1 Thessalonians 4:15-18
4:15 a directly from the Lord: Jesus’ own teaching provided the source of Paul’s assurance for the Thessalonians (see Matt 24:29-31 b, 40-41 c)• not ... ahead: Paul wants the Thessalonians to know that, when the Lord returns, the dead will not be at a disadvantage but will participate equally in the resurrection.
• In referring to Jesus’ coming, Paul uses a Greek term (parousia) commonly used to describe the coming of the emperor to a city with great pomp and celebration (see 1 Thes 4:17 d).
4:16 e with the trumpet call of God: God’s trumpet will herald the resurrection, just as it previously announced the rescue of Israel (Zeph 1:16 f; Zech 9:14 g). In the future it will announce the gathering of God’s chosen people from the “farthest ends of the earth and heaven” (Matt 24:31 h; cp. 1 Cor 15:52 i).
4:17 j to meet: This alludes to the custom of sending an official delegation to greet a visiting dignitary and accompany him as he enters the city (Matt 25:6 k, 10 l; Acts 28:15-16 m).
4:18 n The purpose of Paul’s teaching about the end is so believers will encourage each other in the face of death. He is not promoting speculation about the end times.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-2
5:1 o Questions such as how and when all this will happen occupied the thoughts of both Jewish and Christian people (Dan 12:6 p; Matt 24:3 q; Luke 17:20 r; Acts 1:6 s; 1 Pet 1:10-11 t).5:2 u For you know quite well: Paul reminds them of the teaching they had already received (3:3-4 v).
• The day of the Lord’s return is the time when God will come to judge humanity (Isa 13:6 w, 9 x; Ezek 30:3 y) and save his people (Joel 2:21-32 z; 3:18 aa; Zech 14 ab).
• like a thief in the night: Cp. Matt 24:43-44 ac; Luke 12:39-40 ad; 2 Pet 3:10 ae; Rev 3:3 af; 16:15 ag.
Copyright information for
TNotes