We would not have

(ου θελομεν). We do not wish.You ignorant

(υμας αγνοειν). Old word, not to know (α privative, γνο-, root of γινωσκω). No advantage in ignorance of itself.Concerning them that fall asleep

(περ των κοιμωμενων). Present passive (or middle) participle (Aleph B) rather than the perfect passive κεκοιμημενων of many later MSS. From old κοιμαω, to put to sleep. Present tense gives idea of repetition, from time to time fall asleep. Greeks and Romans used this figure of sleep for death as Jesus does (John 11:11) and N.T. generally (cf. our word cemetery). Somehow the Thessalonians had a false notion about the dead in relation to the second coming.Even as the rest which have no hope

(καθως ο λοιπο ο μη εχοντες ελπιδα). This picture of the hopelessness of the pagan world about the future life is amply illustrated in ancient writings and particularly by inscriptions on tombs (Milligan). Some few pagans clung to this hope, but most had none.

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Old Testament