Definition: For the time past of [our] life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse together. It’s a pretty complex passage, but I’ll try to explain it in plain language: Overall Meaning: This verse is saying that we – specifically, the church – have been given a temporary period of time to help spread the gospel (the good news about Jesus Christ) and live a life that's pleasing to people outside of our own culture and traditions. It’s talking about a time when things were a bit wild and chaotic. Let’s look at it word-by-word: “For the time past of [our] life” : This refers to a period in the past, a little while ago. "Our life" is referring to the lives of believers – those who have been saved by faith in Jesus Christ. “may suffice us” : This means “it’s sufficient for us.” It's not that it will completely solve everything, but it’s enough to help us achieve a certain goal. “to have wrought the will of the Gentiles” : "Gentiles" is a fancy word meaning "non-Jews" – people who weren’t Jewish. The “will of the Gentiles” refers to the desire and needs of people outside of Judaism. Basically, it means we're being given a chance to share the good news with those who don't already believe. “when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries” : This is the crucial part! It describes a time when people were living a life that was: Lifestyles that are tempting and potentially harmful: "Lasciviousness" means sexual immorality; “lusts” refers to excessive or inappropriate desires. Excessive indulgence in things we shouldn't: "Revellings" (parties, celebrations) – “banquetings” (large feasts) – these were all ways of showing off and celebrating, often with a focus on worldly pleasures. “Abominable idolatries” means worshipping anything other than God. So, putting it all together… This verse is saying that for a while, the church was in a period where they had to actively work to spread the message of Jesus Christ to people who weren’t already following his teachings. It's acknowledging that at times, people were living lives that were tempting and didn't align with God's will – focusing on things like pleasure, sex, celebration, and worshiping idols. What does this mean for us today? It reminds us that we have a responsibility to: Be mindful of our temptations: We need to be aware of the things that draw us away from God and help us stay focused on Him. Live a life pleasing to God: We should strive to live in a way that honors Him, reflects His love, and is a good example for others. Important Note: This verse doesn't say we should completely abandon worldly pleasures or desires. It’s about being guided by God's will – that our lives should be aligned with His purpose for us. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give some examples of how we can apply this verse to our own lives?