14For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews, 15who 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, 16hindering 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.
Guzik commentary:
Here Paul revealed what offended the religious persecutors of the Thessalonians so much. They were outraged that Gentiles could be saved without first becoming Jews. This exclusive attitude filled up the measure of their sins.
But wrath has come upon them to the uttermost: Paul comforted the Thessalonians by assuring them that God would indeed take care of their persecutors. When Christians forget this, they often disgrace and curse themselves by returning persecution for persecution towards others.
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/guzik/1_thessalonians/2.htm
Brethren, we must be careful we don't become like the Jews in this text. You must be an imitator of Jesus Christ displaying His love for all.
Do you remember what He said on the cross? Father forgive them....
If you curse them, will you not share in their curse? As David Guzik states: "they often disgrace and curse themselves by returning persecution for persecution towards others."
Paul proudly displayed his stripes, stoning' and beatings for Jesus.
Could we be as bold as Paul?
Blessings, David
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