And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers, have become imitators of the churches of God that are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you suffer the same things from your compatriots as they did from the Jews, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us; they do not please God, and are opposed to everyone, 16 trying to prevent us from speaking to the Gentiles that they may be saved, thus constantly filling up the measure of their sins. But the wrath of God has finally begun to come upon them.
Paul expressed continuous thanks to God for the Thessalonians' response to the Gospel because they did not merely hear the divine message but accepted and embraced it wholeheartedly. God’s dynamic and transformative word is now living and effective in their lives and bearing fruit (Heb. 4:12; Is. 55:11). Paul addresses the Thessalonians as brothers in Christ and commends them for following the example of the Judean churches. Despite cultural and geographical differences, they share a common faith and experience. Just as the Judean Christians faced persecution from some of their fellow Jews, they are enduring hardships from their own countrymen (cf. Acts 17:3-9).
Paul made reference to those who persecuted and killed Jesus and the prophets and have historically opposed God’s messengers. Paul's critique is directed toward specific individuals or groups who were opposing the Gospel at that time. Paul and his companions now face similar persecution, but by opposing the Gospel, these opponents are hindering others from receiving salvation and impacting God’s plan of salvation which displeases Him. Their continued opposition to Paul is preventing the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles, leading to a culmination of wrongdoing that calls for a divine response. As a consequence of their actions, Divine judgment is imminent and may have already started (Rom. 1:18).
Heavenly Father, we thank You unceasingly for Your Word that works powerfully within those who believe. Strengthen us to remain steadfast amid trials, just as the faithful before us have endured. Help us to share Your message of salvation with all, and trust in Your righteous justice. This we pray through Christ our Lord Amen!
References
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
- McKenzie, John. Dictionary of the Bible. Collier Books, 1965.
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