1 Thessalonians 2:16

Translations

Modern

…hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them.

Traditional

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.

Literal

…forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles so that they might be saved, so as to fill up their sins always. Now the wrath has come upon them to the end.

Latin

…prohibentes nos gentibus loqui ut salvæ fiant, ut impleant peccata sua semper: pervenit enim ira Dei super illos usque in finem.

Original

Greek

English

…hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them.

Notes

1 Thessalonians 2:16

The mission to the Gentiles was one of the most important issues in the early church (Acts 11:18; 13:46–49; 28:28; Romans 1:16).
Judgment comes when sins increase to full capacity (Genesis 15:16; Daniel 8:23; compare Matthew 23:31–36).

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

Related verses

Acts 17:13
But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that Paul was also proclaiming the word of God in Berea, they went there themselves to incite and agitate the crowds.
Acts 14:19
Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead.
Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Acts 14:5
But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them,
Malachi 4:1
“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.”
Matthew 23:32
Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your fathers.
Galatians 5:11
Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.
James 5:1–6
Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.
Acts 13:50
The Jews, however, incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their district.
Acts 22:21–22
Then He said to me, ‘Go! I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
2 Thessalonians 2:10
…and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them.
Matthew 21:41–44
“He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and will rent out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share of the fruit at harvest time.”

Glossary

First Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Bigotry in Persecutions Gentiles: Conversion of The Anger of God: Extreme, Against Those Who Oppose the Gospel The Jews: Unbelieving, Persecuted the Christians

1 Thessalonians 2:16

Translations?

Original?

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Related verses?

Glossary?

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Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics