Definition: And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 24:14. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about the future. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that the message of Jesus’s teachings – specifically, the “kingdom” he promises – will be spread far and wide throughout the entire world. And then, eventually , everything will end. Let's unpack each part: “Matthew 24…” : This refers to a specific story in the Book of Matthew, a book within the New Testament. “…the gospel of the kingdom…” : “Gospel” means good news or a message. The "kingdom" refers to Jesus’s idea of a new world order – a time when God's rule is fully realized and justice prevails. It’s about a perfect society, free from suffering and oppression. “…shall be preached…” : This means that people will be told about this message. “in all the world…” : This is where it gets really big – the message will reach every corner of the planet. "...for a witness unto all nations..." : "Witness" means to show something or to testify. This verse says that the gospel is going to be a clear and undeniable demonstration of God's truth, showing everyone what Jesus believes about the world. It’s like a sign that God is working in ways we can see. "...and then shall the end come." : This is the big, somewhat unsettling part. “The end” here isn’t necessarily an ending of the world as we typically think of it (which would be a catastrophic event). Instead, it refers to a period of significant change and upheaval – possibly a time of judgment, trials, or a final reckoning. It’s suggesting that something will happen that fundamentally alters everything. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the coming of Christ and the end times. It's not necessarily about death itself, but rather about significant societal changes and challenges that will occur before Jesus returns. It speaks to the idea that God’s plan for humanity isn't always straightforward or easy to understand. Important Note: The Bible often uses figurative language – it doesn't always mean literal events in the way we think of them today. This verse is a powerful and symbolic statement about the ongoing work of God throughout history. In short, this verse suggests that Jesus’s message will be shared widely, leading to profound changes, and ultimately, a final judgment or transformation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like repentance, faith, or hope)?