1 Thessalonians 1:1-5:28 – the whole thing
Well where do ya start?
A strong theme in 1 Thessalonians seems to be eschatology (big word for end time stuff). At the end of each chapter is a reference to Jesus return with a bit of time devoted to it in chapter 4. It seems that the Thessalonians might have been concerned about what happened to Christians who died (fallen a sleep) before Jesus had returned.
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
It’s great to know that everyone who trusts in Jesus will be with the Lord forever.
This morning I found the following verses from chapter 5 particularly challenging, after a fair bit of sickness in family.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
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