1 Thessalonians5

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¹Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,

²for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

³While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

⁴But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

⁵You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

⁶So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

⁷For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.

⁸But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

⁹For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹⁰He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

¹¹Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

¹²Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.

¹³Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

¹⁴And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

¹⁵Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

¹⁶Rejoice always,

¹⁷pray continually,

¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁹Do not quench the Spirit.

²⁰Do not treat prophecies with contempt

²¹but test them all; hold on to what is good,

²²reject every kind of evil.

²³May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁴The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

²⁵Brothers and sisters, pray for us.

²⁶Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.

²⁷I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

²⁸The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 1 Thessalonians 5.

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Chapter Summary

In this chapter: The apostle exhorts to be always ready for the coming of Christ to judgment, which will be with suddenness and surprise. (1–11). He directs to several particular duties. (12–22). And concludes with prayer, greetings, and a blessing. (23–28).

vv1-5

It is needless or useless to ask about the particular time of Christ's coming. Christ did not reveal this to the apostles. There are times and seasons for us to work in, and these are our duty and interest to know and observe; but as to the time when we must give up our account, we know it not, nor is it needful that we should. The coming of Christ will be a great surprise to men. Our Lord himself said so. As the hour of death is the same to each person that the judgment will be to mankind in general, so the same remarks answer for both. Christ's coming will be terrible to the ungodly. Their destruction will overtake them while they dream of happiness, and please themselves with vain amusements. There will be no means to escape the terror or the punishment of that day. This day will be a happy day to the righteous. They are not in darkness; they are the children of the light. It is the happy condition of all true Christians. But how many are speaking peace and safety to themselves, over whose heads utter destruction is hovering! Let us endeavour to awaken ourselves and each other, and guard against our spiritual enemies.

vv6-11

Most of mankind do not consider the things of another world at all, because they are asleep; or they do not consider them aright, because they sleep and dream. Our moderation as to all earthly things should be known to all men. Shall Christians, who have the light of the blessed gospel shining in their faces, be careless about their souls, and unmindful of another world? We need the spiritual armour, or the three Christian graces, faith, love, and hope. Faith; if we believe that the eye of God is always upon us, that there is another world to prepare for, we shall see reason to watch and be sober. True and fervent love to God, and the things of God, will keep us watchful and sober. If we have hope of salvation, let us take heed of any thing that would shake our trust in the Lord. We have ground on which to build unshaken hope, when we consider, that salvation is by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, to atone for our sins and to ransom our souls. We should join in prayer and praise one with another. We should set a good example one before another, and this is the best means to answer the end of society. Thus we shall learn how to live to Him, with whom we hope to live for ever.

vv12-15

The ministers of the gospel are described by the work of their office, which is to serve and honour the Lord. It is their duty not only to give good counsel, but also to warn the flock of dangers, and reprove for whatever may be amiss. The people should honour and love their ministers, because their business is the welfare of men's souls. And the people should be at peace among themselves, doing all they can to guard against any differences. But love of peace must not make us wink at sin. The fearful and sorrowful spirits, should be encouraged, and a kind word may do much good. We must bear and forbear. We must be long-suffering, and keep down anger, and this to all men. Whatever man do to us, we must do good to others.

Key Words

NowG1161Greek

δέ (dé): but, and, etc.

concerningG4012Greek

περί (perí): properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive case denoting the subject or occasion or superlative point; with the accusative case the locality, circuit, matter, circumstance or general period)

timesG5550Greek

χρόνος (chrónos): a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from G2540 (καιρός), which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from G165 (αἰών), which denotes a particular period) or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay

andG2532Greek

καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

seasonsG2540Greek

καιρός (kairós): an occasion, i.e. set or proper time

brothersG80Greek

ἀδελφός (adelphós): a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α))

haveG2192Greek

ἔχω (échō): to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or condition)

noG3756Greek

οὐ (ou): the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not

needG5532Greek

χρεία (chreía): employment, i.e. an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

writtenG1125Greek

γράφω (gráphō): to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

Cross References

1 Thessalonians 5

v2Matthew 24:42-44allusion

Our Lord's original parable warning that the Son of man comes like a thief.

Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin, JFB

v22 Peter 3:10thematic

Peter's matching eschatological declaration that the day of the Lord will come as a thief.