a really important and somewhat complex verse, but I’ll try to explain it in a way that’s easy to understand. Here’s the gist: This verse is about a specific situation for the early Christians – particularly Paul and his followers – and it warns against them speaking to Gentiles (people outside of Judaism). Let's unpack it part by part: “Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles…” - This isn’t just a simple "don't talk to them." It's a clear instruction. Paul is saying that he wants to stop any contact between believers and non-believers. Think of it as a boundary being set. “…that they might be saved…” - This is the core of the verse. “Saved” here means redeemed – freed from sin and given a relationship with God. Paul is saying that this restriction is necessary to allow Gentiles to be saved. “To fill up their sins alway:” - This is where it gets a little tricky, but it means the Romans (the rulers of the empire) were going to be incredibly aggressive and focused on punishing the believers. They were going to actively try to steal their salvation – essentially trying to prevent them from being saved. "Filling up their sins alway" suggests this punishment would be relentless and aimed at destroying their faith. “For the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.” - This is the most sobering part. “Wrath” means anger or fury. The Romans were going to unleash a terrible, overwhelming fury on the believers. "To the uttermost" means completely – it’s so intense that it reaches the very limits of suffering and punishment. In simpler terms: Paul is telling the believers to keep their distance from Gentiles because the Roman authorities (and by extension, the world) were going to actively try to stop them from being saved. They were going to relentlessly punish the believers if they didn’t cooperate. It's a warning about potential danger and a plea for protection. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to a crucial period in early Christianity – when the Church was facing significant challenges from Roman power and political pressure. It highlights the need for believers to remain focused on their spiritual relationship with God, rather than being concerned with worldly things. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/1 Thessalonians%202:16](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/1 Thessalonians%202:16) GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/1- Thessalonians-2-16.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/1- Thessalonians-2-16.html) Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse, like its historical context or how it relates to Paul’s teaching?