👉 And account [that] the longsuffering of our Lord [is] salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Explanation: Okay, letās break down this verse from 2 Peter 3:15. Itās a pretty rich and thoughtful passage about Godās plan for us. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that Godās long-lasting suffering (or hardship) is the way to our salvation. Itās not just about enduring difficulties, but about a profound and lasting relationship with God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: āAnd account [that] the longsuffering of our Lordā¦ā ā This is a bit of an unusual phrase. āLongsufferingā means enduring hardship or suffering steadfastly . "Account" means to consider or recognize something. So, this part says, āConsider that Godās long-lasting suffering isā¦.ā āā¦is salvation.ā ā This is the core of the verse. āSalvationā means being saved from sin and eternal punishment (like death). God wants us to be saved . āEven as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath writtenā¦ā - Now, this is where it gets really interesting. Itās referencing a letter written by the Apostle Paul ā one of the most important figures in the Bible. āOur beloved brother Paulā ā This refers to Paul himself, who was deeply influenced by God and wrote many letters that are important for understanding Scripture. āā¦also according to the wisdom given unto himā¦ā - This means Paul, using his own knowledge of Godās plan (wisdom), is writing this letter with a particular understanding of what's happening. Putting it all together ā The Meaning: Paul isnāt saying that enduring suffering automatically leads to salvation. Instead, heās suggesting that the very act of enduring hardship is a testament to Godās plan and that God is working through this suffering for our good. It's like a long, steady, determined effort ā that effort, in itself, is a sign that something wonderful is happening. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea that Godās relationship with us isnāt always easy or comfortable. But through challenging times and suffering, we can see Godās love and purpose more clearly. It emphasizes that even when things seem difficult, our faith and trust in God are strengthening and leading us toward eternal life. In short: God's long-lasting suffering is a key part of the path to being saved because it shows his unwavering care for us. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Talk about what Paulās letter says about this? Discuss the significance of "longsuffering" in a broader context?