Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Thessalonians 2:16

16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles, that they might be saved , to fill up their sins alway : for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost .

Their contrariety to all men is exprest particularly in this instance; they forbad the Apostles to preach to the Gentiles, which were the greater number of men. Though they opposed also their preaching to the Iewish Nation. For the Iewes could not endure to hear that the Gentiles should be received into the Church; Or into special favour with God; as appears by Christs Sermon in the Synagogue. Luk. 4.28. And in the Apostles Apology for himself at Ierusalem, Acts 22.21, 22. And their forbidding them implies, not an Act of Authority for they had it not, but their hindring them what they could, and stirring up the people and rulers against them as Acts 17.6.

To cause it to rise up to such a measure and degree as will at last bring destruction. Though this was not their intention, yet through the just judgment of God it was the event. They killed the Prophets, but killing Christ and persecuting the Apostles, and hindering the Salvation of Mankind thereby, this fill'd up their sin. The expression alludes to what is said of the Amorites, Gen. 15.16. and foretold by Daniel, chap. 9.27. called the consummation; As here is a perfecting of Holiness and filling up of Grace, so also of sin. And sin against the Gospel ripens sin more than against the Law. And because they made a constant progress in sin, they are said to fill it up, Mat. 23.32. Fill ye up the measure of your fathers.

First they filled up their sin, and then comes this wrath, or that wrath foretold by Daniel, chap. 9.27. And by our Saviour Mat. 23.38. It was their last destruction by the Romans. Gods wrath broke forth upon them several times before, but not to the utmost till now; Or, to the end, as in the Greek. In former punishments God removed his wrath and restored them again, but this continues to the end. Or some by the end, understand only the perfection and consummation of this wrath. And its coming may be read in the Greek▪ It hath prevented them; as bringing them to judgment before hand in this world. As the destruction of the old World, Sodom and Ierusalem, were figures and forerunners of the last Judgment. And yet this doth not contradict what the Apostle speaks, Rom. 11. and many of the Prophets concerning their calling into the Faith and Church of Christ before the end of the World. Also we must understand it with an exception of the remnant of Gods Election that was amongst them.

Marginal references: Act. 13.50. [illegible: 1 letter] 14.5, 19. & 18.12 & 19.9.