In order to
identify with the Thessalonians, Paul the apostle reminded them of
how they received the word of God as coming from God Himself and not
just men, were followers of the churches of God in Judaea, and could
identify with persecution as he referenced the Jews who “killed
the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted” Paul
and his companions. The Jews behavior wasn't pleasing to God and was
“contrary to all men”.
In chapter two and verse sixteen of his letter to the Thessalonians,
Paul shares how he and his companions were “forbidden”
“to speak to the Gentiles”
where we read:
Forbidding
us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved,
to fill up
their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
The
verse begins, “Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they
might be saved,...” Paul began with the word, “Forbidding”
which means “hindering, withholding, denying and refusing” “us
to speak” or “utter a voice or emit a sound, articulate, talk
and tell” “to the Gentiles” who were “tribes, nations,
people groups who were foreign to worshipping the true God and
pagans” “that they might be saved” which means “kept
safe and sound, rescued from danger, injury, peril and perishing”.
The people who opposed Paul and his companions persecuted them to
such a degree they would not let them evangelize or share the gospel
with the “Gentiles” or “pagans” so they might be
saved.
The
verse goes on to say, “to fill up their sins alway: for the
wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.” Paul went on to add,
“to fill up” which means “make full and supply” “their
sins always” or “errors, wrongs, offenses and violations
against the divine law in thought or act at all times and forever”
“for the wrath” which means “anger, temper, movement or
agitation of the soul, violent emotion with indignation in the form
of punishment” “is come” or “reached, attained
and arrived at” “upon them to the uttermost” or “on
them to the eternal end, termination, last in succession or series,
finish, close, purpose and aim”. Paul knew the destiny of those who
were not saved by the gospel of Jesus Christ was to be eternally
doomed and punished, and he and his companions desire was to reach as
many people possible with the “good news” of salvation.
When
we think through Paul's words, we might be amazed that anyone would
prevent others from hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are
people in the world today who would stop all sharing of Jesus if they
had the ability to do so. These are agents of Satan who prevent
people from sharing salvation through Jesus Christ which is available
to everyone. These agents, of whom Paul writes, were to pay a price
for their obstruction to the gospel, and their punishment was to be
“to the uttermost” or eternal. Let us be certain we are
not resistant to others hearing the “gospel of Jesus Christ”,
and may we constantly be aware, there are “Gentiles” or
“pagans” who need to be told about the glorious grace and
salvation that is available through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Next
time Paul writes concerning those who forbad Paul and his companions
wanted to “see”
the Thessalonians' face with great desire”, so read ahead, and we
shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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