There are three references to Outer darkness in Mat 25. what makes this interesting is that there are also references to being delivered to everlasting fire (Hell).
The references to those unprepared in one example in the chapter enter eternal fire, Mt 25:41.
In another example, those unprepared servants enter into outer darkness (Matt 25:30), which seems to indicate a similarity between outer darkness and eternal fire.
This chapter seems to deal with servants –
1. being prepared to enter the Kingdom of God or being prepared to enter righteousness joy and peace in the Holy Spirit, Rm 14;17.
or
2. being unprepared and being sent into fire by Jesus.
Ro 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
Mt 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Mt 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Mt 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (KJV)
Mt 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (KJV)
A Christian servant who is prepared to enter the kinhdom is not sent into “outer darkness/Hell this person in given greater access to ghe Kingdom of God, as Matt 25:21 illustrates.
Matthew 25:21 KJV — His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.