1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 continues Paul’s teaching on the return of the Lord, addressing the timing of that day and how believers should live in light of it. Paul explains that the exact timing is unknown and will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, catching those who are unprepared by surprise. However, he reminds the Thessalonians that as children of light, they are not in darkness and should not be caught off guard, but instead remain alert and self controlled, living as people who are awake and sober rather than asleep or unaware.
Paul encourages believers to put on faith, love, and the hope of salvation as spiritual protection, since God has destined them for salvation rather than judgment through Jesus Christ, who died for them so that they might live together with Him. He urges the Thessalonians to encourage and build one another up, and to respect those who work hard among them and provide spiritual guidance. Paul then offers a series of practical exhortations, including living in peace, being patient with everyone, avoiding revenge, always seeking to do good, rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances. He also instructs them not to suppress the Holy Spirit or dismiss prophecy, but to test everything carefully and hold on to what is good while avoiding evil. Paul closes with a prayer that God would sanctify them completely and keep them blameless until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, followed by his final greetings and a blessing.
Chapter 5 (BBE)
1 But about the times and their order, my brothers, there is no need for me to say anything to you.
2 For you yourselves have the knowledge that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
3 When they say, There is peace and no danger, then sudden destruction will come on them, as birth-pains on a woman with child; and they will not be able to get away from it.
4 But you, my brothers, are not in the dark, for that day to overtake you like a thief:
5 For you are all sons of light and of the day: we are not of the night or of the dark.
6 So then, let us not take our rest as the others do, but let us be self-controlled and awake.
7 For those who are sleeping do so in the night; and those who are the worse for drink are so in the night;
8 But let us, who are of the day, be serious, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and on our heads, the hope of salvation.
9 For God’s purpose for us is not wrath, but salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who was put to death for us, so that, awake or sleeping, we may have a part in his life.
11 So then, go on comforting and building up one another, as you have been doing.
12 But we make this request to you, my brothers: give attention to those who are working among you, who are over you in the Lord to keep order among you;
13 And have a high opinion of them in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
14 And our desire is that you will keep control over those whose lives are not well ordered, giving comfort to the feeble-hearted, supporting those with little strength, and putting up with much from all.
15 Let no one give evil for evil; but ever go after what is good, for one another and for all.
23 And may the God of peace himself make you holy in every way; and may your spirit and soul and body be free from all sin at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 God, by whom you have been marked out in his purpose, is unchanging and will make it complete.
27 I give orders in the name of the Lord that all the brothers are to be present at the reading of this letter.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Important Verses
1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 Paul explains that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night, catching the unprepared by surprise.
1 Thessalonians 5:5-6 Paul reminds believers that as children of light, they should remain alert and self controlled rather than living in spiritual darkness.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 Paul affirms that God has destined believers for salvation through Jesus Christ, who died so they might live together with Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Paul instructs believers to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances as God’s will for them.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Paul prays that God would sanctify believers completely and keep them blameless until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
