1Th 4:13-14 | MHM | STEP | State of Departed Saints. In this section, Paul comforts the Thessalonians who are grieving for friends and family who have died as believers. He wants them to understand what happens to Christians after death so that they will not be overcome by sadness. Paul explains that Christian hope, based on Jesus’ resurrection, gives us comfort about those who have died in the Lord. v. 13 : Paul tells them not to grieve in the same way as those who have no hope. I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13 ). Christians are allowed to feel sad, but their sorrow should not be hopeless. Because they believe in eternal life, their hope is much greater than their grief.

‏ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

State of Departed Saints.

In this section, Paul comforts the Thessalonians who are grieving for friends and family who have died as believers. He wants them to understand what happens to Christians after death so that they will not be overcome by sadness. Paul explains that Christian hope, based on Jesus’ resurrection, gives us comfort about those who have died in the Lord.

v. 13: Paul tells them not to grieve in the same way as those who have no hope. I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that you sorrow not, even as others which have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13 ^a). Christians are allowed to feel sad, but their sorrow should not be hopeless. Because they believe in eternal life, their hope is much greater than their grief.

v. 14: Paul explains that believers who have died are “asleep in Jesus.” Even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him (1 Thessalonians 4:14 ^b). Death is not the end, but a peaceful rest for believers. Their souls are safe with Jesus, and their bodies are under his care. When Jesus returns, God will bring these believers with him. Our hope is sure because we believe that Jesus died and rose again (1 Thessalonians 4:14; 1 Corinthians 15:18, 20 ^c).