What does 1 Thessalonians 2:15 mean?

In this passage, Paul commends the Christians of Thessalonica for faithfully enduring persecution. Their conversion from idolatry to the truth (1 Thessalonians 1:9) would have angered many of their neighbors, family, and friends. The persecutors of the Thessalonians were the same kind of people who had crucified the Lord Jesus and martyred the Old Testament prophets. Jesus accused the unrepentant Jews of Jerusalem of killing the prophets and stoning God's messengers. He spoke of His constant willingness to show them His love and care, but they had rejected His offer. He even said, "How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not" (Luke 13:34).

Following in the succession of those who had rejected Jesus, unrepentant Jews had forced Paul and his team out of Thessalonica. Paul charged them with the sins of displeasing God and keeping others from hearing the gospel. It is bad enough to reject the gospel, but it worse to stand in the way of others who might otherwise hear, believe, and be saved.