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Daily Devotions

1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 
Day 
Day 22

"Killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets..."

Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:15

A CANDID UNDERSTANDING

The apostle Paul did not mince words when he described the enemies of their faith. Candidly he described those who persecuted the church.

“Who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets,
and have persecuted us; and they do not please God,
and are contrary to all men.”

1 Thessalonians 2:15

1. Four features were highlighted about these enemies of the faith

a) These were not the only characteristics.
b) They are highlighted for effect.

2. The significance of these features

a) “Who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets”
i) They dared to kill the Lord Jesus.
ii) They would not think twice about persecuting people.
iii) They had a history of killing.
iv) They killed their own prophets (reference to Old Testament prophets).
v) The killing of the prophets was not much mentioned in the Scriptures.
vi) Hebrews 11:35-37 highlight some of the sufferings endured by these heroes of faith.
b) “And have persecuted us”
i) The apostles were persecuted (Acts 8:1-2).
ii) Paul and Silas were persecuted when they ministered in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-14).
c) “And they do not please God”
i) Paul had been a persecutor once.
ii) The persecutors were of the opinion that they were doing what was pleasing to God.
iii) Paul knew otherwise! Persecutors do not please God!
d) “And are contrary to all men”
i) These enemies of the faith exhibited behaviour that was contrary to good sense.
ii) They were acting in a contrary manner.
iii) They were “extremists” and were rabid in their thoughts and actions against those who followed the Lord Jesus Christ.