
1 Thessalonians 5
1 Thessalonians 5 provides final exhortations and instructions from Paul to the church in Thessalonica. This chapter discusses how Christians should live in anticipation of the Day of the Lord, emphasizing readiness through faith, love, and hope. It also offers practical advice on community living, urging respect for leaders, care for the weak, and constant joy and prayer.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 (NKJV)
1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you,
2 for you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this day should overtake you as a thief.
5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.
8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
Paul addresses the timing of Christ’s return, emphasizing that the "day of the Lord" will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. While the world may be caught off guard, believers are called to remain spiritually awake and vigilant, as they are children of light, not of darkness. Paul contrasts the security and complacency of the ungodly with the watchfulness and readiness of the faithful, encouraging them to live soberly, clothed with the armor of faith, love, and hope of salvation. He reminds them that God has not appointed them to wrath but to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ, who died for them so that, whether alive or dead, they may live together with Him. This passage highlights the call to readiness, the assurance of salvation, and the importance of living in the light of Christ’s return.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV)
11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
Paul encourages the Thessalonians to continue supporting and building each other up, acknowledging that they are already practicing these community-strengthening behaviors. This exhortation promotes a nurturing and positive environment within the church, crucial for maintaining morale and unity as they await the Lord's return.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NKJV)
12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
Paul advises the Thessalonians to respect and love their leaders who work hard to guide and admonish them. This respect is not based on personal charisma but on the leaders' dedication to their spiritual duties. The emphasis on peace within the community underscores the importance of unity and harmony in the Christian life, particularly in preparation for the Lord's return.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NKJV)
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
This verse offers specific guidance on dealing with different types of individuals within the community: the unruly, the fainthearted, and the weak. Each group requires a different approach—correction, encouragement, and support, respectively—highlighting the need for tailored pastoral care and infinite patience in fostering a healthy spiritual community.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NKJV)
15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
Paul urges believers to avoid retaliation and instead pursue good for one another and for all people, reflecting the selfless love of Christ. This command challenges believers to rise above the human tendency to seek revenge. For example, if someone speaks harshly to you, instead of retaliating with equally harsh words, respond with calmness and later address the issue kindly. Similarly, if a coworker takes credit for your work, rather than undermining them, continue working with integrity and let your actions speak for themselves. By responding to wrongdoing with kindness and grace, believers promote peace, demonstrate God’s love, and trust His justice. This verse calls Christians to actively seek ways to do good, even in difficult situations, as a practical reflection of the transformative power of the gospel.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
These verses form a triad of Christian living: constant joy, unceasing prayer, and perpetual thankfulness. Paul underscores these attitudes as central to God's will for believers in Christ. They reflect a mindset of trust and contentment in God's providence, regardless of external circumstances.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (NKJV)
19 Do not quench the Spirit.
20 Do not despise prophecies,
21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Paul gives concise instructions for maintaining a vibrant spiritual life. He warns against quenching the Spirit, which happens when believers resist or ignore the Spirit’s guidance. He also encourages them not to despise prophecies, urging openness to God’s messages while exercising discernment. Paul emphasizes the importance of testing everything to ensure alignment with God’s truth and holding fast to what is good. At the same time, believers are called to abstain from every form of evil, avoiding anything that could compromise their witness or spiritual integrity. These verses highlight the balance between being receptive to God’s leading and practicing discernment, fostering a life that reflects holiness and devotion to God.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NKJV)
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
Paul prays for the complete sanctification of believers, asking God to preserve their whole being—spirit, soul, and body—blameless at the coming of Jesus Christ. This prayer reflects God’s desire for holistic transformation in every aspect of human life. The spirit is the part of us that connects with God, enabling worship, prayer, and communion with Him; it is nurtured through activities like meditation on Scripture and prayer. The soul, encompassing the mind, emotions, and will, is sanctified as we align our thoughts, feelings, and choices with God’s principles—for example, choosing to forgive or trust in God’s promises. The body, as the physical vessel through which we interact with the world, is sanctified by caring for it and using it in ways that honor God, such as refraining from harmful habits or serving others. Paul’s prayer expresses his hope and trust that God, who is faithful, has the power to accomplish this sanctifying work in those who remain surrendered to Him, encouraging believers to rely on His grace and cooperate with His transformative work.
1 Thessalonians 5:25-28 (NKJV)
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Paul concludes with personal requests and greetings, underscoring the interconnectedness of the Christian community. He asks for prayers, advocates for a sign of affection among believers (the holy kiss), and insists that his letter be read to all, ensuring that his teachings reach everyone. The final benediction of grace encapsulates the core of Christian fellowship and the sustenance of divine grace in their lives.