New Testament: 1Th 2.16

To read the Bible in a year, read First Thessalonians 2 on October 14, In the year of our Lord Christ 2023

By Don Ruhl 

Paul spoke of his brethren in the flesh, the Jews, and how they had become contrary toward people. The last thing that he said was: “…forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost” (1 Thessalonians 2.16). 

Of course, not all of the Jews, but at that time, the majority were against the church and the rest of the world. They did not want the Gentiles to be brought in on an equal level, but from the beginning, the Lord has wanted the entire world included, even as he promised to Abraham: “…in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12.3). And again: “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice” (Genesis 22.18). 

God used the children of Israel (and Israel was the grandson of Abraham), to bring that promised blessing to the world. 

Questions: 

• Do you believe that Jesus came for all people? 
• According to the Law of Moses, are you a Jew or a Gentile? 

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Don preaches with the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Listen to his sermons here: GrantsPassChurchOfChrist.com