Definition: Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse together. It’s a pretty serious warning from the Apostle John. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Message: This verse is saying that someone is intentionally trying to harm believers – spreading lies and negativity – and they’re actively trying to stop them from sharing their faith. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Wherefore, if I come…” : John is speaking to someone who is engaging in this harmful behavior. He’s essentially saying, "I'm watching you." “…I will remember his deeds which he doeth…” : This is the key part. John is focusing on what he observes – what the person is doing. It means they are deliberately and consistently spreading lies, gossip, and negativity. He’s remembering their actions. “prating against us with malicious words” : “Prate” means to talk falsely or deceitfully. This suggests they're not just saying things; they're lying and trying to damage people's trust in each other. They’re intentionally causing harm through lies. “and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren…” : This highlights a key point of malice. They aren't satisfied with just spreading these lies; they actively stop believers from sharing their faith and even throw them out of the church. It shows a deliberate effort to isolate and harm those who are trying to connect with God through faith. “…and forbiddeth them that would, and cast [them] out of the church.” : This is a strong command. John is telling us to be vigilant and to not engage in this behavior yourself – or anyone else who might be participating. He’s essentially saying, "Don't do this! Don't spread lies and negativity!" And he’s taking decisive action by removing those who are engaging in it from the church community. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse is a warning about spiritual warfare – a battle between good and evil. It warns us to be cautious of those who actively try to undermine faith, sow discord, and prevent believers from connecting with God. It’s a call to stand firm in our faith and protect the community of believers. Think of it like this: The person is deliberately trying to poison the well of faith – spreading lies and trying to isolate people. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Provide a related story or example from the Bible?