1 Thessalonians 5:1

1 THESS. 5

This chapter continues, significantly, the teaching on the Second Advent, but with a difference of purpose. Whereas in 1 Thessalonians 4 the purpose was reassurance with reference to deceased Christians, in this it is rather an admonition to be ready for the event when it occurs (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11). Then follows a paragraph of instructions directed especially to the elders of the church (1 Thessalonians 5:12-22), with the conclusion next, containing the apostolic signature and characteristic greeting (1 Thessalonians 5:23-28).

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that aught be written unto you. (1 Thessalonians 5:1)

Times and seasons ... "This refers to the time and the precise period of our Lord's advent."[1] Kelcy properly discerned the apostle's intent here, the same being that of warning them so to conduct themselves "that they will be ready for the Lord's coming."[2] A very similar line of thought is found in the gospel of Luke (Luke 13:23,24), where is recorded a question by the Lord's followers, thus: "Are there few that be saved?" Instead of answering their question, the Lord thundered the imperative, "Strive to enter in." Of far more importance than speculations as to the final number of the redeemed, Christ's admonition that every man `agonize' in the hope of being among that number shows where the emphasis should be. Some of those Thessalonians were very concerned about the destiny of dead Christians; but, after disposing of that problem, showing that death cannot make the slightest difference in eternal rewards, Paul then thundered the warning that when the Second Advent does occur, vast numbers of earth's population shall be totally unprepared for it, and that even Christians should exercise the utmost diligence to be prepared for Jesus' coming.

Cousins thought that Paul in this verse was reassuring those "who feared they might not be ready";[3] but this writer believes that it was Paul who feared they might not be ready. This view is based on the fact that there is more of warning than of reassurance in this first paragraph.

[1] P. J. Gloag, The Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 21 (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1950), p. 102.

[2] Raymond C. Kelcy, The Letters of Paul to the Thessalonians (Austin, Texas: R. B. Sweet Company, Inc., 1968), p. 104.

[3] Peter E. Cousins, A New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1969), p. 496.