Note 7 at 1 Th. 2:16: Because of Christ's work of redemption for mankind, it is quite unusual for God to strike out upon man in wrath. We are living in a period of grace where God is not imputing men's sins unto them (see note 14 at 2 Cor. 5:19, p. 1006), but it is not unfair or unjust for Him to give men justice. When God manifests wrath it is always just (see note 1 at Lk. 13:6, p. 335).

The words "grace" and "mercy" are characterized by unearned and undeserved treatment. For those who accept God's gift of salvation, His wrath will never come upon them (1 Th. 1:10; 5:9). For those who have not accepted His salvation, the Lord is still merciful towards them, but He can call their debt due at any time (see note 4 at Acts 12:23, p. 646; see note 5 at Acts 13:9, p. 648).

Paul was saying that God's mercy for the Jews was running out . They had killed the Lord Jesus and His prophets and had become offensive not only to the kingdom of God but also to the Roman government. In just a few short years, Paul's prediction came true with the destruction of Jerusalem which took place in A.D. 70 under the Roman general Titus who later became emperor (see note 4 at Lk. 19:43, p. 415).