1st Thessalonians Chapter 5

From The Open Bible Project

5:1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you.

• (1) The day that God has appointed for this judgment we do not know. But this is sure, that it will come upon men when they are not expecting it.
• (a) See (Acts 1:7).

5:2 For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.

5:3 For when they are saying, "Peace and safety," then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape.

5:4 But you, brothers, aren't in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief.

• (2) Returning to exhortations, he warns us who are enlightened with the knowledge of God, that it is our duty not to live securely in pleasures, lest we be suddenly taken in a dead sleep in pleasures. But contrary to this we are to have an eye to the Lord, and not allow ourselves to be oppressed with the cares of this world, for pleasures are fitting for the darkness of the night, and having an eye to the Lord is fitting for the light.

5:5 You are all children of light, and children of the day. We don't belong to the night, nor to darkness,

5:6 so then let's not sleep, as the rest do, but let's watch and be sober.

5:7 For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk are drunk in the night.

5:8 But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation.

• (3) We must fight with faith and hope, and therefore we should certainly not lie snoring.

5:9 For God didn't appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

• (4) He urges us forward by setting a most certain hope of victory before us.

5:10 who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

• (5) The death of Christ is a pledge of our victory, for he died so that we might be partakers of his life of power, indeed even while we live here.

5:11 Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.

• (6) We must not only watch ourselves, but we are also bound to stir up, and to strengthen and encourage one another.

5:12 But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you,

• (7) We must have consideration of those who are appointed to the ministry of the word, and the government of the church of God, and who do their duty.
• (b) That you acknowledge and take them for such as they are, that is to say, men worthy to be greatly esteemed of among you.
• (c) In those things which pertain to God’s service: so is the ecclesiastical function distinguished from civil authority, and true shepherds from wolves.

5:13 and to respect and honor them in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

• (d) So then, when this reason ceases, then must the honour cease.
• (8) The maintenance of mutual harmony, is to be especially guarded.

5:14 We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.

• (9) We must have consideration of every man, and the remedy must be applied according to the disease.
• (e) That keep not their rank or standing.

5:15 See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.

• (10) Charity ought not to be overcome by any injuries.

5:16 Rejoice always.

• (11) A quiet and appeased mind is nourished with continual prayers, giving regard to the will of God.

5:17 Pray without ceasing.

5:18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.

• (f) An acceptable thing to God, and such as he approves well of.

5:19 Don't quench the Spirit.

• (12) The sparks of the Spirit of God that are kindled in us, are nourished by daily hearing the word of God: but true doctrine must be diligently distinguished from false.

5:20 Don't despise prophesies.

• (g) The explaining and interpreting of the word of God.

5:21 Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.

5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.

• (13) A general conclusion, that we waiting for the coming of Christ, do give ourselves to pureness in mind, will, and body, through the grace and strength of the Spirit of God.
• (h) Whatever has but the very show of evil, abstain from it.

5:23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• (i) Separate you from the world, and make you holy to himself through his Spirit, in Christ, in whom alone you will attain to that true peace.

5:24 He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it.

• (14) The good will and power of God is a sure strengthening and encouragement against all difficulties, of which we have a sure witness in our calling.
• (k) Always one, and ever like himself, who indeed performs whatever he promises. And an effectual calling is nothing else but a right declaring and true setting forth of God’s will: and therefore the salvation of the elect, is safe and sure.
• (l) Who will also make you perfect.

5:25 Brothers, pray for us.

• (15) The last part of the epistle, in which with most authoritative charge he commends both himself and this epistle to them.

5:26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

5:27 I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.

5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.