Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Thessalonians 5

The second part of the letter discusses Timothy's news about the church and the questions the Christians had for Paul.

Paul addresses:

• the problem of sexual immorality (4:3–8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9–12),

• the fate of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and

• the timing of "the Day of the Lord" (5:1–11).

Paul offers advice on topics such as leadership and community relations, the relationship with the Lord, and prophecy (5:12–22).

Paul answers questions from the Thessalonians (see 1 Corinthians 7:1), questions about:

• loving each other (1 Thessalonians 4:9–12)

• the destiny of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and

• the timing of the day the Lord will return (5:1–11).

Questions about how and when these events will happen occupied the thoughts of both Jewish and Christian people (Daniel 12:6; Matthew 24:3; Luke 17:20; Acts 1:6; 1 Peter 1:10–11).

• Paul reminds them of the teachings they already received (3:3–4).

• the Day of the Lord: The day when God will judge humanity and save his people (Isaiah 13:6, 9; Ezekiel 30:3; Joel 2:21–32; 3:18; Zechariah 14).

• like a thief in the night: Compare Matthew 24:43–44; Luke 12:39–40; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 3:3; 16:15.

“Peace and security”: This phrase was common during the time of the pax Romana (Roman peace). Despite this assumption of security, God's final judgment arrives suddenly and no one can avoid it.

The day of the Lord will not surprise Christians. This is not because they know exactly when Jesus will come again, but because they are spiritually ready.

• sons of the light: God freed the Thessalonian Christians from spiritual darkness (John 12:36; Acts 26:18; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Peter 2:9).

• sons of the day: They belong to God's new order (Romans 13:12).

• to the night or to the darkness: These refer to living a life of sin (see 1 Thessalonians 5:6–8).

let us remain awake and sober: Paul is echoing the way Jesus called his people to be alert and to prepare themselves with moral living. This is because no one will not know the exact day of his return (Matthew 24:42, 44; 25:13; compare 1 Peter 1:13).

Sleep means being lazy in morals (5:6). Being drunk is a metaphor for lacking self-control. The day of the Lord will surprise these people (5:4; Matthew 24:48–51).

breastplate … helmet: (Isaiah 59:17; Ephesians 6:11–17): These pieces of armor represent living a moral life (Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:7; 10:3–5; 2 Timothy 2:3–4). The Christian "soldier" uses the equipment of the virtues of faith, love, and hope (see 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 3:6; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:3–4).

God's wrath shows his judgment against evil (1:10; 2:16; Romans 5:9; see 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10; 2:8). However, God plans for Christians to receive salvation, not encounter his wrath (2 Thessalonians 2:13–14). Christians will not suffer the terrors of the day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:1–3).

• The promise that Christians will live with him forever is based on Christ’s resurrection (4:14).

• awake or asleep: This refers to living and dead Christians (4:13–15) rather than people’s moral condition (as in 5:6–7).

Paul wants the Thessalonians to use the teachings about the end of time to encourage and build up one another (see 4:18). He does not want them to speculate about when the Lord will return.

• acknowledge: This may refer to honoring church leaders or recognizing new leaders in the church (1 Corinthians 16:15–16). True leaders work diligently and govern to serve (1 Timothy 4:10; 5:17; Matthew 20:25–28). They lead, help, and protect the church (Romans 16:1–2; 1 Timothy 3:4–5, 12).

• who give you instruction: Leaders correct moral errors and protect the church against false doctrine (Acts 20:31; 1 Corinthians 4:14; Colossians 1:28).

• Leaders should receive honor and love for what they do, not just their rank.

• Live in peace: Teaching about community peace and harmony was common in ancient moral lessons. Harmony between Christians and leaders was crucial because of the persecution the church experienced (2:14).

• The leaders are not the only ones responsible for the congregation's moral progress (4:18; 5:11). Paul urged the church to warn those who are lazy (unruly), and those who did not follow the apostles’ instructions (see 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15).

• encourage the fainthearted, help the weak: Greek society thought poorly of people perceived as weak in some way.

• Instead of being annoyed, Christians should be patient in their relationships (Galatians 5:23; Ephesians 4:2).

Jesus and the apostles advised against revenge (Matthew 5:38–48; Luke 6:27–36; Romans 12:17–21; 1 Peter 3:9). In contrast, the Roman author Seneca believed revenge was necessary to restore lost social honor. Paul urged Christians to do good to everyone, including church members and those outside the Christian community, even those who persecuted them (1 Thessalonians 2:14; see 3:12; Galatians 6:10).

Pray without ceasing means to be spiritually alert and persist in prayer (1:2; Luke 18:1; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18). Christians don't need to speak words of prayer every moment, but they should cultivate an attitude of prayer at all times.

Give thanks: God is in total control and can redeem any situation (Romans 8:28). Paul is reminding the Thessalonians to be grateful in all circumstances, good or bad. Being grateful in all circumstances is submission to God's will.

Do not extinguish the Spirit: Paul commands the Thessalonian Christians to keep the Spirit's presence active among them by allowing prophecy in the church (Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:3; 2 Timothy 1:6; Jeremiah 20:9; 1 John 4:1–2).

Do not treat prophecies with contempt: No one should dismiss prophecy intended to spiritually strengthen the church (1 Corinthians 14:1–4). Instead, the Thessalonians should evaluate the prophecies to understand where they come from. Paul says they should make sure any prophecies align with the apostles' teachings (1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:29; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 John 4:1–3). The church should also assess the character of those who deliver the prophecies (Matthew 7:15–20).

Early Christian teaching stated, “Not everyone who speaks about spiritual things is a prophet, but only if the person’s behavior is like the Lord” (Didache 11:8). Paul encourages the Thessalonians to hold fast to what is good. Specifically, this means to test prophecies to see if they prove true.

They should reject every form of evil, especially false prophecies (5:19–21).

Greek and Roman letters ended with a wish for the recipient's good health. Jewish letters concluded with a blessing of peace. Paul ends his letter with a Christian version of these practices.

God helps Christians become holy (3:11–13). His work to sanctify extends to the spirit, soul, and body, which means all parts of human life (see also Matthew 10:28; Mark 12:30; 1 Corinthians 7:34).

He will do it: Paul places complete trust in God's faithful character (1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Timothy 2:13; 1 John 1:9).

a holy kiss (see also Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14): People often greeted each other by kissing on the cheek or forehead. This showed honor, friendship, and love among family members (Mark 14:44–45; Luke 7:36–47; 15:20; Acts 20:37).

have this letter read: People read Scripture out loud in synagogues (local Jewish places of worship) and churches (Luke 4:16; Acts 13:15; 1 Timothy 4:13). Paul encouraged the practice of reading his letters out loud to the entire congregation (Colossians 4:16).

Paul adds to the usual greeting by including a blessing of grace at the end of his letters (Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 16:23; Galatians 6:18; Ephesians 6:24; 2 Thessalonians 3:18).