1 Thessalonians 2:16

Forbidding. Gr. koluo, “to hinder,” “to prevent,” “to forbid.” The Jews would “compass sea and land to make one proselyte” (Matt. 23:15), and were glad to have men accept Judaism. But they did all in their power to prevent Christians from spreading the good news of salvation through Christ.

That they might be saved. Paul was convinced that apostolic preaching resulted in the salvation of those who accepted its message. He knew that there is no salvation except through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). He also, knew from personal experience, that any effort to propagate the gospel would incur the wrath of the Jews (cf. Acts 22:22).

To fill up. Gr. anaplerod, “to fill up full,” “to fill to the brim.” The Jews’ rejection of salvation through Christ, and their preventing others from benefiting from the Saviour’s sacrifice, filled “to the brim” the measure of their sins (cf. on Matt. 23:32).

Always. By the killing of the prophets in OT times, by the rejection and crucifixion of their Lord, and now, by the determined persecution of His followers, the sins of the Jews were rising higher and higher, until the measure of their iniquity was more than filled.

The wrath. That is, the wrath of God (see on ch. 1:10).

Is come. The consummation of God’s wrath against the chosen people was still in the future (A.D. 70), but Paul sees the way the Jews are taking and speaks with certainty concerning the end to which they are hastening. In the light of OT prophecy (see on Dan. 9:24), and of that of our Lord Himself (Matt. 23:37-39; 24:15-20), as well as by the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, the apostle could see the wrath of God falling upon the impenitent nation. Jerusalem was not yet destroyed, but God’s protection had been withdrawn. Soon the city would be “trodden down,” the Jews scattered, and the prophecy of the Lord fulfilled (see on Luke 19:43, 44; 21:24).

To the uttermost. Or, “at last.”