1 Thessalonians 5

Times and dates

But about the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

3 For when they say, “Peace and safety”, then sudden destruction will come on them, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that day should overtake you like a thief.

5:4 In this verse Paul seems to be teaching that Christian believers will be on earth up to the very time that the “day of the Lord” begins. If he did not believe that some of them would be here why would he speak of their not being surprised by its coming? And if he believed that none of them would be here at that time here was a good opportunity to say so, instead of urging them to “watch” (v 6).⚜

Living as children of the Light

5 You are all children of light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. 6 So let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But let us who belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.

9 For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep, we should live together with him.

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

Closing remarks

12 And we urge you, brethren, to pay attention to those who labour among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to regard them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, to warn those who are unruly, to comfort the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one pays back to anyone wrong for wrong, but always follow what is good, both for yourselves, and for everyone.

16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray without ceasing.

5:17 Paul did more than instruct others to do this. He did it himself – 1 Thess 1:3; 2:13; Rom 1:9-10; Eph 6:18; Col 1:3; 2 Tim 1:3. He knew the power and privilege of prayer, and always kept his heart in tune with the Lord regardless of what work he may have been doing. When one is occupied with other activities it will not always be possible to formulate a prayer or speak one audibly. But prayer is lifting the heart to God even if no words are spoken with the lips. Notes and references to prayer at Gen 18:32; Matt 6:5-13; 7:7-12; Mark 11:24; Luke 11:1-13; 18:1-8; Rom 8:26-27; Eph 1:17; 6:18; Phil 4:6-7; Col 1:9; Heb 11:6; Jam 1:5-8; 5:16-18; 1 John 5:14-15; Ps 66:18.⚜

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

5:18 Heb 13:15; Col 3:17; Phil 4:6; Eph 5:20; Ps 50:14; 113:1; Lev 7:12-13. “In everything” means all things without exception, whether the circumstances are pleasant or unpleasant, safe or dangerous, smooth or rough. There are always things for which to thank God in every circumstance of life and we should all learn the practice of thanksgiving.⚜

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test everything, hold firmly what is good. 22 Keep away from every form of evil.

5:22 Some people are good at avoiding evil things they do not want to do, but fall into those evils which are pleasing to them. Believers have no business doing any kind of evil.⚜

23 And may the very God of peace sanctify you completely. And I pray God that your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, and he will also do it.

25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the holy brethren.

5:27 All the family of God still need the truth revealed in this letter, and the instructions of the apostle.⚜

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