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

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly difficult passage from 1 Thessalonians 2:15. It’s a really powerful and disturbing statement about the history of the early Church. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that the Jewish community (and later, those who opposed Christians) actively killed Jesus and their messengers, and they are deliberately trying to push people away from God and against everyone. It's essentially a statement of hatred and rebellion against the true faith. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Who both killed the Lord Jesus…” : This is a dramatic claim – it suggests that the act of killing Jesus was not just accidental, but a deliberate action. “…and their own prophets…” : This refers to the Jewish leaders who opposed Christians. They weren’t just criticizing them; they actively tried to stop people from believing in Jesus. Think of it as a persistent effort to push back against the message of Christianity. "...and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:” : This is the most crucial part. It’s saying that these groups actively pushed Christians away from God and actively fought against everyone – meaning they weren't just trying to be annoying; they were deliberately trying to create opposition to faith. They were pushing people against God, and this was a significant obstacle to spreading the Christian message. What’s the Significance? This verse is a warning about the dangers of religious intolerance and opposition. It highlights that the early Church faced a serious challenge from groups who actively sought to undermine its mission – essentially trying to push people away from God. It's a stark reminder that faith can be threatened when there’s strong resistance against it. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as referring to the Jewish leaders of the first century who were actively plotting against Jesus and Christians. However, it’s important to remember that this was happening long before Jesus’ death; it's a historical record of conflict. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on understanding biblical context and theological interpretations. If you need a deeper understanding or are struggling with these ideas, please consult with a trusted religious leader or theologian. Would you like me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Provide some historical context (briefly)?