But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, etc. - referring to such keen and determined resistance to the Gospel as he himself had too painfully witnessed on the part of his own countrymen. (See Act 13:44-46; Act 17:5, Act 17:13; Act 18:6, Act 18:12; and compare 1Th 2:15, 1Th 2:16).
indignation and wrath - in the bosom of a sin-avenging God.