In Chapter 5 of 1 Thessalonians, Paul continued with his instructions for the church at Thessalonica.
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The Coming of Christ
Paul mentioned the Second Coming of Christ and said that he knew that the people at Thessalonica were aware that it could happen at any time. He said it would occur like a thief in the night because it would be unexpected. Paul said once this happened, then destruction would fall upon those living in darkness, like birth pains to a woman in labor. He said those people would not escape.
Living in the Light
But for the people in Thessalonica, Paul said they were living in the light. Therefore, he said, they must watch out and be sober unlike the drunkards. The sober ones are the ones who have love and faith to protect them and they wear the hope of salvation like a helmet.
Paul told them that God had appointed them to salvation, not to wrath, through Jesus Christ who died for them. He said they should live with Him whether dead or alive. They should also comfort and edify each other at all times.
Paul’s Final Instructions
Paul concluded 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 with a series of exhortations. First, he said to recognize those who work hard in their group. He told them to respect those people. Paul also told the Thessalonians to live in peace together.
Next, Paul told them to always rejoice and to show concern for one another in exhorting the unruly, comforting the fainthearted, upholding the weak and being patient with all. He urged them to avoid rendering evil for evil but to always pursue what is good for themselves.
Paul’s Concluding Remarks
Paul ended 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 by praying that the Lord God of peace would sanctify the people completely and that their spirit, body, and soul be preserved at the coming of Jesus Christ. He then made his final charges: to greet all the brethren with a holy kiss and to read his letter to everybody at Thessalonica.
1 Thessalonians 5 (King James Version)
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.