1 Thessalonians Chapter 5
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Introduction
THIS chapter consists of two parts.
I. The continuation of the subject of the coming of the Lord, 1ff; and,
II. Various practical exhortations.
In the first part, the apostle states
(1.)that it was well understood by the Thessalonians that the coming of the Lord would be sudden, and at an unexpected moment, 1f;
(2.) he refers to the effect of his coming on the wicked and the righteous, and says that it would be attended with the sudden and inevitable destruction of the former, 3; but that the result of his coming would be far different on the righteous, 4ff. The prospect of his coming was fitted to make them watchful and sober, 6ff; and his advent would be attended with their certain salvation, 9ff.
In the second part of the chapter, he exhorts them to show proper respect for their spiritual teachers and rulers, 12f; to endeavour to restrain the unruly, to support the feeble, and to evince towards all the spirit of patience and forbearance, 14; to manifest a meek and benevolent manner of life, 15; to rejoice always, 16; to pray constantly, 17; to render thanks to God in every situation, 18; to cherish the influences of the Holy Ghost on their souls, 19; to show respect for all the divine prophetic communications, 20; to consider and examine carefully everything submitted to them for belief; to adhere steadfastly to all that was good and true, 21; and to avoid the appearance of evil, 22. The epistle closes with a fervent prayer that God would sanctify them entirely; with an earnest entreaty that they would pray for him; with a command that the epistle should be read to all the churches, and with the benediction, 23ff.
Text
1: But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. edit
2: For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. edit
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. edit
4: But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. edit
5: Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. edit
6: Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. edit
7: For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. edit
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. edit
9: For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, edit
10: Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. edit
11: Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. edit
12: And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; edit
13: And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. edit
14: Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. edit
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. edit
17: Pray without ceasing. edit
18: In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. edit
19: Quench not the Spirit. edit
20: Despise not prophesyings. edit
21: Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. edit
22: Abstain from all appearance of evil. edit
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. edit
24: Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. edit
25: Brethren, pray for us. edit
26: Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. edit
27: I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. edit
28: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. edit
