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1 Thessalonians 5:9 – Why We Fight!

Posted on June 20, 2016 by Will

Because God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Truth to Learn

We need to realize what God has given us and fight for Him.

Behind the Words

“Because” is from hoti, meaning “that” or “because.” It serves to introduce something that is the reason for what was just said.

The Greek word translated “appoint” is tithēmi, which means “to set” or “to put in place.” Here it means that God did not place us in a position in which we would receive His wrath.

“Wrath” is from orgē, which properly means “strong desire” or “excitement of the mind,” that is “strong passion.” By implication it means “punishment,” but it is most often translated as “wrath.”

Peripoiēsis is the Greek word translated “obtain.” It is made up of peri, meaning “around” and a form of poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do.” Thus, peripoiesis carries the meaning of surrounding yourself with things. It is most often translated with the English words “acquire” or “obtain.”

“Salvation” is translated from sōtēria, which refers to “safety, deliverance, or preservation from danger or destruction.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse, Paul exhorted us to put on the breastplate of faith and love as well as the helmet of salvation. This is to be followed by being of a sober mind, thinking logically and rationally with a mind that is not under the influence of extreme thought patterns. You may know Christians who are so worried about losing their salvation that they have a difficult time moving forward in their Christian walk. Others are caught up in experiencing miraculous demonstrations of God’s Spirit and become distracted when they aren’t seeing such signs in their own lives. Still others are so bound by legalism that they spend all their effort trying not to break the rules their church has bound them with. All of these types of Christians are wearing so much spiritual fluff and have their minds so filled with distractions that they can’t effectively engage the enemy. As a result, they are easily defeated when they face spiritual battles.

Instead, Paul wants us to be dressed for battle and mentally prepared. The source of that mental preparation is knowledge of what the Bible actually teaches. The only way we can do this is to engage in regular, consistent reading and studying of God’s Word.

So, why should we always be prepared for spiritual battle? Why shouldn’t we live like the world, like those who have no clue regarding what the future holds? Because God did not put us here to receive His wrath; we will not experience the Day of the Lord. Instead we will be resurrected from the earth and granted complete salvation, that salvation which only comes from faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, out of a heart of true thanksgiving and gratitude, we should take up sides, put on the battle gear, and get ready to do battle for Him!

Application

Consider what God has done for us through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son. Consider what He has promised us, both now and eternally. Given what He has already done, how can we possible just drift through life? We need to get in the race! We need to engage in battle! We need to give our all to serving Him who gave us the most precious gift we could possible get!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:6 – No Sleep-walking!

Posted on June 19, 2016 by Will

Therefore we should not sleep, as others do, but we should be alert and be watchful.

Truth to Learn

Christians need to wake up and stop sleep-walking through life.

Behind the Words

Ara oun are the opening words of this verse in Greek. They are both inferential particles, serving to draw-out a conclusion based on the previous statement. A literal translation of these two words might be “accordingly therefore.”

The word “sleep” is translated from the Greek verb katheudō, meaning “to sleep.” It is used to express literal sleep, but it is also used metaphorically, as in this verse, to refer to those who are not aware of what’s happening around them.

The words “be alert” are from the Greek verb grēgoreō, which means “to watch” or “to refrain from sleep.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating something that may not be happening but that could or should be happening.

The words “be watchful” are translated from nēphō. The original meaning of the word was “to not be drunk.” However, over time the meaning was broadened to mean “to be sober minded” or “to be watchful.” This verb is also in the subjunctive mood, indicating something that needs to be happening.

Meaning Explained

In the first part of this chapter we learned that the Thessalonian Christians were fully aware of the Day of the Lord, the time of judgment against those who have rejected God. They learned that it will occur at a time when the people on earth believe that they finally have peace and safety. Unfortunately for them, however, God’s judgment will come on them suddenly and there will be no way for them to escape it.

In verses four and five, Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they were aware of the coming judgment and they are not in spiritual darkness. He told them (and us) that instead of being in darkness, they (we) are filled with the light of God and we understand things that those in darkness aren’t aware of.

Accordingly, therefore, since we are not unaware of the coming judgment, we need to stay awake. We need to be aware of what’s happening, and we need to witness to those who aren’t aware. Unfortunately, today as in Paul’s time, there are a lot of Christians who are sleep-walking through life. Being a Christian gives us peace and comfort, knowing that God will take care of us and He will take us to be with Him for eternity. But, to many Christians that means they live with one foot in the world and one foot in the church. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. We need to look different, act differently, and think differently. We need to be sober minded, not getting caught-up in worldly thoughts and actions and not getting radical or hysterical. Instead, we need to pray and read our Bibles to learn all we can so we can serve Him faithfully while there is still an opportunity to do so.

Application

How is your thought life? How do your actions demonstrate that you are a child of God? If you were arrested today for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? We only have one life to live for God and when it is over we will not have any more opportunities to serve Him. Will you spend eternity wishing you had lived differently, wishing you had done more for Him? Now is the time for action!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:8 – Ready For Battle?

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Will

But we, being of the day should be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and of love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

Truth to Learn

It is important for Christians to always be battle ready.

Behind the Words

“Be sober” is the translation of the Greek verb nēphō, which we saw back in verse six. It originally meant “to abstain from wine.” Later it was used to mean” to avoid abuse of wine or other alcoholic drinks.” Metaphorically it means “to be sober minded or watchful.”

The words “putting on” are from the verb enduō, which is made up of en, meaning “in” and duō, meaning “to sink” or “to go under.” It is a picture of a person getting under the outer garment of the day (like a dress) as it was being put on. Thus enduō means “to put on clothing.” It is expressed here as an aorist middle participle which means to have done something to yourself at a point in in time in the past. We could translate this as “having dressed yourself with” or “having put on.”

Thōrax is the word translated here as “breastplate.” This is the word from which we get our English word thorax, referring to the upper part of the body, the chest area. It is also the name given to the piece of armor a soldier would put on to cover his chest.

The Greek word translated “helmet” is perikephalaia, which is made up of peri, meaning “around” and kephalē, meaning “the head.” Therefore, perikephalaia refers to that piece of armor that goes around (or covers) the head.

The word “hope” is translated from the Greek word elpis, meaning “hope.” However, it is more than just a wish, it is a hope that carries with it the full expectation that it will happen.

Meaning Explained

Paul has just contrasted Christians (children of light) with unbelievers (those who are in spiritual darkness). He now gives us instruction on how we are to prepare for the daily spiritual battles that we will face. In the English translation he starts off with our mental preparedness (be sober). The construction of the Greek grammar, however, indicates that the verb “having put on” occurs in time before the main verb (be sober).

A soldier knows that the most important aspect of his protection is his armor. He doesn’t dare go into battle without protection. Once he has put on his armor, he then prepares mentally for the conflict he is about to enter into. Likewise, Christians (those who are of the day) are in spiritual battles every day. We will be in battles against the enemies of God, so we need to be prepared for battle.

The first thing we need to do to prepare for the coming battles is to have our armor on. For another description of Christian armor see Ephesians 6:13-17. Once we have our armor on, we need to be mentally prepared by being sober minded.

You may also notice that Paul talks about our “hope of salvation” in today’s verse. We have talked before about the two different aspects of our salvation. When we first believed in Jesus Christ, we were recorded in God’s record book as being righteous, which sealed our salvation. At the rapture we will receive our eternal body and the complete salvation that God promises us when we accept Christ as Savior. This latter description of our salvation is what we hope for and fully expect to happen.

Application

Christians are in spiritual battles every day. We need to have our armor on and be clear minded so that we can effectively fight for the glory of God. Are you ready for battle?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:7 – Darkness or Light?

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Will

For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.

Truth to Learn

Unbelievers like the spiritual darkness they live in.

Behind the Words

The words “those who sleep” are from the verb katheudō, which we saw in yesterday’s verse. This form of the verb is a present active participle, which indicates action which is current and ongoing. Literally, we could render this as “those who are sleeping.”

“Those who get drunk” is translated from methuskō. This word is based on methē , which refers to “wine which has fermented so that it contains alcohol,” and by implication it refers to any intoxicating drink. Methuskō, therefore, refers to “drinking an alcoholic drink,” and by extension “getting intoxicated.” It is expressed here as a present passive participle, so literally it means “those who are continually getting intoxicated.”

The words “are drunk” is a different form of the root methē. It is methuō, which is a more definitive word implying not just intoxicated, but completely drunk.

Meaning Explained

Paul has been teaching about the rapture and the Day of the Lord (the tribulation). We learned a few verses ago that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (quietly, while the world is sleeping is spiritual darkness). We also learned earlier that the rapture will come as a noisy event, and it will occur before the Day of the Lord. He also told us that we Christians will not be surprised by the coming of the Day of the Lord because we are not in spiritual darkness. We are sons of light because we are God’s children and we have been spiritually enlightened. Paul spends several verses showing the contrast between us (children of light and of the day) and unbelievers (those who are of the night, who are in spiritual darkness).

Early in Jesus’ ministry, when he had his famous discussion with Nicodemus about being born-again, he also said this:

"He who believes in Him [the Son of God] is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." (John 3:18-21)

In today’s verse Paul says a little more about those who are in darkness. At night they sleep and at night they get drunk. They are not spiritually awake because they like the darkened spiritual state they are in. Also, unbelievers prefer darkness (both physical and spiritual) because that’s when they can practice their evil deeds, thinking they won’t be noticed. Unfortunately for them, God sees even the deeds they do in the darkness, and He will judge them for their deeds.

Application

Often, when people get saved their “friends” don’t want to be associated with them. It’s because a Christian is a child of light and their “friends” prefer the darkness. Let your light shine and don’t worry about what your former “friends” think and say about you!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:5 – Spiritual Enlightenment

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Will

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of night nor of darkness.

Truth to Learn

Christians have spiritual understanding given to us by the Holy Spirit.

Behind the Words

“You” is from humeis, the second person plural personal pronoun. Greek is different from English in that all verbs indicate not only what the action is, but also who performs the action. The verb in this case is “are,” which is the Greek verb eimi (the verb of being). The form of the verb in this verse is second person plural (you, plural). Therefore, the personal pronoun humeis (you, plural) is not needed to accurately portray what Paul is saying. That fact that he included it indicates emphasis on who are the sons of light.

The word translated “sons” is huios, which means “a male descendant.” However, it is often used in the New Testament to refer to a child, male or female.

Pas is the root word translated here as “all.” It carries the idea of “oneness” or “the totality of something.” Therefore, pas refers to “all of something without anything being left out.”

“Light” is from the Greek word phōs (or phōtos), which is derived from the verb phaō, meaning “to shine” or “to make visible.” This, phōs refers to “that which shines” or “that which makes visible.” In other words, it refers to light. It is used both of physical light and spiritual light (enlightenment).

The word “day” is from the Greek word hēmera, which can refer to a complete twenty-four hour period or to that portion of the day in which the sun is shining (daytime).

Meaning Explained

In order to completely understand Paul’s teaching here we need to understand that Paul was brought up as a Hebrew. The Hebrew language, like most other languages, has idiomatic expressions that don’t always translate easily into other languages. For instance, the Hebrew expression “with four eyes,” as in “the two men met with four eyes,” means that the two men met face to face without anyone else present. Paul often uses such Hebrew idioms (called Hebraisms) in his writing, even though he is writing in Greek.

The expression in the previous verse, “you are not in darkness” is a Hebraism meaning “you are not ignorant, unaware, or unenlightened.” Likewise, the expression “sons of light” is a Hebraism meaning “children of God, the heavenly Father, who is light and in whom is no darkness at all.” Throughout the Bible, the metaphor of light (with respect to God) is a reference to His holiness, righteousness, and sinlessness. As His adopted children, we have been given the righteousness of Christ. In Genesis 15:6 we read that Abraham was credited with righteousness because of his faith. Similarly, a Christian, one who has faith in the saving blood of Christ, is seen by God as completely righteous. In God’s record book we are sinless, righteous, and holy. Hence, we are children of light.

And – because we are righteous children of light, our minds are illuminated by the Spirit of God so that we can understand spiritual things like God’s coming judgment on the world of sinners. “We are not of night nor of darkness” is another Hebraism meaning that we are not ignorant sinners marching mindlessly towards God’s judgment and destruction.

Finally, note that Paul starts off this verse with “you,” speaking directly to those to whom he is teaching, but then says “we,” indicating that all Christians are in the same category.

Application

Unsaved people cannot understand the Bible because they are not spiritually enlightened like we are (see 1 Corinthians 2:10, 11). We, on the other hand, are taught by the Holy Spirit, and we can know future things as taught to us in Scripture.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:4 – Spiritual Darkness?

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Will

But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that this Day should seize you as a thief.

Truth to Learn

Christians do not live in darkness.

Behind the Words

The word “but” is translated from the Greek particle de, which we looked at in verse one. It indicates transition or conversion, serving to introduce a new topic.

Humeis is the word translated “you.” It is the second person plural pronoun (“you,” plural).

“Darkness” is from skotos, which is from the same root as skia, meaning “shade or a shadow.” It means “obscurity or darkness.” It can refer to either literal darkness of spiritual darkness as it does here.

The Greek word translated “sieze” is katalambanō. This word is made up of kata, meaning “down,” but used here as an intensifier and the verb lambanō, meaning “to take.” Katalambanō means “to lay hold of or seize with eagerness or suddenness.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense and subjunctive mood, indicating a single act that has the possibility or probability of happening.

The word translated “thief” is the noun kleptēs, which is derived from the verb kleptō, meaning “to steal.” Thus, kleptēs refers to someone who steals things, a thief.

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul has just talked about how the Tribulation will arrive as a “thief in the night,” taking by surprise those who are living on the earth at that time; however, he starts off the current verse with “but.” This shows that what he is about to talk about is contrasted with what was just said. He says, “but you … are not in darkness,” meaning that we won’t be surprised by the Day of the Lord. The ones who will experience the Day of the Lord are in darkness, they are spiritually blind. He will tell us in the next verse that we are sons (children) of light; we have been enlightened by the gospel message. Because we are children of light, we will be removed from the earth before that day comes.

People who believe in a mid-tribulation or post-tribulation rapture have to do some fancy footwork in order to explain away what this verse is really saying. Since they confuse the rapture with the Day of the Lord (the tribulation), they try to say that we will be aware of the coming of the tribulation and God will preserve or protect us in it. This doesn’t explain, however, what Paul said at the end of the previous verse, “they shall in no way escape sudden destruction.” Somehow, these people completely miss the message that is given to “the overcomers” (Christians) in Revelation chapter three:

Because you kept the word of my perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:10)

The word translated “from” in this verse is ek, which literally means “out of.” We, the overcomers, will be kept “out of” the hour, the time of the tribulation. We will not be preserved “in” it; we will be kept “out of” it. This is clear evidence that we Christians will be taken out of the world before the tribulation.

Application

The world is in darkness because it rejects the gospel message. Because they are in darkness, the Day of the Lord will come like a thief and they will in no way escape. However, that day will not overtake us Christians because we are not in darkness and we will be taken out to eternally live in the light.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:3 – Peace and Destruction

Posted on June 10, 2016 by Will

For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, like labor pains of childbirth. And they shall not escape.

Truth to Learn

The Day of the Lord will begin with a period of peace.

Behind the Words

Hotan is the Greek word translated “when.” It is composed of hote, meaning “when” and the preposition an, indicating uncertainty or possibility.

The words “they say” are from legō, meaning “to relate in words” or “to say.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of action.

“Safety” is translated from asphaleia, composed of a, meaning “without” or “not” and sphallō, meaning “to throw down” or “to fail.” Thus, asphaleia refers to “security” or “safety.”

The word “sudden” is from aiphnidios. This word is composed of the negative particle a, meaning “not” and a form of phainō, meaning “to shine” or “to make apparent.” Therefore, aiphnidios means “not apparent,” “unexpected,” or “suddenly.”

“Destruction” is translated from olethros. This is from ollumi, meaning “to destroy.” Olethros refers to “destruction” or by implication, “death.”

The words “labor pains of childbirth” are from the Greek words ōdin en gastri, which literally translates to “pain in the stomach” or “pain in the womb,” that is, “birth pain.”

The word “not” is from ou mē, a double negative indicating “absolutely not” or “no way!”

“Escape” is from ekpheugō, made up of ek, meaning “out of” and pheugō, meaning “to flee.”

Meaning Explained

Paul is now teaching about the Day of the Lord, called the Tribulation or Daniel’s seventieth week (see Daniel 9:24-27). It is a time period in which God will both judge the world (the earth dwellers) and accomplish the final salvation of the “remnant” of Israel (see Zephaniah 3:13 and Romans 9:27).

Keep in mind that Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Thessalonica and all Christians in general. Back in 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 Paul repeatedly used the personal pronouns “you” and “we” referring to Christians and the rapture. Now in today’s verse, observe that he is using the personal pronouns “they” and “them.” Paul is not talking about Christians, he is talking about those who will be on this earth when the Day of the Lord arrives. Notice that “they shall not [no way] escape.” This is further evidence that the rapture and the Day of the Lord are separate events. It is also evidence that Christians will not be on earth when the Day of the Lord arrives. This is because, as we have already learned, the rapture will occur before the Tribulation (the Day of the Lord).

Now we learn a little bit about the conditions on earth when the Day of the Lord arrives. This time of God’s judgment will begin with a period of peace (perhaps world-wide, but at least for Israel.) Then, suddenly, that peace will evaporate and the world will be consumed by destruction (see the first two of the four horses of the Apocalypse in Revelation 6:1-4).

Application

Once again, we have an opportunity to give thanks to God for His loving care of His children (Christians). Is it time to pray?

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:2 – Noisily Versus Quietly

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Will

For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.

Truth to Learn

The Day of the Lord will come quietly, the rapture noisily.

Behind the Words

“Know” is translated from the verb eidō, which refers to “seeing with perception and comprehension.” Thus, it takes on the meaning of “knowing” or “understanding.” In English someone might explain something and then say, “Do you see what I’m saying?” In such a case, they are not asking about vision but about understanding. This is the sense that eidō has in today’s verse.

The word translated “perfectly” is akribōs, which means “accurately” or “exactly.” It is not an expression about perfection, but of accuracy.

Hēmera is the word translated “day.” It can refer to a complete twenty-four hour period or, as in today’s verse, it can refer to the timeframe of a specific event.

The word “like” is from the Greek word houtō, meaning “in this way” or “in this manner.”

The word “thief” is from kleptēs. This is derived from the verb kleptō (from which we get our English word kleptomaniac, meaning someone who has an obsession with stealing things). Kleptē refers to someone who steals things, that is, “a thief.”

“Night” is translated from nux, which refers to the time period from sundown to sunrise.

Meaning Explained

In today’s verse we see a couple more reasons why the rapture (the Day of Jesus Christ) and the Day of the Lord are two distinctly different events. When Paul introduced the topic of the rapture back in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, he said “I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers,” meaning that they were ignorant of the facts surrounding the rapture. In yesterday’s verse he said, “you have no need that I should write to you,” and in today’s verse he completes that thought. The reason that they didn’t need additional information is because, “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.”

Apparently, Paul had previously taught the Christians in Thessalonica the facts about the Day of the Lord. Since they had accurate knowledge about the Day of the Lord and were ignorant concerning the rapture, they must be two different things. One of the possible reasons for this is that the Old Testament has numerous references to the Day of the Lord, but there are no references to the rapture. Since the Old Testament is the only Scripture the Thessalonians had, they could only have learned about the Day of the Lord from it.

The other thing to note is how these two events occur. The rapture occurs with a loud proclamation and a trumpet blast. The Day of the Lord, on the other hand, comes like a thief in the night. A thief doesn’t announce himself and he doesn’t make a lot of noise; he comes quietly and secretly. In other words, the rapture will come with lots of noise, but the Day of the Lord will come quietly, like a thief.

Application

Christians, keep your ears open, listening for the shout and the trumpet blast. You’ll be gone when the Day of the Lord comes.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:1 – Ignorance Versus Knowledge

Posted on June 8, 2016 by Will

But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need of anything to be written to you.

Truth to Learn

There is a distinct difference between the rapture (the day of Jesus Christ) and the tribulation (the Day of the Lord).

Behind the Words

The word “but” is translated from the Greek particle de. It indicates transition or conversion, serving to introduce a new topic.

“Concerning” is translated from the preposition peri, which can mean “around” or “with regard to” depending on the form of the word it is referencing. In the current verse, its meaning is “with regard to” or “concerning.”

Chronos is the Greek word translated “times” in this verse. Chronos is used in reference to “a quantity of time” or “the passage of time.” Thus, this word generally refers to a measurable amount of time, or a specific moment in time.

“Seasons” is translated from another “time” word. This word is kairos which implies “a quality or character of a time period.” In other words, it expresses a period of time in a more abstract sense. It is often translated as “a season” or “an hour (not a literal hour, but a general timeframe).”

Chreia is the Greek word translated “need.” It is derived from chreos, meaning “a debt.” Thus, creia literally refers to one who owes a debt. In New Testament Greek it often refers to “a need.”

Meaning Explained

In the last six verses of the previous chapter, Paul taught the Thessalonians (and us) about the rapture, referred to elsewhere as “the Day of Jesus Christ.” He now starts off this chapter with “but,” indicating that he is going to make a distinction between the rapture and what he is about to talk about. He refers to it here as “the times and the seasons.” Then in the following verse he will refer to it as “the Day of the Lord.”

So, what does Paul mean by “the times and the seasons?” It is a reference to specific events and a general time period. This phrase only occurs in two other places in the Bible, Daniel 2:21 and Acts 1:7. In both cases it is used in reference to God’s dealing with Israel, and there is no reason to believe otherwise in this case. Therefore, Paul is making a distinction between how God will deal with the church and how he will deal with Israel.

Another reason for seeing the rapture and the Day of the Lord as separate events is given to us in the second half of today’s verse. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Paul said “I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers,” meaning that they were ignorant of the facts surrounding the rapture. In today’s verse he now says, “you have no need that I should write to you,” following in the next verse with, “you yourselves know perfectly,” regarding the Day of the Lord. We will provide more information regarding this distinction of these two in the following verses.

Application

The rapture is an event in which God completes salvation for Christians. The Day of the Lord (the tribulation) is a time in which God will judge the world and provide complete salvation for the believing remnant of Israel.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 4:18 – Words of Comfort

Posted on June 7, 2016 by Will

Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Truth to Learn

Knowledge of the rapture should be a comfort to us all.

Behind the Words

Hōste is the Greek word translated “therefore.” It is composed of hōs, meaning “in this manner” and te, an article of connection, which serves to closely connect that which has been said to that which follows. We could translate hōste as “so then.”

The verb translated “comfort” is one that Paul uses frequently and one that we have seen several times in this chapter. It is the word parakaleō, meaning “to encourage, comfort, or challenge.”

“One another” is from allēlous, meaning “each other” or “one another.” It indicates reciprocal action on the part of each member of a group.

“Words” is translated from the Greek noun logos. This word is derived from legō, meaning “to speak intelligently.” Logos, therefore, represents the words that are used to express thoughts.

Meaning Explained

In the previous five verses Paul has been teaching about the rapture. At the time of the rapture, Jesus Christ will descend from heaven to the atmosphere of the earth, bringing with Him every Christian who has died physically. He will make a loud proclamation, accompanied by a blast on a trumpet. For a few more details, let’s look at what Paul said in his first letter to the Corinthians:

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53)

From this we see that at the rapture every Christian will have his or her decaying, mortal body changed into an incorruptible body. This is the eternal, heavenly body like that which Jesus has right now. This new body will not be subject to disease or decay. From Paul’s teaching here in 1 Thessalonians we learned that the dead in Christ will have their decaying (or completely decayed) body changed first, then we who are alive and remain will receive our new bodies as we are snatched away from the earth.

Remember at the beginning of this teaching (verse thirteen) Paul did not want us to be overly sad about Christians who have already died physically? That’s because we will be reunited with them again at the rapture, we will all receive our new bodies, and we will eternally be in the physical presence of our Lord. There will be no more pain, no more suffering, no more sadness, only glorious celebration and joy. Because of this new knowledge we can comfort and encourage each other.

Application

No matter what kind of pain or suffering you are experiencing right now, it will all be over soon. Be encouraged, my Christian friends, it could be any day now!

In God's service, for His glory,