Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does 1st Thessalonians Chapter 5 mean?

This final chapter of 1 Thessalonians continues to discuss the day of the Lord, assuring Christians that it will not overtake them. It is associated with what Paul calls the night, in this passage, and it will overtake those who are children of the night. The day of the Lord will arrive like a thief in the night, which is not a welcome event. Also, it brings God’s wrath upon unbelievers, whereas Christians—children of the light—will experience full salvation at the rapture. This prospect of receiving final salvation motivates Christians to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:1–11).

While waiting for final salvation, Christians ought to lead a righteous life. This involves proper respect for church leaders. The Lord has placed them in positions of authority and trust over the church. Church members ought to hold them in high regard because of the ministry they perform. Christians also have a responsibility to be at peace with one another (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13).

Paul instructs believers to warn those who are lazy busybodies, encourage those who are easily discouraged, assist those whose faith is weak. And exercise patience with everyone. Furthermore, Christians should not try to get even with those who offend them. On a positive note Christians should keep on doing good to everyone and rejoice. They should keep on praying and offer thanks in every situation (1 Thessalonians 5:14–18).

Also, Paul instructs believers not to ignore or reject what the Spirit wants them to do, nor take a dim view of prophesying. Instead of rejecting messages delivered by alleged prophets, they should put those messages to the test. This testing allows believers to accept that which agrees with the Word of God, and reject anything which does not. Finally, Christians should stay clear of every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:19–22).

Lastly, Paul prays that God will make the Thessalonians completely holy and faultless at the rapture. He concludes with a prayer request and a benediction (1 Thessalonians 5:23–28).

Chapter Context
The end of chapter 4 discussed the nature of the rapture: a sudden, physical ”taking away” of believers from the earth. Here, Paul continues to refer to this event’s sudden and dramatic nature. A key analogy used in this passage is that of daytime versus darkness, and the concept of being awake and alert. As with many of Paul’s letters, practical instructions make up the bulk of his closing statements. In particular, Paul adds a command that this letter be read aloud among all of the people of the Thessalonian church.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you.

Earlier, Paul commended the Christians at Thessalonica for their faithfulness and spiritual strength (1 Thessalonians 3:5–7). Every generation seems curious about the future and has numerous questions about the Lord’s return. The Thessalonians had similar questions, but when Paul was in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey he had spent considerable time speaking to the brothers there about the day of the Lord. They knew quite a bit about the end times, but they needed to apply what they knew to their circumstances. Likely, they thought they had already entered the day of the Lord because of the suffering they were experiencing at the hands of their persecutors.

“Times” in this verse is the Greek word, chronōn, from the same root which give us the English word “chronology.” It refers mainly to a period of time, and occurs 53 times in the New Testament. The word “seasons” is from the Greek kairōn, and is found 86 times in the New Testament. It is translated “time” 33 times and “season” 16 times. The same two words are found in Acts 1:7 where Jesus answered the disciples’ question, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). He said, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed in his own authority.” No one needs to know everything about the Lord’s return. We have enough information about it in Scripture to anticipate it and to order our lives properly in light of it.

Context Summary
First Thessalonians 5:1–11 informs believers about the day of the Lord. This phrase refers both to the moment of the rapture as well as the seven-year tribulation period that follows the rapture. The passage assures us that believers will not experience the tribulation. The day of the Lord will commence unexpectedly, like the arrival of a thief at night. It is described as a time of darkness with dreadful consequences. Unbelievers, identified as those who belong to the night, will be overtaken by destruction. But believers are, symbolically, of the day not the night. They are not the objects of God’s wrath, but are destined to receive a full rescue from the day of God’s wrath. In view of their exemption from the day of the Lord, believers ought to encourage and edify one another.

Verse 2. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

The Thessalonian believers realized the day of the Lord would begin unexpectedly, like the arrival of a thief at night. No one looks forward to a thief’s invasion, so this reference is not likely a mention of the rapture. The rapture is a hopeful, welcome event, whereas the arrival of a thief is a frightful, unwelcome event. A thief comes to steal, whereas Jesus comes at the rapture to give. He gives Christians glorified bodies, a blessed reunion, and the joy of seeing him face to face (1 Corinthians 15:51–54; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; 1 John 3:2).

We must not think Paul’s reference to the day of the Lord’s coming “like a thief in the night” means that day will arrive during a literal, solar night. The comparison is not to the timing of the day of the Lord’s arrival but, rather, to its manner of arrival. This era will arrive suddenly and unexpectedly. Divine judgment will catch unbelievers off-guard. They will be surprised by the sudden arrival of God’s wrath.

Verse 3. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Paul is explaining the nature of the “day of the Lord,” a reference to the time when God’s judgment falls on an unbelieving world. This will occur after the rapture—a bodily removal of all Christians by Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:15–17). The day of the Lord will catch unbelievers by surprise. They will think the world is experiencing peace and security, but sudden destruction will come upon them, just as labor pain grips a pregnant woman. Unbelievers will enjoy a false sense of peace and security at the beginning of the tribulation, but the peace and security will not last long.

Daniel 9:27 describes the signing of a peace agreement, but it will be broken in the middle of the tribulation period. Further, Israel will feel secure and peaceful when the day of the Lord begins. Ezekiel 38:11 describes her as a land of “unwalled villages.” Revelation 6:3–4 describes a rider on a red horse taking peace from the earth as the day of the Lord—in this case meaning the tribulation—begins. Unbelievers will not be able to avoid that horrific time. There will be no escape. The Greek word for “escape” here is ekphygōsin, which includes the concepts of fleeing or escaping. According to this verse, such attempts will be futile.

Verse 4. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.

Paul is describing the rapture and its aftermath to the Christians at Thessalonica. Earlier, he referred to the moment when Christ will remove all believers from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:15–17), an event now referred to as “the rapture.” Following that will come the day of the Lord—in this case, a reference to the tribulation. This is a period of God’s wrath and judgment on the earth.

For unbelievers, the day of the Lord is a time of darkness. The prophet Joel warned about the coming of this era. He wrote: “Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, and as destruction from the Almighty it comes” (Joel 1:14–15). In Joel 2:1–2 we read: “Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming; it is near, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! …”

Fortunately for believers, the tribulation will not take them by surprise like the arrival of a thief, because believers do not belong to the darkness. First Peter 2:9 informs us that God has called believers out of darkness. Symbolically, in this passage, those who belong to the light are Christians: those who have put their faith in Jesus.

Verse 5. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.

This section discusses the nature of “the rapture.” This is a moment, still in the future, when Christ will retrieve believers from the earth, in a sudden, instantaneous action (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Prior verses especially highlighted how abrupt this event would be (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3).

This part of 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 distinguishes between children of darkness and children of light. Children of light can look forward to the rapture with hope. Children of darkness must look forward hopelessly to the day of the Lord. In this verse Paul identifies himself and the Thessalonian Christians as “children of light, children of the day.” He affirms that they are “not of the night or of the darkness.” The Thessalonian Christians were once in the dark about spiritual matters, but the Holy Spirit shone the light of the gospel into their hearts and they believed in Jesus, the Light of the world.

In 2 Corinthians 4:6 Paul writes: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” In John 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Verse 6. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

Paul has been discussing the rapture: a future, abrupt moment when Christ will retrieve believers from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). This moment is one the Thessalonians are prepared for, so they won’t be caught off guard the way unbelievers will (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3). Paul emphasized this point in the prior verse by referring to these Christians as “children of light, children of the day.”

Because the Thessalonian believers had come to know the Light of the world and the truth of the gospel, Paul calls on them to stay alert and self-disciplined. He urges them not to “sleep,” appealing to them not to be apathetic or uncaring. Believers need to be alert and self-disciplined as they watch for the Lord’s return to take them to heaven.

Paul issues a similar appeal to the Christians at Ephesus. In Ephesians 5:15–16 he writes, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” If believers fail to be alert to the times and the hopeless condition of the children of darkness, how will they win the lost to Christ? In Ephesians 6:18 he admonishes believers to “keep alert with all perseverance.”

The apostle Peter also appeals for sobriety—meaning self-discipline—and watchfulness. Similarly, Peter writes: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

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

Paul has discussed the abrupt nature of the rapture (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3) and begun to explain how Christians should live differently from the unbelieving world (1 Thessalonians 5:4–6).

In this verse Paul makes a general observation that sleeping and getting drunk are actions associated with nighttime and darkness. So unbelievers—the children of darkness—are not conscious of their lost condition. They are neither alert to spiritual truth nor in control of their emotions and actions. In contrast, Christians should not sleep on the job, but should avoid laziness, lethargy, and apathy (Proverbs 6:10–11).

In Romans 13:11 Paul summons his readers to awake from sluggishness because “… salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” In his letter to the lethargic Laodicean church, Jesus offered this reprimand: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15–16).

Also, the children of light should not be controlled by any earthly thing which can enslave or affect their minds; alcohol is the clearest example of this danger. Rather, believers should be under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 commands: “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”

Verse 8. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

Paul has discussed the imminent, abrupt rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18) and how Christians ought to live, given that truth. In the prior verse, Paul noted that sleep and drunkenness are typically associated with the night, and both lead a person to be careless and unaware. Since believers are “children of light, children of the day,” we ought to be aware and self-controlled, instead (1 Thessalonians 5:5–7).

In view of the fact that Paul’s readers belong to the day, he summons them to practice self-discipline and to act like soldiers. He calls upon them to wear the breastplate of faith and love. A soldier’s breastplate offered protection for his chest. The breastplate of faith and love protects Christians. Faith and love for God and others guards our hearts. These two qualities give us courage to face the enemy and grace to share God’s love with others.

Paul also appeals to his readers to wear a helmet—the hope of salvation. A firm anticipation of being completely delivered from sin’s influence and presence at the rapture protects our minds. We do not succumb to the Devil’s attacks on our thinking if we wear the helmet of salvation. In 2 Corinthians 11:3 Paul charges the Devil with deceiving Eve, expressing concern that Satan might distract the Corinthians’ minds from “a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”

Verse 9. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Paul has used the metaphor of darkness versus light to explain how Christians can live out our knowledge of Christ’s upcoming return. Sleeping and drunkenness, which make a person unaware of their surroundings, are associated with nighttime. Christians, in contrast, are “children of light, children of the day” (1 Thessalonians 5:5), and so should be alert and prepared (1 Thessalonians 5:8). The prior verse added the imagery of armor to this spiritual readiness.

Here, Paul explains why this readiness and awareness are so important. This is grounded in understanding that God does not intend wrath to the Thessalonian believers, but has saved them from the wrath he will pour out on earth during the tribulation. Believers will experience complete deliverance from sin, corruption, and mortality at the rapture, when Jesus calls every Christian to be with him (1 Corinthians 15:51–54; Philippians 3:20–21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17).

Although Christians are saved now from the penalty of sin and its mastery, at the rapture Christians will be saved completely from the power and presence of sin. All vestiges of sin will be removed from our bodies at that time. As 1 John 3:2 and Philippians 3:20–21 point out, we will be like the Lord when we meet him. In his letter to the Ephesians Paul mentions the sealing of the Holy Spirit as “the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it” (Ephesians 1:14). See also Ephesians 4:30.

Verse 10. who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.

Prior verses encouraged Christians to be self-controlled, self-aware, and ready. This is depicted using analogies such as night versus day (1 Thessalonians 5:4–7), and the use of armor (1 Thessalonians 5:8). In the prior verse, Paul pointed out that God had provided for our salvation so that we would not be subject to the wrath poured out on those “of the night.”

In this verse Paul states that Christ died for us. Jesus’ life was not taken from Him; He freely offered it as a sacrifice for our sin (John 10:17–18; 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3). Paul also returns to a reassurance he gave earlier in this letter: that those believers who have died before the return of Christ are just as much a part of the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:15–16) as those who still live when He returns. As such, Christians who die are said to be “asleep,” in that their condition is only temporary. Using sleep as a metaphor for death is seen often in ancient literature, but it carries particular significance in a biblical sense.

Writing to the Galatians, Paul stresses the voluntary nature of Jesus’ death. He writes that Jesus “gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” (Galatians 1:4). Paul affirms in 1 Thessalonians 5:10 that Jesus died for us so we would live with Him. One of heaven’s best joys is that of living with Jesus eternally. No Christian will miss out on this joy, because Paul insists that “whether we are awake or asleep we [will] live with him.” This is a firm reminder that departed Christians will be resurrected when the trumpet announces the coming of Christ and living Christians will be caught up to be with Christ.

Verse 11. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

These verses encourage the Thessalonian Christians to be active, alert, and purposeful in their spiritual lives. The reason for this is the prospect of Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 5:2), which will physically bring both living and dead believers into His presence (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18).

According to this verse, Christians should let the prospect of spending eternity with Jesus motivate them to encourage and edify one another. Instead of being dismayed as world events unfold, we should remind one another that a better day lies ahead. We look forward to the day when Jesus arrives to rapture His church. In the meantime we should help one another become more like Jesus and better equipped to serve Him.

Paul acknowledges that the Thessalonian believers were edifying one another, because after giving the exhortation to encourage one another, he added, “just as you are doing.” He simply wanted his readers to keep on encouraging one another.

Hebrews 10:23–25 implores us to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Verse 12. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,

The Thessalonian church was a model church in many ways. Its members cherished God’s Word, manifested faith, hope, and love, and exhibited a missionary zeal. This led to a stellar reputation in their region (1 Thessalonians 1:8–9). However, these believers were not immune to temptation. Paul recognized the possibility that members of the church might become unreasonably critical of their spiritual leaders, so he instructs them to hold church leadership in high regard. The leaders would include not only pastors but also all who shared leadership responsibilities in the church.

Paul describes the leaders as holding positions of authority and responsibility in the church. The Lord had placed them in these positions and given them the responsibility to warn and instruct the church. Hebrews 13:7 encourages a similar relationship between believers and their spiritual leaders. It commands believers to “remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”

Context Summary
First Thessalonians 5:12–22 gives the Thessalonian believers a series of exhortations. As children of the day, who were anticipating the Lord’s return, they needed to live righteously. As a church, they needed to relate well to their leadership. Paul calls upon them to treat all their fellow believers kindly and patiently and to do good to one another. Paul admonishes the believers to be joyful at all times and to keep on praying. Constant thanksgiving was to mark their lives. Further, Paul tells his readers not to quench the Holy Spirit or to have a negative attitude toward prophetic ministries. However, they were supposed to keep a firm grasp on teachings that they tested and found to be true. Lastly, Paul directs his readers to avoid every kind of evil.

Verse 13. and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Citizens may not approve of everything their president or prime minister does or says, but they ought to respect them for the office they hold. Similarly, church members should value and love their spiritual leaders because of the work they do as the Lord’s servants. Paul seems to imply a link between proper respect for a church’s spiritual leaders and peaceful relations among the church’s members. If some members respect their leaders, but others disrespect them, friction may arise, leading to the members taking sides. In the process the church will become unsettled. However, if all the members hold their leaders in high regard, peace will characterize their church.

It is an under-shepherd’s responsibility, of course, to feed and care for the sheep, as Jesus instructed the apostle Peter to do (John 21:15–17). Paul urged the young pastor Timothy to set an example for the believers “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). He also commanded Timothy to preach God’s Word (2 Timothy 4:2). Those who live out their obligations as leaders of the church are worthy of respect.

Verse 14. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

Church members should not leave the work of ministering entirely to their spiritual leaders. In this verse Paul directs his readers to accept several responsibilities. He charges them with the responsibility to warn loafers about their slothful attitude. He tells his readers to cheer up the fainthearted. Instead of being discouraged, the fainthearted need to be encouraged to progress in the Christian life with confidence.

Paul also calls on the Thessalonian Christians to assist weaker believers to trust the Lord in every situation. It is easy to give up on the idle, the fainthearted, and the weak, so Paul exhorts his readers to exercise patience with them all. Granted, God has bestowed upon some believers the gifts of service, exhortation, and showing mercy, but every believer should minister with love and patience on behalf of the idle, the fainthearted, and the weak among them. Galatians 6:1 instructs those who are spiritual to restore a fellow believer who is “caught in any transgression” but do so gently and humbly. Galatians 6:2 instructs believers to bear one another’s burdens. These instructions are in harmony with Paul’s comments in this verse.

Verse 15. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

In this verse Paul appeals to his readers to do good to everyone, rather than trying to “get even” when someone commits an offense against them. Paul was a strong believer in the Lord’s ability to address wrongdoing. In Romans 12:17–19 he writes, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. … Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” He adds in verse 21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Instead of looking for an opportunity to pay back offenders, we need to look for opportunities to forgive and bless them. Writing to the Colossian Christians, Paul instructed them to forgive “… each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive” (Colossians 3:13). Although each of us had offended Jesus, He died for us, forgave us, and gave us everlasting life. Whenever we feel like taking revenge on someone, we ought to reflect on the grace and kindness Jesus showered on us in spite of the offenses we committed against Him.

It should be noted that Paul’s instruction here does not merely say to be forgiving to brothers and sisters in Christ. While believers ought to be peaceful towards “one another,” this verse specifically says this attitude ought to extend “to everyone.”

Verse 16. Rejoice always,

According to this verse, Christians should be joyful at all times. Practicing unconditional forgiveness allows us to obey the command to “rejoice always.” A bitter, unforgiving spirit blocks joy as surely as a logjam blocks the flow of a river. Scripture recognizes that our circumstances might not always result in our being “happy,” but happiness is not the same thing as joy. Joy, in the Bible, involves a trusting hope in Christ, leading to an eternal perspective (James 1:2–3; Hebrews 12:2).

Paul practiced what he preached. When he wrote to the Philippians from prison, he didn’t live under his circumstances, instead he rose above them. Even though he was shackled, he rejoiced in the Lord (Philippians 1:17–18; 4:10). The Thessalonians’ circumstances were difficult, but they could be joyful “in the Lord.” Paul’s joy overpowered his trials. In spite of ill-treatment, brushes with death, sorrow, and virtual poverty, he always rejoiced (2 Corinthians 6:8–10).

Jesus linked joy to obedience. He said, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love…These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:10–11).

Verse 17. pray without ceasing,

In this verse Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers to pray continually. Naturally, this does not mean to be in a state of prayer during every waking moment. Rather, we ought to be in a constantly “prayerful” state, and frequently speaking to God in actual, dedicated prayer. Even in the midst of trials, believers should recognize the immeasurable value of maintaining fellowship with God through frequent prayer.

Jesus is the supreme example of what it means to pray continually. He taught His disciples to pray (Matthew 6:5–13). He prayed before feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:19–21). He prayed when He blessed the children (Matthew 19:13). He prayed in the morning (Mark 1:35) and in the evening (Mark 6:45–47). He prayed for His disciples and for all subsequent believers (John 17). He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–42). He prayed from the cross (Luke 23:34).

The apostle Paul, too, prayed continuously. He prayed from prison at midnight (Acts 16:25). He prayed after giving a charge to the elders of the church at Ephesus (Acts 20:36). He prayed at Malta (Acts 28:8). He prayed for Israel (Romans 10:1). He prayed for the churches (Romans 1:9; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:4; Colossians 1:3–12).

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

In this verse Paul exhorts his readers to give thanks in all circumstances. He adds that it is God’s will to do so. Regardless how difficult our circumstances may be, we can find reasons to thank God. We can be thankful that all things work together for our good if we belong to HIm (Romans 8:28). We can be thankful that God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us in every circumstance (2 Corinthians 12:9). We can be thankful that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:37–39). We can be thankful that God even supports us spiritually when trials produce difficulty in our prayer life (Romans 8:26). Rough circumstances also prove the genuineness of our faith (1 Peter 1:6–7).

Paul previously wrote to “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Joy is not the same thing as happiness. In a similar way, Scripture notes the difference between giving thanks “for” our circumstances, as opposed to giving thanks “in” our circumstances. For example, a car wreck may not find us giving thanks for a twisted fender and smashed radiator, but we can give thanks that we have insurance and a God who is always present with us. We may not thank God for an illness, but we can be thankful for medicines and doctors. Persecution is not something we would be thankful for, but we can be thankful that God can use that hardship for our eternal benefit.

Verse 19. Do not quench the Spirit.

Fire is often used in reference to the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 4:4; Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:3–4). Paul warns his readers against dousing or smothering the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who warms the heart to love God and others. The Spirit inspires believers to serve God faithfully, to worship, to pray, and to encourage others. He ignites believers’ hearts with zeal to win unbelievers to Christ. Resisting the Spirit’s ministry leads to a lukewarm attitude and to the loss of reward (Revelation 3:14–22).

Before the flood that swept away everyone except Noah and his family, humanity was utterly corrupt and had no regard for God. Genesis 6:5 tells us, “The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” It was this depraved thinking and acting that caused God to announce a limit to His patience with man’s earthly antics (Genesis 6:3). By quenching the Spirit, humanity had stirred up God’s wrath. It is always best to respond positively to the Spirit’s influence!

Verse 20. Do not despise prophecies,

Before the completion of the New Testament, God gave some believers the gift of prophecy, which was the ability to reveal the future (Acts 11:28) and to declare God’s will (Acts 13:2). Ephesians 4:11 states that God gave prophets to the church to help build believers up in the faith.

However, false prophets also existed in the first century, and they proclaimed corrupt messages. The believers at Thessalonica lived before the New Testament was completed, so they often depended on prophets to reveal God’s will for the church. However, some prophets were masquerading as genuine prophets, so their message must have caused some believers to regard prophecy unfavorably, so Paul instructs his readers not to despise genuine prophecy. The following verse will support this idea, telling us to “test” what we see and hear.

Today, believers do not need prophets, because we have a complete Bible that provides answers to life’s big questions and guides our actions. God gave the Bible to us so we would become what He wants us to become and do what He wants us to do (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Verse 21. but test everything; hold fast what is good.

This verse follows Paul’s instruction for the Thessalonians not to “despise” prophecies. This does not mean accepting any and every claim of prophetic speech, of course. Here, Paul helps his readers know how to respond to prophecy. He tells them to examine every prophecy to determine whether it is valid. If it passes examination, in the light of what the Scriptures teach (Isaiah 8:20), the believers should welcome it. The apostle John affirms Paul’s admonition regarding prophecy. In 1 John 4:1 he writes: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” In a broader, sense, this is a useful tool for believers to apply to everything in their spiritual lives: a cautious, Scripture-tested approach.

Ephesians 4:11–12 lists “prophets” among those whom God gave to the church to help her develop spiritually. Now that God’s Word has been delivered, the need for this kind of ministry has passed. The equivalent to “prophesying” today can be described as the act of forth-telling, not fore-telling. This is carried out by the forth-telling of God’s written Word by teachers and preachers. Believers today should test messages that teachers and preachers claim to be from God. The test is not whether a preacher looks good or has a pleasing personality; it is whether his message aligns with the Word of God.

Verse 22. Abstain from every form of evil.

Paul has indicated that Christians ought to test spiritual claims before accepting or rejecting them (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21). Believers should also apply Scripture to lifestyle practices.

Paul calIs upon the Thessalonian Christians to “abstain from every form of evil.” The Greek word apechesthe literally means “abstain,” or “to keep away from.” The same root word appears also in 1 Thessalonians 4:3, where Paul commands believers to abstain from sexual immorality. If an action violates Scriptural commands or principles, believers should avoid it.

The Bible is a faultless authority not only for what we believe, but also for how we ought to behave. Paul called upon the Christians at Philippi and us to “… be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life …” (Philippians 2:15–16). God’s Word helps us choose what is morally acceptable and reject what is a form of evil. Psalm 119:9 asks: “How can a young man keep his way pure?” The answer: “By guarding it according to your word.” Also, the psalmist wrote, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

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

In this verse Paul refers to God as “the God of peace.” God had given the Thessalonians peace when they had trusted in Jesus as their Savior. Paul insists in Romans 5:1 that justification by faith brings believers “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Further, Paul prays that God, who gives peace, would make the Thessalonians completely separated unto Himself, so that their spirit, soul, and body would be free of any valid accusation at the rapture.

Most people think of the three components of every human being as body, soul, and spirit, but Paul reverses this order, giving highest priority to the spirit and the lowest priority to the body. The spirit connects us to God and enables us to worship God and to fellowship with Him. The soul is the seat of emotions and makes us conscious of our being. The body connects us to our environment. We need to be kept faultless by God in our worship of Him and in our fellowship with Him. We need to be free of any legitimate accusation in our inner being and in our social relationships.

Context Summary
First Thessalonians 5:23–28 concludes Paul’s initial letter to the Thessalonians. He pronounces a benediction of peace and prays that God will make the Thessalonians completely holy. He prays that this holiness would extend to their spirit, soul, and body and that they would be preserved free of every legitimate accusation at the rapture. He expresses confidence that God would make this happen. Paul’s final instructions include a request for the Thessalonians to pray for him, a command to greet one another cordially, and a command to read aloud this very letter to the entire church. Finally, he invokes God’s grace to be with his readers.

Verse 24. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

In this verse Paul expresses his confidence in God’s ability to bring about the Thessalonians’ complete holiness. God is able to “perfect” His people. When He saved us, God gave us what is called positional sanctification. This term means God set us apart from the world, to be in Christ, and to be viewed by Him as righteous (Hebrews 10:10; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:21). As we grow spiritually, we become increasingly holy. This process is called progressive sanctification. We lead a life that honors God. Our thought life should grow in purity (Psalm 1:1–3; Philippians 4:8), and our behavior should more and more conform to the teachings of his Word (Psalm 119:133). Ultimate sanctification refers to the completion of our holiness at the rapture, when spirit, soul, and body will be made perfect (Philippians 3:20–21; 1 John 3:2). Our sanctification will take place because, as Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:24, “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”

In our own strength, we would fail, but God cannot fail.

Verse 25. Brothers, pray for us.

Paul appeals to the Thessalonians as brothers to pray for him and his coworkers. Although he was an outstanding servant of God, Paul never considered himself to be beyond the need of prayer. Paul understood that he could not serve God adequately without God’s help. In 2 Corinthians 3:5 he admitted his inadequacy but assured the Corinthians that God was his sufficiency. Like Paul, we need to solicit the prayers of our fellow believers, knowing that we can do nothing productive apart from the Lord’s enabling (John 15:5).

Paul specifically asked the Christians at Rome to pray for three primary requests. First, that he would be delivered from those in Jerusalem who wanted to harm him. Second, that his service of delivering an offering to the persecuted Jewish Christians would be well received. Third, that God would allow him to visit the Christians at Rome (Romans 15:31–32).

Even Jesus prayed. The Gospels mention Jesus praying multiple times. John 17 records what is called His high priestly prayer in which He prayed for His followers.

Verse 26. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

Paul urges the Thessalonian church to be friendly. It was customary in the culture of Paul’s time for friends to greet each other with a kiss. Men would greet other men this way, and women would greet other women in similar fashion. Today, believers should extend a warm verbal greeting and a firm handshake to one another, which are the modern-day equivalents to the “holy kiss” of that era. This matters for our welcoming of non-believers, as well. Nothing freezes the spiritual interest of a church visitor as quickly as a cold congregation.

Within the church, this verse cuts to the idea of fellowship. Fellowship means more than simply gathering for a church potluck, it is the sharing of genuine love for one another as we partner in the work of the gospel. If believers greet one another and ask, “How are you?” but really don’t care what the answer will be, they are hypocrites not friends. If they tell one another, “I will pray for you,” but fail to pray, they are hypocrites, not friends. If a church practices bias, giving preferential treatment to the rich or famous, it is not a friendly church, and falls under the censure of James 2:3–4. Rather, we ought to greet each other in a holy, selfless, and sincere way.

Verse 27. I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

Paul commands the Thessalonians to read his letter aloud to the entire church. The Greek word used here is anagnōsthēnai, meaning “to read,” “to distinguish,” or “to make known.” Paul’s inspired letter to the believers at Thessalonica was so important that he puts the Thessalonians under an oath to orally present it to the entire church. He didn’t want anyone to be ignorant of its message about the rapture and what is involved in leading a solid Christian life.

Today, as well, there is no substitute for personal exposure to God’s Word. In His high priestly prayer Jesus asked the Father to sanctify believers—to make them holy—in the truth. He added: “your word is truth” (John 17:17). Paul understood that God’s Word is able to mature us and equip us for effective living and service (2 Timothy 3:16–17), so he admonished Timothy to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). When the Lord commissioned Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land, He commanded: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8).

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

Paul concludes his first letter to the Thessalonians by expressing his desire that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with his readers. Divine grace is God’s unmerited favor. It is grace alone that saves us.

Ephesians 2:8 states plainly, “For by grace you have been saved…” Grace enables us to withstand trials. We stand before God in grace (Romans 5:2). When Paul was undergoing a difficult trial or malady, he prayed that God would remove it, but God did not remove it. However, He assured Paul that His grace was sufficient for him (2 Corinthians 12:8–9). That same all-sufficient grace is available to all who belong to Jesus. Second Timothy 2:1 teaches us that God’s grace strengthens us. Titus 2:12–13 credits God’s grace with “training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” No wonder Paul wanted his readers to enjoy God’s grace!

And so, Paul’s first letter to Thessalonians begins with a salutation of grace and ends with a benediction of grace.

Book Summary
The apostle Paul’s second missionary journey included a visit to the prominent Greek city of Thessalonica. This stood alongside a major land route and boasted a busy seaport. A number of individuals believed Paul’s message (Acts 17:1–4), but an angry mob forced Paul to leave the city after his brief stay. Later, while in Athens, Paul received a glowing report: the believers at Thessalonica were growing spiritually and serving God fervently. However, they had questions about the Lord’s return, including what happens to a believer who dies before that day. And, as all churches do, they had some areas in which they were falling short. In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, written about AD 51, he addresses these developments. Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonian believers’ spiritual progress, and frequently makes references to Christ’s impending return.

End of Chapter 5, and the book of 1st Thessalonians.

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