Nazarene Commentary 2000©
21st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures©
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21st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures©
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THE FIRST LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS
CHAPTER FIVE:
“HOW TO STAY AWAKE AS DAY NEARS”
[“Sober Sons”]
Key word: Awake
Theme Verse: 6
1 Thessalonians 5:1-5 – Know Well Times and Seasons
1TH5:1 However, regarding
the times and seasons,
[Acts 1:7] brothers, you do not need anything to be written to you.
| 91 | Times and the seasons: Or, WEY: times and dates; MOF: periods of time; NAS: times and epochs. Interestingly, considering the subject we just concluded, this phrase in Greek [TON CHRONON KAI TON KAIRON] is very similar to that of Acts 1:7 [CHRONOUS HE KAIROUS]. Surely these words of the Risen Master must have been well-known among the disciples. Jesus had told his four apostles on the Mount of Olives that even he did not know the “day and hour” of his Parousia. (Matthew 24:36) Nor could any of these ever know this “appointed time.” (Mark 13:32, 33) |
| 92 | You do not anything to be written to you: Had a thousand clerical authors listened to this they would not have spent untold years – and untold contributions from their readers – trying to prove that the Thessalonians really did need to know about the “times and seasons.” After the subject of the resurrection the one that naturally follows is, “When?” Jesus told his apostles not to listen or follow any who claimed his authority and preached, “the time is at hand.” (Luke 21:8) |
1TH5:2 For all of you are quite aware
that
YHWH’s Day is coming like a thief in the night.
[Malachi 4:5; Matthew 24:43]
| 93 | Quite aware: How, or from what source, did they know this well? Surely the disciples were already well aware of Matthew 24:32-36-44
and Mark 13:32-37. Paul had also previously visited them and perhaps conveyed the same idea. |
| 94 | YHWH’s
Day is coming like a thief: Or, the day of the Lord. Compare the verses in the above footnote. A thief comes suddenly and without warning. The Day of the Master – here meaning the parousia – is not predictable as though one could calculate some time-chronology to identify a certain year for the Master’s Return. Unfortunately for the misled millions throughout Church history too many did not listen to either Moses (Deuteronomy 18:20-22) or the Greater Moses. (Luke 21:8) The phrase “day of the Master” appears scores of times in the Hebrew and Christian Bible. Research day of the Master. The word “thief” occurs several times in the context of the parousia or the Day of Wrath. (Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 3:3; Revelation 16:15) |
| 95 | Thief in the night: The phrase may be a conflate of Malachi 4:5 and Matthew 24:43. Peter uses the same phrase. [2 Peter 3:10] |
1TH5:3 Whenever they may say, “Peace and security!”
then
sudden destruction
[Luke 21:34] will come upon them just like the
birth pangs
[Matthew 24:8] upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape.
| 96 | Peace and security: Or, LAM: peace and tranquility; TCN: all is quiet and safe. Even this phrase has been used to point to
some prophetic sign of the end’s nearness. Some point to peace movements or proclamations by a political leader that “peace and security” are at hand. They point to this as evidence that the end is near. However, another view would be only
that these living in a false sense of peace and security will be caught unawares at the moment of the Parousia. |
| 97 |
Sudden destruction: Or, PME: suddenly and inescapably; TCN: ruin comes suddenly. Paul may draw on a source such as Matthew 24:8 and Luke 21:34 where the same Greek is used. Everywhere the “day of the Master” or the Parousia is likened to
a thief who arrives suddenly and unexpectedly. Paul’s comparison is of a woman about to deliver: her moment comes suddenly and within hours the baby is born. Just so this sudden coming of the Day of the Master will materialize within an extremely short
period. |
| 98 | There will be no escape: Compare Luke 21:34-36 and Romans 2:3. |
1TH5:4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so
that the Day does not surprise you as thieves do. [Matthew 24:43; Luke 12:39]
1TH5:5 For all of you are
Sons of Light
[John 12:36] and Sons of the Day. We do not belong to the night
or to darkness.| 99 | Sons of Light: A designation common among the Essenes. Paul may allude to the words of the Nazarene later recorded at John 12:36. Though John 12:36 was written near the end of the 1st Century the Saying of Jesus – designating his disciples as “sons of light” – may have been well known. The religious concept of sons of light and sons of darkness is an ancient one and found in Zorastorism. |
| 100 | Night: Paul uses the word “night” more often in his epistles to the Thessalonians than all other books combined. [Romans 13:12] |
1 Thessalonians 5:6-11 – Stay Awake and Keep Your Senses
1TH5:6 So, then, let us not continue to sleep. But rather, let us
stay awake
[Matthew 24:42] and remain sober.
| 101 | Stay awake: Sleep is often used of spiritual drowsiness and again Paul likely draws on Matthew 24:42. Compare Romans 13:11,
1 Corinthians 11:30, Ephesians 5:14, Revelation 16:15. |
1TH5:7 For people sleep at night, and get drunk at night.
1TH5:8 But since we belong to the Day, let us remain sober. Also,
put on the breastplate
[Isaiah 59:17] of deep conviction and compassionate affection,
and a
helmet of salvation’s hope.
[Isaiah 59:17]
| 102 | Breastplate of deep conviction and compassionate affection: Or, faith and love. An echo of Isaiah 57:14. Here faith and
love are associated together. On “breastplate” see Ephesians 6:14 (notes Ephesians 6:14 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©). |
| 103 |
Helmet of salvation’s hope: An echo of Isaiah 57:14. Compare notes on Ephesians 6:17 in Nazarene Commentary 2000. |
1TH5:9 For The God did not place wrath upon us
but rather the attaining of salvation through our Master Jesus Christ.
| 104 | God did not place wrath upon us: The Greek word for “destined” here is ETHETO which means to put or place.
Some render the word “destined” or even “predestined” (an interpretative paraphrase) while others use “appointed” or “chose.” |
1TH5:10 He died
for us so that whether we live or die
we will live together with him.
| 105 | Whether we live or die: Or, remain awake or fall asleep. Probably an allusion to life or death. (1 Thessalonians 4:13,
14) |
| 106 | We will live together with him: Echoes of 1 Thessalonians 4:17. |
1TH5:11 Therefore, continue to comfort one another
and building one another up just as you continue to do. | 107 | Comfort one another: Remember 1 Thessalonians 4:18. (Romans 1:11, 12) |
| 108 |
Just as you continue to do: A repeat of 1 Thessalonians 4:10. |
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 – Closing Entreaties
1TH5:12 Now we make this request, brothers, that all of you respect those who continue to labor among you
– those who stand before you
in union with the Master, admonishing you.
| 109 | Respect those who continue to labor among you: That appointed authority in the local congregation who labor in teaching
and oversight of the disciples. Compare various translations on 1 Timothy 5:17. (Hebrews 13:7, 17) It seems reasonable to assume that Paul (or, Timothy), after considering the list of qualifications for elders, would have laid hands upon those worthy males
who would dedicate themselves to the care of the congregation. (1 Timothy 4:14; 5:22) |
| 110 | Stand before
you: Or, KJV: over you; ALF: preside over; TCN: are your leaders; MOF: presiding over you. The Greek is literally, “stand before,” as in Christian meetings. |
1TH5:13 Give them
an abundance of loving consideration
because of their work.
All of you remain peaceable with one another.
| 111 | An abundance of loving consideration: Or, RSV: to esteem them very highly in love; KJV: esteem them very highly in love;
MOF: special esteem and affection. That is, the presiding elders are to be loved and respected. (Philippians 2:29; 1 Timothy 5:17) |
| 112 |
Because of their work: The labor and work of the elders in a local church involve the spiritual, emotional and material welfare of all. Some are able to “work hard in teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17) |
| 113 | Remain peaceable with one another: Or, MON: live in peace; CON: maintain peace. Nothing is more discouraging than a divisive congregation
fighting over political ambitions and jealousies. (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14) |
1TH5:14 And also we encourage you, brothers, reprove the disorderly,
console those who are depressed,
support the weak,
be tolerant and patient
with everyone.
| 114 | Disorderly: The Greek is literally, “put mind in disorderly.” Or, KJV: unruly; ASV: disorderly; NEB: careless;
MOF: loafers; KNX: vagabonds; AMP: those out of line. This becomes a problem that must be addressed in 2 Thessalonians. (2 Timothy 4:2) |
| 115 |
Depressed: Literally this is “console those of little soul.” Or, KJV: feebleminded; RHM: soothe them of little soul; CON: encourage the timid; GDS: cheer up the despondent. (Hebrews 12:12) |
| 116 | Weak: Or, KJV: support the weak; KNX: support the waverers; TCN: give a helping hand. There will always be weak among Christians who need the stronger to
carry them. [Romans 15:1; Galatians 6:1, 2] |
| 117 | Patient: Or, ASV: longsuffering. (1 Corinthians 13:4) |
1TH5:15 Make sure that no one returns hurt for hurt,
but instead always continue to pursue what is good to one another and everyone else. | 118 | Hurt for hurt: Or, TCN: wrong for wrong; PME: repays a bad turn with a bad turn. (See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Romans 12:19) |
| 119 | Pursue what is good to one another and everyone else: Perhaps one of the best definitions of divine love, or AGAPE. (Galatians 6:10; Philippians
2:4) The essence of the Golden Rule. (Luke 6:31) |
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 – Exhortations
1TH5:16 Constantly rejoice!
| 120 | Constantly rejoice: Here are brief staccato bursts of simple phrases packed with Christian truths and principles. To a
small church under oppression the counsel to “rejoice always” must remind them not to become downhearted by their trials. Additionally, there are some persons whose character tends to the morose and cynical, negative in everything they approach.
Paul’s advice is “be happy.” (PME) Research on the word group joy and rejoice in the Bible will help develop a cheerful and satisfied disposition. (2 Corinthians 6:10; Philippians 4:4) Christ’s character was joyful and
his disciples should reflect on that joy that comes from seeing the “big picture”. The slow loss of joy may be an early indicator that one’s spirituality is suffering and in danger. |
1TH5:17 Constantly
pray!
| 121 | Constantly pray: In some English Bibles this is the shortest sentence. Some will pause at this not understanding that one may walk through life in a constant prayerful state as though it were all one long prayer. Or, KJV: pray without ceasing; GDS: never give up praying. When a disciple’s prayers become farther and farther apart it is an early warning of waning spirituality. One must think of Matthew 18:1 here. (Romans 12:12) There are formal prayers at mealtime or in church meetings. However, the informal dialogue with the Father may be a constant source of strength. |
1TH5:18 Be thankful for everything!
For this is God’s will
in union with Christ Jesus in your behalf.
| 122 | Thankful for everything: A thankful person who always expresses gratitude is a pleasure to family and neighbors. Just so, the heavenly Father is pleased with such expressions of thankfulness. The reasons for thanks are without limits. (Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:17) Become a grateful person reflected constantly in your manners and prayers. |
| 123 | God’s will: All the above are part of the will of God for us. It is God’s will we be joyful, prayerful, and thankful. |
1TH5:19 Do not extinguish the Pneuma.
| 124 | Do not extinguish the Pneuma: Or, KJV: quench not the Spirit; BER: do not extinguish the Spirit’s fire; TCN: not
stifle the voice of; KNX: not stifle the utterances of; NEB: do not stifle inspiration; BAR: put a stop to the activity of. That is, do not extinguish the pneuma’s pressure pushing the disciple in a godly direction. This may be likened to taking one’s
sails down with the winds are fair. God’s Pneuma (that invisible mental force directed toward a disciple) is like the wind in the sails of a boat. The Pneuma is associated with “fire” and here the injunction is not to put out this fire that
burns within. The Greek word SPENNUTE may suggest fire. For details on the Pneuma see the Biblical Article God’s Spirit and You. |
1TH5:20 Do not treat prophecies as nothing.
| 125 | Prophecies: Literally, “do not treat prophecy as nothing.” Or, KNX: do not hold prophecy in low esteem; BAR:
you must not contemptuously dismiss the work and words of the prophets. Paul advises the gift of prophecy as preferable. (1 Corinthians 14:1) It is sad that in the modern Church prophecy has taken a back seat in some areas. Jesus had promised that the spirit-helper,
the spirit of the truth, would teach about future matters. [John 16:13] |
1TH5:21 But prove everything
and keep a grip on what is good.
| 126 | Prove: Literally, “prove everything.” Or, KNX: you must scrutinize it all carefully; RSV: test everything.
Possibly referring to the prophecies. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22) We note that originally the Thessalonians were not as noble in this matter as the famous Bereans. (Acts 17:3, 11) 45 years later the beloved apostle John encourages testing “inspirations.”
(1 John 4:1) |
| 127 | Keep a grip on what is good: Or, TCN: cling to what is good; RHM: what is comely;
KNX: retaining only what is good. Good may be defined as that which is morally excellent and kind. Goodness is superior to righteousness for goodness goes beyond what law might require. |
1TH5:22 Abstain
from every kind of wickedness. | 128 |
Abstain from every kind of wickedness: Or, KJV: abstain from every appearance of evil; CON: hold yourselves aloof from; KNX: reject all that has a look of evil about it. “Evil” is almost always that which harms others. |
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 – May God Completely Sanctify
1TH5:23 May The God of peace Himself completely sanctify all of you.
May the spirit and soul and body
of all of you remain in good health and without blame
at the
Return of our Master
[Matthew 24:46] Jesus Christ.
| 129 | Completely sanctify all of you: This is a closing prayer by Paul for the local congregation. See notes on 1 Thessalonians
4:3. Sanctification is a process in which God, Jesus, the holy Pneuma and the believer all share a part. (Hebrews 2:11) Though the disciples of Christ are known as Saints they must prove themselves to be saintly. |
| 130 | May your spirit and soul and body: Here is a triune formula of PNEUMA, PSYCHE, SOMA. The phrase is in the plural referring to the “body” of the congregation. This text is often misapplied as referring to individual persons. Though it is not inaccurate to summarize the human person as spirit, soul, and body, here Paul has in mind the whole congregation with its disposition or attitude, its life, and its totality. |
| 131 | Remain in good health without blame: That is, the Thessalonian church as part of the Body of Christ. Or, MON: kept altogether faultless. Compare 1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 John 2:28; 4:17. |
| 132 | Return of our Master: The Greek is EN TE PAROUSIA TOU KYRIOU HEMON and is literally, “in the presence of our Master.” Compare 1 Corinthians 15:23 and 1 John 2:28. This is now the fifth time Paul has mentioned or alluded to the Parousia. These numerous occurrences will raise questions answered in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3. The phrase echoes Matthew 24:46. |
1TH5:24 The One calling all of you is faithful, and He will also do it. | 133 | He will also do it: God is completely able to aid the church to appear before the Master Jesus as blameless if they but follow Paul’s counsel in this epistle. |
1 Thessalonians 5:25-28 – Closing Words
1TH5:25 Pray for us, brothers.
1TH5:26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
| 134 | Holy kiss: Or, TCN: sacred kiss; PME: give a handshake all around. Many cultures embrace upon meeting. Some “kiss”
on each cheek, others three times. Compare Acts 20:37; Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14. The word “kiss” occurs about 50 times in the Bible, the first at Genesis 27:26. |
1TH5:27 I make you promise in the Master
that you read this letter to all the brothers.
| 135 | I make you promise in the Master: Or, charge you, adjure you, give orders. The Greek is ENORKIZO and means to put one under an oath. (Leviticus 5:1) He asks them to swear to do what he now requests. |
| 136 | Read this letter to all the brothers: This must have been a standard habit. We can assume that some congregation meetings included the reading of such epistles as well as a possible discussion of them. Such a habit continues in many churches to this day. (Colossians 4:16) |
1TH5:28 The unmerited charity of our Master Jesus Christ be with all of you.
Summary Questions Chapter Five
- How would you summarize chapter five in a few words?
- What are some key words?
- What is the key verse?
- What lesson will you apply in your life?
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Nazarene Commentary 2000©
Mark Heber Miller
©2000 All Rights Reserved
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