Definition: These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into [any] city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 10:5. It’s a really important part of how Jesus is instructing his disciples about their mission. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his twelve apostles – the leaders and messengers of his followers – to stay away from areas where they might encounter people or places called “Gentiles.” Let’s unpack that word, “Gentiles”: Gentile: This is a really important word. It means someone who isn't Jewish – meaning someone not following the laws and traditions of Judaism. Historically, it was often used to describe non-Jews from other parts of the world. So, what’s Jesus saying? Jesus wants his disciples to avoid areas where people are primarily non-Jewish. This is a crucial part of his plan for spreading the good news of God's love and salvation. He’s setting them up to focus on connecting with people who already understand and believe in Judaism, which is a significant step towards expanding the Kingdom of God. The Command – “Go not into the way of the Gentiles…” “The way of the Gentiles”: This refers to areas where people from other cultures or religious backgrounds are living and worshipping. It’s essentially outside the Jewish community. “And into [any] city of the Samaritans”: This is a specific area Jesus wants to avoid: Samaritan cities. What does it mean to “not enter”? It means they must not go into those areas – specifically, any city where there’s a significant Jewish population. Why is this important? Jesus was teaching his disciples about a specific strategy for spreading the gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ) throughout the world. He wanted them to focus on connecting with people who already believed in Judaism, so that they could share the message of salvation and love more effectively. It’s essentially about strategic outreach – focusing on areas where the existing Jewish community is strong. In short: Jesus wants his disciples to be focused on spreading the good news through the Jewish community, not through interacting with non-Jewish people. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give an example of what "Gentiles" might have looked like historically? Discuss the significance of this verse within the context of Jesus’ teachings?