1 Thessalonians5

New King James Version

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¹But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.

²For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

³For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

⁴But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.

⁵You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

⁶Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

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

⁸But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

⁹For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

¹⁰who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

¹¹Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

¹²And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,

¹³and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

¹⁴Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

¹⁵See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

¹⁶Rejoice always,

¹⁷pray without ceasing,

¹⁸in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

¹⁹Do not quench the Spirit.

²⁰Do not despise prophecies.

²¹Test all things; hold fast what is good.

²²Abstain from every form of evil.

²³Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁴He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

²⁵Brethren, pray for us.

²⁶Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

²⁷I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.

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

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.