The purpose of Paul’s preaching is so that they (i.e., the Gentiles) may be saved. The salvation of which Paul speaks is explained at various points throughout the letter. Primarily, it consists in being delivered from God’s wrath at the final judgment (1 Thessalonians 1:10, cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:1–10). This deliverance will be the sequel to a life characterized by blamelessness in holiness (1 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:23), which itself is the effect of God’s powerful working in the lives of those who have taken refuge in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 3:11–13; 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24).1 Given God’s desire to save people through the gospel (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9), as well as the profoundly liberating and everlasting effects of this salvation, it is no wonder that Paul judges those who hinder the gospel as displeasing to God and opposed to all mankind.2
16 by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!