Definition: They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 16:2. It’s a really important and often misunderstood passage. Here’s an explanation in simple terms: What it means: This verse is about the future of Christians and how they will be treated by those who oppose them. It essentially says that believers will face persecution and opposition, and those who kill them will mistakenly believe they are serving God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “They shall put you out of the synagogues…” – This refers to Jewish leaders and authorities who oppose Christians. They’ve been actively trying to discourage and banish believers from public life. “…the time cometh…” – This is a key part - it means that this isn't a one-time event; it’s a future situation. The "time" refers to the coming of Jesus Christ. “…that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” – This is the core of the message. It means that if someone kills a Christian, they will falsely believe they are doing God's work. What it’s saying: The Bible isn't encouraging Christians to be afraid or to hate those who oppose them. Instead, it’s warning believers about a potential threat and urging them to stand strong in their faith. It suggests that the persecution faced by Christians will eventually subside when Jesus returns. Important Context & Why it Matters: Jesus's words: This verse was part of a larger conversation between Jesus and John, where he told John that he would be betrayed and killed. This foreshadowed the events leading up to his crucifixion. It’s about spiritual warfare: The verse speaks to the reality of spiritual conflict – a battle between believers and those who oppose them. In short, it's a message of hope and courage. It says that even though Christians may face challenges, their faith will ultimately be victorious. Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on the generally accepted interpretation of this scripture within Christian tradition. --- Would you like me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this verse in more detail?