BibleTools
1 Thessalonians 4:13
Compare all
11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, ato mind your own business, and bto work with your own hands, as we commanded you,  
12 athat you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.  

The Comfort of Christ’s Coming

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen1 asleep, lest you sorrow aas others bwho have no hope.  
14 For aif we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him bthose who sleep in Jesus.  
15 For this we say to you aby the word of the Lord, that bwe who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are1 asleep.  
16 For athe Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with bthe trumpet of God. cAnd the dead in Christ will rise first.  
Commentaries:
Forerunner Commentary
What is the Forerunner Commentary?
<< 1 Thessalonians 4:12   1 Thessalonians 4:14 >>

What Does 1 Thessalonians 4:13 Mean?

In relation to 1 Thessalonians 4:13, the concern among the church in AD 50, just nineteen years after Christ's death and resurrection, centers on His delayed return. Many in the fellowship are discussing this intensely, with some growing worried and feeling that too much time has passed. Hope among them is waning as they await Jesus Christ's return at the seventh trump. To address this, guidance is provided to alleviate their sorrow over those who have fallen asleep and to restore their hope. The instruction focuses on understanding the timing and nature of Christ's return, urging the believers to remain steadfast and hopeful despite the delay.




1 Thessalonians 4:13

What follows this verse is the instruction regarding the return of Jesus Christ at the seventh trump.

So, where in the grand scheme of things is AD 50, the date of Paul's writing of this epistle? It is a mere nineteen years after Christ's death and resurrection, and He has not returned yet. It is a topic of hot conversation in the fellowship of the people of the church of God. Some are beginning to worry; some are beginning to feel that it is taken too long. Their hope is being deferred.

So, Paul has to write them, instructing them about the return of Jesus Christ, and to exhort them to get their hope back on track!

John W. Ritenbaugh
How to Know We Love Christ




Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing 1 Thessalonians 4:13:

Ezekiel 18:4
Revelation 2:11
Revelation 20:11-15


 
<< 1 Thessalonians 4:12   1 Thessalonians 4:14 >>

Join 137,134+ readers

A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning

Consistent Bible study is hard to start.

The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.

Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.

Close
E-mail This Page