Definition: And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 10:18. It's a really interesting and somewhat dramatic statement about the future of believers. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it means: “You will be called upon to testify against those who oppose God and the Gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ) and against the Gentiles – meaning people outside of Jewish faith.” Let's unpack that a bit further: “And ye shall be brought before governors and kings…” This refers to situations where people are defying God’s will or acting in ways that threaten his kingdom. Think about things like: Political corruption: Leaders who abuse their power for personal gain. Religious extremism: People who reject Jesus Christ and try to make the world into something different than it is. Violence and oppression: Those who actively harm others or violate God’s laws. “…for a testimony against them…” This means that believers will be called upon to speak up, to challenge these people, and to show God's truth. It's like standing firm in your beliefs and not being silent when you see injustice. It’s about exposing wrongdoing. “and the Gentiles.” This is a crucial part. "Gentiles" refers to non-Jewish people, meaning those who aren't Jewish, like Muslims, Hindus, or Buddhists. It was a significant point for Jesus because he wanted to build a community that included all people, not just Jews. Why did Jesus say this? He knew that his followers would face challenges and opposition when they started to preach the Gospel – the good news of Jesus – in a world that wasn’t ready for it yet. It was a way for him to test them and prepare them for a difficult but ultimately rewarding journey. What does this verse say about us? It tells us that we are called to be courageous, to stand up for what is right, and to not shy away from speaking out against evil. It’s a call to active faith – meaning it's not enough just to believe in Jesus; we must also act on our beliefs. In short, this verse speaks of a future where believers will be called upon to challenge those who oppose God and the Gospel. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give examples of situations that might lead to this kind of situation? Discuss what Jesus was trying to accomplish with this passage?