Keraia
1 Thessalonians 2

1 Thessalonians 2:15

Paul’s Ministry · 1 Thessalonians 2:1–16
Read 1 Thessalonians 2

Translations

Modern
…who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men,
Traditional
Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
Literal
…who, having killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and having driven us out; and they are not pleasing God and contrary to all men,
Latin
…qui et Dominum occiderunt Jesum, et prophetas, et nos persecuti sunt, et Deo non placent, et omnibus hominibus adversantur,

Original

Greek
English
…who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men,

Notes

1 Thessalonians 2:15

Paul was not opposed to the Jewish people. Out of love for them, he prayed for their salvation (Romans 9:1–5; 10:1). However, he knew some Jews had a role in the deaths of God’s messengers, including the Lord Jesus and some prophets (1 Kings 19:10; Acts 7:52). Some Jews had also persecuted the apostles in Thessalonica (Acts 17:10; 2 Corinthians 11:26).

1 Thessalonians 2:1–3:13

The letter begins by discussing the character of Paul and his associates, as well as how the Thessalonians accepted the good news (2:1–12; 13–16).

It emphasizes Paul’s genuine care for the church, mentioning:

  • his efforts to visit them again (2:17–20), and

  • his choice to send Timothy when he could not go himself (3:1–5).

It concludes with the apostle Paul’s happiness about Timothy’s positive report and his prayers to return to the church (3:6–9; 10–13). This detailed defense addresses criticisms of Paul’s sudden departure and long absence.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Persecution

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

First Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Bigotry in Persecutions Church: The Wicked Persecute Martyrdom: The Prophets Murder: Jews Paul: Persecutions Endured By Persecution of the Righteous Persecution: Spirit of Jews Prophets: Martyrs The Church: The Wicked Persecute The Jews: Christ: Murdered By The Jews: Unbelieving, Persecuted the Christians