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16 by trying to prevent us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way, they constantly reach the full measure of their sins. The wrath of God has begun to overtake them at last.

17 The Glory and Joy of the Apostles.[a] Brethren, when we were separated from you for a brief time—in body but not in heart—we had an intense longing to see you again face to face. 18 Therefore, we were determined to come to visit you—I, Paul, on more than one occasion—but Satan thwarted us.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Thessalonians 2:17 Paul perceives the hand of Satan—i.e., the forces hostile to God and to the fulfillment of human beings—behind everything that paralyzes his missionary action.
  2. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 But Satan thwarted us: we do not know how this occurred. Concerning Satan as enemy of the Gospel, (see Rom 16:20; 1 Cor 7:5; 2 Cor 11:14; Eph 6:11-13; 1 Tim 3:6). Hence, he has already been defeated (see Col 2:15), and Christians should not feel overwhelmed by him (see Eph 6:16). His final overthrow is certain (Rev 20:10).