“For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judæa are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 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: 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.” 1st Thessalonians 2:14-16

There are people in the world who hate God. There is nothing we can do to change their minds or attitudes. When we do confront them, we should not be surprised if they treat us with the same hatred with which they treat our Savior.

These people hate God so much that it is not enough when they prevent the gospel from being preached in their presence. No, they must forbid it to be preached anywhere! They do not want anyone finding comfort in the word of God.

This persecution sometimes succeeds, and children of God are left without a preacher to help them. However, this does not mean they are eternally lost!

Paul is speaking about a salvation of knowledge for the mind. When believers are able to hear the gospel in its purity, they are saved to the knowledge of Christ’s finished work and that gives great comfort.

Even though the preaching of the gospel has no bearing whatsoever on the eternal salvation of a person, the temporal salvation of belief in the gospel is the best assurance one can have of eternal salvation.


That is why God hates those that prevent the gospel from being preached. God does not take lightly those that rob His children of their comfort. Therefore, His wrath is COMPLETELY against them.