1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Section VI. The Coming of the Lord Jesus

Ch. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 to 1 Thessalonians 5:11

This solemn topic, as we have already seen (note on ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:10, and Introd., pp. 18 21), is the principal theme of the Epistles to the Thessalonians. It is not treated by way of argument or indoctrination, but as a matter already familiar to the readers; on which, however, further explanation and admonition were needful. The Apostle's teaching about this event had been on some points misunderstood, while new and anxious questions had arisen respecting it. Death had visited the Christian flock at Thessalonica since St Paul left them; and this had aroused in the survivors a painful fear lest those who were thus snatched away should have lost their place and their share in the approaching advent of Christ. This apprehension the Apostle proceeds to remove; and we may entitle the remaining verses of the chapter: Concerning them that fall asleep.

St Paul (1) bids his readers be assured of the safety of their departed fellow-believers, 1 Thessalonians 4:13; and he makes the revelation (2) that these will have the first placein the assembling of the saints at Christ's return, 1 Thessalonians 4:15. He goes on to remind them (3) of the uncertainty of the timeof His coming, ch. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; and (4) exhorts them to be always readyfor the event, like soldiers on guard and fully armed, 1 Thessalonians 4:4.