1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Section VI. (continued): 1 Thessalonians 5:1

The first part of this Chapter stands in close connection with the last six verses of ch. 4. Together they form the most distinctive and the weightiest section of the Epistle. The two paragraphs of the section touch upon two different aspects of our Lord's Coming, viewed first as it concerns departed Christians, and then in its relation to men living on the earth. The former passage supplies comfort respecting the dead in Christ, the latter enjoins watchfulness and preparedness upon the living. See note introductory to ch. 1 Thessalonians 4:13.

From 1 Thessalonians 5:1 it appears likely that the Thessalonians had been enquiring from St Paul "about the times and the seasons" of Christ's return and the Day of Judgement.