1Th 5:1-3 | TNotes | STEP | 5:1 Questions such as how and when all this will happen occupied the thoughts of both Jewish and Christian people (Dan 12:6 ; Matt 24:3 ; Luke 17:20 ; Acts 1:6 ; 1 Pet 1:10-11 ).

5:1 ^a Questions such as how and when all this will happen occupied the thoughts of both Jewish and Christian people (Dan 12:6 ^b; Matt 24:3 ^c; Luke 17:20 ^d; Acts 1:6 ^e; 1 Pet 1:10-11 ^f).
5:2 ^g For you know quite well: Paul reminds them of the teaching they had already received (3:3-4 ^h).

• The day of the Lord’s return is the time when God will come to judge humanity (Isa 13:6 ⁱ, 9 ^j; Ezek 30:3 ^k) and save his people (Joel 2:21-32 ^l; 3:18 ^m; Zech 14 ⁿ).

• like a thief in the night: Cp. Matt 24:43-44 ^o; Luke 12:39-40 ^p; 2 Pet 3:10 ^q; Rev 3:3 ^r; 16:15 ^s.
5:3 ^t “Everything is peaceful and secure”: The expression “peace and safety” was common during the era of the pax Romana (Roman peace). Amid such presumed security, God’s ultimate judgment comes without warning and is inescapable.