1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

[13] cause  also  thank  God  without ceasing,  because,  when ye received  the word  of God  which ye heard  of  ye received  it not  as the word  of men,  but  as  in truth,  the word  of God,  which  effectually worketh  also  in  that believe.  [14] For  brethren,  became  followers  of the churches  of God  which  in  Judaea  in  Christ  Jesus:  for  also  have suffered  of  your own  countrymen,  even  as  they have  of  the Jews:  [15] Who both  killed  the Lord  Jesus,  and  prophets,  and  have persecuted  and  they please  not  God,  and  are contrary  to all  men:  [16] Forbidding  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. 

What does 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul reminded his readers how they had welcomed the gospel message to vindicate further his own ministry and to emphasize the importance of proclaiming this message. He did this so the Thessalonians would continue to herald it abroad as they had been doing.
"This section of the letter begins with the second thanksgiving in a series of three ( 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13) that dominate the tone of the first three chapters." [1]