1 Thessalonians 5
About 1 ThessaloniansWritten by AI
First Thessalonians is likely one of the earliest letters Paul wrote, around AD 50 or 51, and may be the oldest book in the New Testament. Paul, Silas, and Timothy are named as senders. They had planted the church in Thessalonica, a busy port city in northern Greece, but were forced to leave after only a short time.
Worried about the young believers facing pressure without them, Paul sent Timothy back to check on them. Timothy returned with good news, and this letter is Paul's relieved and affectionate reply. He encourages them to keep going, answers questions about how to live, and comforts them about believers who have died.
The first three chapters are personal, full of thanks and memories. The last two teach. Watch for how each chapter ends with the Lord's coming, and how that hope is meant to bring comfort, not fear.
Before you read 1 Thessalonians 5Written by AI
The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, but believers are children of the light and need not be caught off guard. So stay alert and encourage one another. The letter closes with a burst of short commands: respect your leaders, help the weak, rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything, and hold on to what is good.
The Day of the Lord
Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you. For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief. For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.
For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
Christian Living
But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not extinguish the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things. Hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
Final Blessings and Instructions
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.
Brothers, pray for us as well.
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.