for they still try to prevent our preaching to the Gentiles so that they may find salvation. They thus continually fill up the measure of their own sins, and God's anger in its severest form has overtaken them.

to prevent anyone being disturbed by these troubles. (Troubles are our lot, you know that well;

so that your way of life may stand fair to the world, and prevent your being dependent upon any man.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.