1 Thessalonians 2:15

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:

Who both {G2532} killed {G615} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} their own {G2398} prophets {G4396}, and {G2532} have persecuted {G1559} us {G2248}; and {G2532} they please {G700} not {G3361} God {G2316}, and {G2532} are contrary {G1727} to all {G3956} men {G444}:

both killed the Lord Yeshua and the prophets, and chased us out too. They are displeasing God and opposing all mankind

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,

who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove out us, and please not God, and are contrary to all men;

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 2:15 KJV

In 1 Thessalonians 2:15, the Apostle Paul continues to defend his ministry and the integrity of his motives to the Thessalonian believers. He contrasts his sincere, selfless service with the actions of those who vehemently opposed the spread of the Gospel. This verse is a strong indictment against specific Jewish factions who were hostile to Christianity, portraying their actions as a pattern of historical rejection of God's messengers and truth.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (1 Thessalonians 2:1-16) where Paul recounts his past conduct among the Thessalonians, emphasizing his pure motives, diligent work, and loving care for them. He reminds them that he did not come with deceit or flattery but preached the Gospel boldly despite suffering and opposition (1 Thessalonians 2:2). In verse 14, Paul noted that the Thessalonian believers suffered persecution from their own countrymen, just as the churches in Judea suffered from the Jews. Verse 15 then identifies the persecutors and describes their consistent pattern of antagonism towards God's divine plan and His messengers.

Key Themes

  • Historical Pattern of Rejection: Paul draws a direct line from the killing of the prophets in the Old Testament, to the crucifixion of Jesus, and finally to the persecution of the apostles. This highlights a tragic, consistent pattern of resistance to God's revelation and His chosen messengers by certain groups within Israel. This rejection was prophesied and recorded in various Old Testament accounts (e.g., Jeremiah 26:20-23) and lamented by Jesus Himself (Matthew 23:37).
  • Opposition to the Gospel: The verse powerfully illustrates the severe opposition faced by early Christians as they proclaimed the good news. Paul himself experienced intense hostility, as documented throughout the book of Acts (Acts 13:50, Acts 14:19).
  • Displeasing God: Paul states that their actions "please not God." This underscores the theological gravity of their opposition. Rejecting God's Son and His messengers is fundamentally contrary to God's will and purpose for humanity.
  • Antagonism Towards Humanity: The phrase "contrary to all men" suggests that their opposition to the Gospel was not merely a religious dispute but had broader negative implications. By hindering the spread of salvation, they were effectively working against the ultimate good and well-being of all people, preventing them from hearing and responding to the life-giving message.

Linguistic Insights

  • "killed the Lord Jesus" (apokteinō ton Kyrion Iēsoun): The Greek verb apokteinō means to kill or put to death, emphasizing the direct responsibility for the execution of Jesus. Paul here makes a direct accusation, highlighting their culpability in the crucifixion of Christ (Acts 2:23).
  • "persecuted us" (ediōxan hēmas): The verb ediōxan (from diōkō) means to pursue, chase, or persecute. It describes the active, hostile pursuit and harassment that Paul and his companions experienced as they preached.
  • "contrary to all men" (enantioi pasin anthrōpois): This powerful phrase signifies being opposed to, hostile towards, or working against all humanity. It doesn't necessarily mean they literally hated everyone, but rather that their actions (specifically, hindering the Gospel) were detrimental to the spiritual well-being of all people, blocking the message of salvation intended for the whole world.

Practical Application

This verse offers several enduring insights for believers today:

  1. Expect Opposition: Just as Paul and early Christians faced intense opposition, believers today should not be surprised when their faith or the Gospel message is met with hostility. This is a consistent pattern throughout history (John 15:18).
  2. Persevere in Truth: Despite persecution, Paul did not waver in his mission. This serves as an encouragement to stand firm in proclaiming the truth, even when it is unpopular or provokes antagonism.
  3. Discern Motives: The verse helps us understand that opposition to the Gospel often stems from deep-seated resistance to God's will and a historical pattern of rejecting divine messengers.
  4. Focus on Pleasing God: Ultimately, our aim should be to please God, not men. Paul highlights that the actions of his opponents displeased God, reinforcing the importance of living in a way that honors Him, regardless of human approval (Galatians 1:10).
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 5:12 (10 votes)

    Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

  • Acts 2:23 (6 votes)

    Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

  • Luke 11:48 (6 votes)

    Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.

  • Luke 11:53 (6 votes)

    And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge [him] vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:

  • Acts 7:52 (6 votes)

    Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

  • Luke 13:33 (5 votes)

    Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the [day] following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

  • Luke 13:34 (5 votes)

    O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen [doth gather] her brood under [her] wings, and ye would not!