1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Exhortations to purity and holiness.
To abide in the faith of the gospel is not enough, we must abound in the work of faith. The rule according to which all ought to walk and act, is the commandments given by the Lord Jesus Christ. Sanctification, in the renewal of their souls under the influences of the Holy Spirit, and attention to appointed duties, constituted the will of God respecting them. In aspiring after this renewal of the soul unto holiness, strict restraint must be put upon the appetites and senses of the body, and on the thoughts and inclinations of the will, which lead to wrong uses of them. The Lord calls none into his family to live unholy lives, but that they may be taught and enabled to walk before him in holiness. Some make light of the precepts of holiness, because they hear them from men; but they are God's commands, and to break them is to despise God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
More and more - It is not enough to have faith, even so as to please God, unless we abound more and more therein.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Furthermore. This chapter contains various injunctions, by which he trains up the Thessalonians to a holy life, or confirms them in the exercise of it. They had previously learned what was the rule and method of a pious life: he calls this to their remembrance.As, says he,ye have been taught. Lest, however, he should seem to take away from them what he had previously assigned them, he does not simply exhort them towalkin such a manner, but toabound more and more. When, therefore, he urges them to make progress, he intimates that they are already in the way. The sum is this, that they should be more especially careful to make progress in the doctrine which they had received, and this Paul places in contrast with frivolous and vain pursuits, in which we see that a good part of the world very generally busy themselves, so that profitable and holy meditation as to the due regulation of life scarcely obtains a place, even the most inferior. Paul, accordingly, reminds them in what manner they had been instructed, and bids them aim at this with their whole might. Now, there is a law that is here enjoined upon us — that,forgetting the things that are behind, we always aim at farther progress, (Philippians 3:13) and pastors ought also to make this their endeavor. Now, as to hisbeseeching, when he might rightfully enjoin — it is a token of humanity and modesty which pastors ought to imitate, that they may, if possible, allure people to kindness, rather than violently compel them.
McArther Bible Commentary
in the Lord Jesus. To give added weight to his words, Paul appealed here to the fact that he wrote with the authority of Christ Himself (see 1Th 4:2, 1Th 4:15; 1Th 5:27; 2Th 3:6, 2Th 3:12). please God. (cf. 1Th 2:4, 1Th 2:15; 2Co 5:9; Eph 5:10, Eph 5:17; Col 1:10; Heb 11:6; Heb 13:15-16; 1Jn 3:22). This is done by obedience to the Word of God (cf. 1Th 4:3).
Bible Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:9 2 Corinthians 13:11 Galatians 6:1 Ephesians 4:1 Philippians 1:9 1 Thessalonians 3:12 1 Thessalonians 4:2 1 Thessalonians 4:10 1 Thessalonians 5:12 2 Thessalonians 1:3 2 Thessalonians 2:1 2 Thessalonians 3:1 2 Thessalonians 3:12 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Exhortations to purity and holiness.
To abide in the faith of the gospel is not enough, we must abound in the work of faith. The rule according to which all ought to walk and act, is the commandments given by the Lord Jesus Christ. Sanctification, in the renewal of their souls under the influences of the Holy Spirit, and attention to appointed duties, constituted the will of God respecting them. In aspiring after this renewal of the soul unto holiness, strict restraint must be put upon the appetites and senses of the body, and on the thoughts and inclinations of the will, which lead to wrong uses of them. The Lord calls none into his family to live unholy lives, but that they may be taught and enabled to walk before him in holiness. Some make light of the precepts of holiness, because they hear them from men; but they are God's commands, and to break them is to despise God.
Bible Cross References
1 Thessalonians 4:1 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Exhortations to purity and holiness.
To abide in the faith of the gospel is not enough, we must abound in the work of faith. The rule according to which all ought to walk and act, is the commandments given by the Lord Jesus Christ. Sanctification, in the renewal of their souls under the influences of the Holy Spirit, and attention to appointed duties, constituted the will of God respecting them. In aspiring after this renewal of the soul unto holiness, strict restraint must be put upon the appetites and senses of the body, and on the thoughts and inclinations of the will, which lead to wrong uses of them. The Lord calls none into his family to live unholy lives, but that they may be taught and enabled to walk before him in holiness. Some make light of the precepts of holiness, because they hear them from men; but they are God's commands, and to break them is to despise God.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(ch. 5:23; see EGW on John 17:17; Romans 6:19, 22; Ephesians 4:20-24; 2 Peter 3:18). The Fellowship of the Human and Divine
—Our sanctification is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is the fulfillment of the covenant God has made with those who bind themselves up with Him, to stand with Him, His Son, and His Spirit in holy fellowship. Have you been born again? Have you become a new being in Christ Jesus? Then cooperate with the three great powers of heaven who are working in your behalf (Manuscript 11, 1901).Evidences of Sanctification—True sanctification will be evidenced by a conscientious regard for all the commandments of God, by a careful improvement of every talent, by a circumspect conversation, by revealing in every act the meekness of Christ (The Review and Herald, October 5, 1886).(1 John 2:3, 4.) The True Sign of Sanctification—Those who dishonor God by transgressing His law may talk sanctification, but it is of that value, and just as acceptable, as was the offering of Cain. Obedience to all the commandments of God is the only true sign of sanctification. Disobedience is the sign of disloyalty and apostasy (Manuscript 41, 1897).(Romans 3:24-28.) Holiness Within the Reach of All—God has chosen men from eternity to be holy. “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” God's law tolerates no sin, but demands perfect obedience. The echo of God's voice comes to us, ever saying. Holier, holier still. And ever our answer is to be, Yes, Lord, holier still. Holiness is within the reach of all who reach for it by faith, not because of their good works, but because of Christ's merits. Divine power is provided for every soul struggling for the victory over sin and Satan.Justification means the saving of a soul from perdition, that he may obtain sanctification, and through sanctification, the life of heaven. Justification means that the conscience, purged from dead works, is placed where it can receive the blessings of sanctification (Manuscript 113, 1902).Sanctification and Communion—Sanctification means habitual communion with God (The Review and Herald, March 15, 1906).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sanctification - Entire holiness of heart and life: particular branches of it are subjoined. That ye abstain from fornication - A beautiful transition from sanctification to a single branch of the contrary; and this shows that nothing is so seemingly distant, or below our thoughts, but we have need to guard against it.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
For this is the will of God. This is doctrine of a general nature, from which, as from a fountain, he immediately deduces special admonitions. When he says thatthis is the will of God, he means that we have been called by God with this design. “For this end ye are Christians — this the gospel aims at — that ye maysanctifyyourselves toGod.” The meaning of the termsanctificationwe have already explained elsewhere in repeated instances — that renouncing the world, and clearing ourselves from the pollutions of the flesh, we offer ourselves to God as if in sacrifice, for nothing can with propriety be offered to Him, but what is pure and holy.That ye abstain. This is one injunction, which he derives from the fountain of which he had immediately before made mention; for nothing is more opposed to holiness than the defilement offornication, which pollutes the whole man. On this account he assigns thelust of concupiscence to theGentiles, who know not God. “Where the knowledge of God reigns, lusts must be subdued.”By the lust of concupiscence, he means all base lusts of the flesh, but, at the same time, by this manner of expression, he brands with dishonor all desires that allure us to pleasure and carnal delights, as inRomans 13:14, he bids ushave no care for the flesh in respect of the lust thereof. For when men give indulgence to their appetites, there are no bounds to lasciviousness.Hence the only means of maintaining temperance is to bridle all lusts.As for the expression, that every one of you may know to possess his vessel, some explain it as referring to awife,as though it had been said, “Let husbands dwell with their wives in all chastity.” As, however, he addresses husbands and wives indiscriminately, there can be no doubt that he employs the termvesselto meanbody. For every one has his body as a house, as it were, in which he dwells. He would, therefore, have us keep our body pure from all uncleanness.And honor, that is, honorably, for the man that prostitutes his body to fornication, covers it with infamy and disgrace.
McArther Bible Commentary
the will of God. All of God's Word contains God's will-both affirmations and prohibitions. Specifically, God's will includes salvation (1Ti 2:4), self-sacrifice (Rom 12:1-2), Spirit filling (Eph 5:18), submission (1Pe 2:13-15), suffering (1Pe 3:17), satisfaction (1Th 5:18), settledness (Heb 10:36), and particularly here-sanctification, which literally refers to a state of being set apart from sin to holiness. In this context, it means being set apart from sexual impurity in particular, holding oneself away from immorality by following the instruction in verses 1Th 4:4-8. Key Words in 1 Thessalonians Sanctification: Greek hagiasmos-1Th 4:3-4, lit. "set apart"-refers to a process whereby God sets aside that which is holy. However, sanctification is perfect only in principle; it is not yet attained by humanity. But though we still remain in a fallen world, we stand in relation to God as though we were already made perfect (Heb 10:10). Christ's one and only sacrifice sanctified us (made us holy), and that sanctification has the lasting result that it continues to work in us, making us holy (Heb 10:14). Spirit; Soul; Body: Greek pneuma-1Th 4:8; 1Th 5:19, 1Th 4:23-lit. "spirit"; Greek psuche-1Th 5:23-lit. "life"; Greek soma-1Th 5:23-lit. "body." First Thessalonians 1Th 5:23 is the only place in the NT where the being of a person is delineated into three portions. Yet in this passage, all three make up a whole person. The spirit enables a person to contact and be regenerated by the divine Spirit (Joh 3:6; Rom 8:16). The psuche, which is translated "soul," speaks of a person's personality or essence. Finally, the NT writers identify the body as a physical entity separate from one's soul or spirit. As this verse indicates, God works from the inside out, sanctifying our entire being for eternal life. Coming: Greek parousia-1Th 2:19; 1Th 3:13; 1Th 4:15; 1Th 5:23-lit. "presence," commonly used in the NT to describe the visitation of important people such as royalty. Thus the word points to a unique and distinct "coming." This term is used in the NT to designate the second coming of Christ. This glorious coming will reveal Christ as King over all.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:32 1 Corinthians 6:18 Ephesians 5:17 1 Thessalonians 4:2

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Exhortations to purity and holiness.
To abide in the faith of the gospel is not enough, we must abound in the work of faith. The rule according to which all ought to walk and act, is the commandments given by the Lord Jesus Christ. Sanctification, in the renewal of their souls under the influences of the Holy Spirit, and attention to appointed duties, constituted the will of God respecting them. In aspiring after this renewal of the soul unto holiness, strict restraint must be put upon the appetites and senses of the body, and on the thoughts and inclinations of the will, which lead to wrong uses of them. The Lord calls none into his family to live unholy lives, but that they may be taught and enabled to walk before him in holiness. Some make light of the precepts of holiness, because they hear them from men; but they are God's commands, and to break them is to despise God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
That every one know - For this requires knowledge, as well as chastity. To possess his vessel - His wife. In sanctification and honour - So as neither to dishonour God or himself, nor to obstruct, but further, holiness; remembering, marriage is not designed to inflame, but to conquer, natural desires.
McArther Bible Commentary
possess his own vessel. Two interpretations of "vessel" are usually offered. The term can mean: (1) the wife (cf. Rth 4:10 LXX; 1Pe 3:7) which one acquires, or (2) the body (2Co 4:7; 2Ti 2:21) which one possesses. The latter is most likely since: (1) vessel in 1Pe 3:7 is used only in a comparative sense ("weaker vessel") referring to vessel in terms of general humanity not femaleness; (2) being married does not guarantee sexual purity; (3) Paul would be contradicting what he taught in 1 Corinthians 7 about the superlative state of singleness (cf. 1Co 7:8-9); and (4) if taken in the sense of "acquiring a wife," Paul would be talking to men only and ignoring how women were to stay pure. Therefore, "possess his own body" is the preferred translation/interpretation. Cf. note on 1Co 9:27.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 21:5 Romans 1:24 1 Corinthians 7:2 1 Corinthians 7:9 2 Corinthians 4:7 1 Peter 3:7

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Exhortations to purity and holiness.
To abide in the faith of the gospel is not enough, we must abound in the work of faith. The rule according to which all ought to walk and act, is the commandments given by the Lord Jesus Christ. Sanctification, in the renewal of their souls under the influences of the Holy Spirit, and attention to appointed duties, constituted the will of God respecting them. In aspiring after this renewal of the soul unto holiness, strict restraint must be put upon the appetites and senses of the body, and on the thoughts and inclinations of the will, which lead to wrong uses of them. The Lord calls none into his family to live unholy lives, but that they may be taught and enabled to walk before him in holiness. Some make light of the precepts of holiness, because they hear them from men; but they are God's commands, and to break them is to despise God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Not in passionate desire - Which had no place in man when in a state of innocence. Who know not God - And so may naturally seek happiness in a creature. What seemingly accidental words slide in; and yet how fine, and how vastly important!
McArther Bible Commentary
the Gentiles. Used here in a spiritual sense referring to non-Christians, and indicated by the defining statement, "who do not know God." See notes on Eph 4:17-18.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 79:6 Jeremiah 10:25 Romans 1:26 Galatians 4:8 Ephesians 2:12

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Exhortations to purity and holiness.
To abide in the faith of the gospel is not enough, we must abound in the work of faith. The rule according to which all ought to walk and act, is the commandments given by the Lord Jesus Christ. Sanctification, in the renewal of their souls under the influences of the Holy Spirit, and attention to appointed duties, constituted the will of God respecting them. In aspiring after this renewal of the soul unto holiness, strict restraint must be put upon the appetites and senses of the body, and on the thoughts and inclinations of the will, which lead to wrong uses of them. The Lord calls none into his family to live unholy lives, but that they may be taught and enabled to walk before him in holiness. Some make light of the precepts of holiness, because they hear them from men; but they are God's commands, and to break them is to despise God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In this matter - By violating his bed. The things forbidden, here are three: fornication, (1 Thessalonians 4:3) ; the passion of desire, or inordinate affection in the married state, (1 Thessalonians 4:5) ; and the breach of the marriage contract.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Let no man oppress.Here we have another exhortation, which flows, like a stream, from the doctrine of sanctification. “God,” says he, “has it in view to sanctify us,that no man may do injury to his brother.” For as to Chrysostom’s connecting this statement with the preceding one, and explainingὑπερβαίνειν καὶ πλεονεκτεῖνto mean — neighing after the wives of others, (Jeremiah 5:8) and eagerly desiring them, is too forced an exposition. Paul, accordingly, having adduced one instance of unchastity in respect of lasciviousness and lust, teaches that this also is a department of holiness — that we conduct ourselves righteously and harmlessly towards our neighbors. Theformerverb refers to violent oppressions — where the man that has more power emboldens himself to inflict injury. Thelatterincludes in it all immoderate and unrighteous desires. As, however, mankind, for the most part, indulge themselves in lust and avarice, he reminds them of what he had formerly taught — thatGod would be the avenger of all such things. We must observe, however, what he says — we havesolemnly testified;for such is the sluggishness of mankind, that, unless they are wounded to the quick, they are touched with no apprehension of God’s judgment.
McArther Bible Commentary
defraud his brother. The context, which remains unchanged throughout verses 1Th 4:1-8, demands that this refer to all the destructive social and spiritual implications of illegitimate sexual activity. See notes on Mat 18:6-10. avenger. This means it is God who ultimately works out just recompense for such sins (cf. Col 3:4-7; Heb 13:4).
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 25:17 Luke 16:28 Romans 12:19 Romans 13:4 1 Corinthians 6:8 2 Corinthians 7:11 1 Thessalonians 2:11 Hebrews 2:6 Hebrews 13:4

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Exhortations to purity and holiness.
To abide in the faith of the gospel is not enough, we must abound in the work of faith. The rule according to which all ought to walk and act, is the commandments given by the Lord Jesus Christ. Sanctification, in the renewal of their souls under the influences of the Holy Spirit, and attention to appointed duties, constituted the will of God respecting them. In aspiring after this renewal of the soul unto holiness, strict restraint must be put upon the appetites and senses of the body, and on the thoughts and inclinations of the will, which lead to wrong uses of them. The Lord calls none into his family to live unholy lives, but that they may be taught and enabled to walk before him in holiness. Some make light of the precepts of holiness, because they hear them from men; but they are God's commands, and to break them is to despise God.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Romans 6:19, 22.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
For God hath not called us. This appears to be the same sentiment with the preceding one — thatthe will of God is our sanctification. There is, however, a little difference between them. For after having discoursed as to the correcting of the vices of the flesh, he proves, from the end of our calling, that God desires this. For he sets us apart to himself as his peculiar possession.Again, that God calls us to holiness, he proves by contraries, because he rescues us, and calls us back, from unchastity. From this he concludes, that all that reject this doctrinereject not men, but God, the Author of this calling, which altogether falls to the ground so soon as this principle as to newness of life is overthrown. Now, the reason why he rouses himself so vehemently is, because there are always wanton persons who, while they fearlessly despise God, treat with ridicule all threatenings of his judgment, and at the same time hold in derision all injunctions as to a holy and pious life. Such persons must not be taught, but must be beaten with severe reproofs as with the stroke of a hammer.
McArther Bible Commentary
call us. Whenever the epistles refer to the "call" of God, it is always a reference to His effectual, saving call, never to a general plea. It is linked to justification (cf. Rom 8:30).
Bible Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:3 2 Thessalonians 2:13 1 Peter 1:15

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Exhortations to purity and holiness.
To abide in the faith of the gospel is not enough, we must abound in the work of faith. The rule according to which all ought to walk and act, is the commandments given by the Lord Jesus Christ. Sanctification, in the renewal of their souls under the influences of the Holy Spirit, and attention to appointed duties, constituted the will of God respecting them. In aspiring after this renewal of the soul unto holiness, strict restraint must be put upon the appetites and senses of the body, and on the thoughts and inclinations of the will, which lead to wrong uses of them. The Lord calls none into his family to live unholy lives, but that they may be taught and enabled to walk before him in holiness. Some make light of the precepts of holiness, because they hear them from men; but they are God's commands, and to break them is to despise God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He that despiseth - The commandments we gave. Despiseth God - Himself. Who hath also given you his Holy Spirit - To convince you of the truth, and enable you to be holy. What naked majesty of words! How oratorical, and yet with what great simplicity! - a simplicity that does not impair, but improve, the understanding to the utmost; that, like the rays of heat through a glass, collects all the powers of reason into one orderly point, from being scattered abroad in utter confusion.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Who hath also given. That he may the more effectually turn away the Thessalonians from such contempt and obstinacy, he reminds them that they had been endowed with the Spirit of God,first, in order that they may distinguish what proceeds from God;secondly, that they make such a difference as is befitting between holiness and impurity; andthirdly, that, with heavenly authority, they may pronounce judgment against all manner of unchastity — such as will fall upon their own heads, unless they keep aloof from contagion. Hence, however wicked men may treat with ridicule all instructions that are given as to a holy life and the fear of God, those that are endowed with the Spirit of God have a very different testimony sealed upon their hearts. We must therefore take heed, lest we should extinguish or obliterate it. At the same time, this may refer to Paul and the other teachers, as though he had said, that it is not from human perception that they condemn unchastity, but they pronounce from the authority of God what has been suggested to them by his Spirit. I am inclined, however, to include both. Some manuscripts have the second person —you, which restricts the gift of the Spirit to the Thessalonians.
McArther Bible Commentary
given us His Holy Spirit. God's Spirit is a free gift to all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. Cf. Act 2:38; Rom 8:9; 1Co 3:16; 1Co 12:13; 2Co 6:16.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 16:8 Luke 10:16 Romans 5:5 2 Corinthians 1:22 Galatians 4:6 1 John 3:24

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
To brotherly love, peaceable behaviour, and diligence.
We should notice in others what is good, to their praise, that we may engage them to abound therein more and more. All who are savingly taught of God, are taught to love one another. The teaching of the Spirit exceeds the teachings of men; and men's teaching is vain and useless, unless God teach. Those remarkable for this or any other grace, need to increase therein, as well as to persevere to the end. It is very desirable to have a calm and quiet temper, and to be of a peaceable and quiet behaviour. Satan is busy to trouble us; and we have in our hearts what disposes us to be unquiet; therefore let us study to be quiet. Those who are busy-bodies, meddling in other men's matters, have little quiet in their own minds, and cause great disturbances among their neighbours. They seldom mind the other exhortation, to be diligent in their own calling, to work with their own hands. Christianity does not take us from the work and duty of our particular callings, but teaches us to be diligent therein. People often by slothfulness reduce themselves to great straits, and are liable to many wants; while such as are diligent in their own business, earn their own bread, and have great pleasure in so doing.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
We need not write - Largely. For ye are taught of God - By his Spirit.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
As to brotherly love. Having previously, in lofty terms, commended their love, he now speaks by way ofanticipation, saying,ye need not that I write to you. He assigns a reason —because they had been divinely taught — by which he means that love was engraven upon their hearts, so that there was no need of letters written on paper. For he does not mean simply what John says in his first CanonicalEpistle,the anointing will teach you, (1 John 2:27) but that their hearts were framed for love; so that it appears that the Holy Spirit inwardly dictates efficaciously what is to be done, so that there is no need to give injunctions in writing. He subjoins an argument from the greater to the less; for as their love diffuses itself through the whole of Macedonia, he infers that it is not to be doubted that theylove one another. Hence the particleformeanslikewise, ornay more, for, as I have already stated, he adds it for the sake of greater intensity.
McArther Bible Commentary
taught by God to love. Through God's Word (Psa 119:97-102) and by God Himself, they were loving believers (cf. Rom 5:5; 1Jn 2:7-11; 1Jn 3:14; 1Jn 4:7-8, 1Jn 4:12).
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 31:33 Jeremiah 31:34 John 6:45 John 13:34 Romans 12:10 2 Corinthians 9:1 Philippians 3:15 1 Thessalonians 5:1 Hebrews 13:1 1 John 2:27

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
To brotherly love, peaceable behaviour, and diligence.
We should notice in others what is good, to their praise, that we may engage them to abound therein more and more. All who are savingly taught of God, are taught to love one another. The teaching of the Spirit exceeds the teachings of men; and men's teaching is vain and useless, unless God teach. Those remarkable for this or any other grace, need to increase therein, as well as to persevere to the end. It is very desirable to have a calm and quiet temper, and to be of a peaceable and quiet behaviour. Satan is busy to trouble us; and we have in our hearts what disposes us to be unquiet; therefore let us study to be quiet. Those who are busy-bodies, meddling in other men's matters, have little quiet in their own minds, and cause great disturbances among their neighbours. They seldom mind the other exhortation, to be diligent in their own calling, to work with their own hands. Christianity does not take us from the work and duty of our particular callings, but teaches us to be diligent therein. People often by slothfulness reduce themselves to great straits, and are liable to many wants; while such as are diligent in their own business, earn their own bread, and have great pleasure in so doing.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And we exhort you. Though he declares that they were sufficiently prepared of themselves for all offices of love, he nevertheless does not cease to exhort them to make progress, there being no perfection in men. And, unquestionably, whatever appears in us in a high state of excellence, we must still desire that it may become better. Some connect the verbφιλοτιμεῖσζαι with what follows, as if he exhorted them to strive at the maintaining of peace; but it corresponds better with the expression that goes before. For after having admonished them to increase in love, he recommends to them a sacred emulation, that they may strive among themselves in mutual affection, or at least he enjoins that each one strive to conquer himself;and I rather adopt this latter interpretation. That, therefore, their love may be perfect, he requires that there be a striving among them, such as is wont to be on the part of those who eagerlyaspire at victory. This is the best emulation, when each one strives to overcome himself in doing good. As to my not subscribing to the opinion of those who render the words,strive to maintain peace, this single reason appears to me to be sufficiently valid — that Paul would not in a thing of less difficulty have enjoined so arduous a conflict — which suits admirably well with advancement in love, where so many hindrances present themselves. Nor would I have any objection to the other meaning of the verb — that they should exercise liberality generally towards others.
Bible Cross References
Romans 15:26 1 Thessalonians 1:7 1 Thessalonians 3:12 1 Thessalonians 4:1 2 Thessalonians 3:4

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
To brotherly love, peaceable behaviour, and diligence.
We should notice in others what is good, to their praise, that we may engage them to abound therein more and more. All who are savingly taught of God, are taught to love one another. The teaching of the Spirit exceeds the teachings of men; and men's teaching is vain and useless, unless God teach. Those remarkable for this or any other grace, need to increase therein, as well as to persevere to the end. It is very desirable to have a calm and quiet temper, and to be of a peaceable and quiet behaviour. Satan is busy to trouble us; and we have in our hearts what disposes us to be unquiet; therefore let us study to be quiet. Those who are busy-bodies, meddling in other men's matters, have little quiet in their own minds, and cause great disturbances among their neighbours. They seldom mind the other exhortation, to be diligent in their own calling, to work with their own hands. Christianity does not take us from the work and duty of our particular callings, but teaches us to be diligent therein. People often by slothfulness reduce themselves to great straits, and are liable to many wants; while such as are diligent in their own business, earn their own bread, and have great pleasure in so doing.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
That ye study - Literally, that ye be ambitious: an ambition worthy a Christian. To work with your hands - Not a needless caution; for temporal concerns are often a cross to them who are newly filled with the love of God.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Maintain Peace. I have already stated that this clause must be separated from what goes before, for this is a new sentence. Now, tobe at peace, means in this passage — to act peacefully and without disturbance, as we also say in French —sans bruit, (without noise.) In short, he exhorts them to be peaceable and tranquil. This is the purport of what he adds immediately afterwards — todo your own business:for we commonly see, that those who intrude themselves with forwardness into the affairs of others, make great disturbance, and give trouble to themselves and others. This, therefore, is the best means of a tranquil life, when every one, intent upon the duties of his own calling, discharges those duties which are enjoined upon him by the Lord, and devotes himself to these things: while the husbandman employs himself in rural labors, the workman carries on his occupation, and in this way every one keeps within his own limits. So soon as men turn aside from this, everything is thrown into confusion and disorder. He does not mean, however, that every one shallmind his own business in such a way as that each one should live apart, having no care for others, but has merely in view to correct an idle levity, which makes men noisy bustlers in public, who ought to lead a quiet life in their own houses.Labor with your hands. He recommends manual labor on two accounts — that they may have a sufficiency for maintaining life, and that they may conduct themselves honorably even before unbelievers. For nothing is more unseemly than a man that is idle and good for nothing, who profits neither himself nor others, and seems born only to eat and drink. Farther, this labor or system of working extends far, for what he says as tohandsis by way ofsynecdoche;but there can be no doubt that he includes every useful employment of human life.
McArther Bible Commentary
a quiet life. This refers to a person who does not present social problems (see note on 1Ti 2:2) or generate conflict among others, but whose soul rests easy even in the midst of difficulty (cf. 1Pe 3:4). Paul later deals with those who did not "mind their own business" at Thessalonica (cf. 2Th 3:6-15). work with your own hands. Greek culture looked down on manual labor but Paul exalts it (see note on Eph 4:28).
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 17:14 Acts 18:3 Ephesians 4:28 2 Thessalonians 3:10 2 Thessalonians 3:12 1 Peter 4:15

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
To brotherly love, peaceable behaviour, and diligence.
We should notice in others what is good, to their praise, that we may engage them to abound therein more and more. All who are savingly taught of God, are taught to love one another. The teaching of the Spirit exceeds the teachings of men; and men's teaching is vain and useless, unless God teach. Those remarkable for this or any other grace, need to increase therein, as well as to persevere to the end. It is very desirable to have a calm and quiet temper, and to be of a peaceable and quiet behaviour. Satan is busy to trouble us; and we have in our hearts what disposes us to be unquiet; therefore let us study to be quiet. Those who are busy-bodies, meddling in other men's matters, have little quiet in their own minds, and cause great disturbances among their neighbours. They seldom mind the other exhortation, to be diligent in their own calling, to work with their own hands. Christianity does not take us from the work and duty of our particular callings, but teaches us to be diligent therein. People often by slothfulness reduce themselves to great straits, and are liable to many wants; while such as are diligent in their own business, earn their own bread, and have great pleasure in so doing.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Decently - That they may have no pretence to say, (but they will say it still,) "This religion makes men idle, and brings them to beggary." And may want nothing - Needful for life and godliness. What Christian desires more?
McArther Bible Commentary
those … outside. Non-Christians are in view here (cf. 1Co 5:2; Col 4:5; 1Ti 3:7). Clearly, they had an imminent view of Christ's return, and Paul had left the impression it could happen in their lifetime. Their confusion came as they were being persecuted, an experience they thought they were to be delivered from by the Lord's return (cf. 1Th 3:3-4).
Bible Cross References
Mark 4:11 Romans 13:13 Ephesians 4:28 Colossians 4:5

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Not to sorrow unduly for the death of godly relations and friends, considering the glorious resurrection of their bodies at Christ's second coming.
Here is comfort for the relations and friends of those who die in the Lord. Grief for the death of friends is lawful; we may weep for our own loss, though it may be their gain. Christianity does not forbid, and grace does not do away, our natural affections. Yet we must not be excessive in our sorrows; this is too much like those who have no hope of a better life. Death is an unknown thing, and we know little about the state after death; yet the doctrines of the resurrection and the second coming of Christ, are a remedy against the fear of death, and undue sorrow for the death of our Christian friends; and of these doctrines we have full assurance. It will be some happiness that all the saints shall meet, and remain together for ever; but the principal happiness of heaven is to be with the Lord, to see him, live with him, and enjoy him for ever. We should support one another in times sorrow; not deaden one another's spirits, or weaken one another's hands. And this may be done by the many lessons to be learned from the resurrection of the dead, and the second coming of Christ. What! comfort a man by telling him he is going to appear before the judgment-seat of God! Who can feel comfort from those words? That man alone with whose spirit the Spirit of God bears witness that his sins are blotted out, and the thoughts of whose heart are purified by the Holy Spirit, so that he can love God, and worthily magnify his name. We are not in a safe state unless it is thus with us, or we are desiring to be so.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
Errors Regarding Christ's Coming
—There was still another reason for Paul's communication to these brethren. Some who were newly brought into the faith had fallen into errors in regard to those who had died since their conversion. They had hoped that all would witness the second coming of Christ; but they were in great sorrow as one after another of the believers fell under the power of death, making it impossible for them to behold that desirable event—the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven.Some, who had fallen into the error that Christ was to come in their day, imbibed the fanatical idea that it was praiseworthy to show their faith by giving up all business, and resigning themselves to idle waiting for the great event which they thought was near (Sketches from the Life of Paul, 110).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Now - Herein the efficacy of Christianity greatly appears, - that it neither takes away nor embitters, but sweetly tempers, that most refined of all affections, our desire of or love to the dead.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
But I would not have you ignorant. It is not likely that the hope of a resurrection had been torn up among the Thessalonians by profane men, as had taken place at Corinth. For we see how he chastises the Corinthians with severity, but here he speaks of it as a thing that was not doubtful. It is possible, however, that this persuasion was not sufficiently fixed in their minds, and that they accordingly, in bewailing the dead, retained something of the old superstition. For the sum of the whole is this — that we must not bewail the dead beyond due bounds, inasmuch as we are all to be raised up again. For whence comes it, that the mourning of unbelievers has no end or measure, but because they have no hope of a resurrection? It becomes not us, therefore, who have been instructed as to a resurrection, to mourn otherwise than in moderation. He is to discourse afterwards as to the manner of the resurrection; and he is also on this account to say something as totimes;but in this passage he meant simply to restrain excessive grief, which would never have had such an influence among them, if they had seriously considered the resurrection, and kept it in remembrance.He does not, however, forbid us altogether to mourn, but requires moderation in our mourning, for he says, that ye may not sorrow, as others who have no hope. He forbids them to grieve in the manner of unbelievers, who give loose reins to their grief, because they look upon death as final destruction, and imagine that everything that is taken out of the world perishes. As, on the other hand, believers know that they quit the world, that they may be at last gathered into the kingdom of God, they have not the like occasion of grief. Hence the knowledge of a resurrection is the means of moderating grief. He speaks of the dead asasleep, agreeably to the common practice of Scripture — a term by which the bitterness of death is mitigated, for there is a great difference betweensleepanddestructionIt refers, however, not to the soul, but to the body, for the dead body lies in the tomb, as in a couch, until God raise up the man. Those, therefore, act a foolish part, who infer from this that souls sleep.We are now in possession of Paul’s meaning — that he lifts up the minds of believers to a consideration of the resurrection, lest they should indulge excessive grief on occasion of the death of their relatives, for it were unseemly that there should be no difference between them and unbelievers, who put no end or measure to their grief for this reason, that in death they recognize nothing but destruction. Those that abuse this testimony, so as to establish among Christians Stoical indifference, that is, an iron hardness,will find nothing of this nature in Paul’s words. As to their objecting that we must not indulge grief on occasion of the death of our relatives, lest we should resist God, this would apply in all adversities; but it is one thing to bridle our grief, that it may be made subject to God, and quite another thing to harden one’s self so as to be like stones, by casting away human feelings. Let, therefore, the grief of the pious be mixed with consolation, which may train them to patience. The hope of a blessed resurrection, which is the mother of patience, will effect this.
McArther Bible Commentary
those who have fallen asleep. Sleep is the familiar NT euphemism for death which describes the appearance of the deceased (see note on 1Co 11:30). It describes the dead body, not the soul (cf. 2Co 5:1-9; Php 1:23). Sleep is used of Jarius's daughter (Mat 9:24), whom Jesus raised from the dead and Stephen, who was stoned to death (Act 7:60; cf. Joh 11:11; 1Co 7:39; 1Co 15:6, 1Co 15:18, 1Co 15:51; 2Pe 3:4). Those who sleep are identified in verse 1Th 4:16 as "the dead in Christ." The people, in ignorance, had come to the conclusion that those who die miss the Lord's return, and they were grieved over their absence at such a glorious event. Thus, the departure of a loved one brought great anguish to the soul. But there is no reason for Christians to sorrow when a brother dies as if some great loss to that person has come.
Bible Cross References
Acts 7:60 Romans 1:13 Ephesians 2:3 Ephesians 2:12 1 Thessalonians 4:14 1 Thessalonians 4:15 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Not to sorrow unduly for the death of godly relations and friends, considering the glorious resurrection of their bodies at Christ's second coming.
Here is comfort for the relations and friends of those who die in the Lord. Grief for the death of friends is lawful; we may weep for our own loss, though it may be their gain. Christianity does not forbid, and grace does not do away, our natural affections. Yet we must not be excessive in our sorrows; this is too much like those who have no hope of a better life. Death is an unknown thing, and we know little about the state after death; yet the doctrines of the resurrection and the second coming of Christ, are a remedy against the fear of death, and undue sorrow for the death of our Christian friends; and of these doctrines we have full assurance. It will be some happiness that all the saints shall meet, and remain together for ever; but the principal happiness of heaven is to be with the Lord, to see him, live with him, and enjoy him for ever. We should support one another in times sorrow; not deaden one another's spirits, or weaken one another's hands. And this may be done by the many lessons to be learned from the resurrection of the dead, and the second coming of Christ. What! comfort a man by telling him he is going to appear before the judgment-seat of God! Who can feel comfort from those words? That man alone with whose spirit the Spirit of God bears witness that his sins are blotted out, and the thoughts of whose heart are purified by the Holy Spirit, so that he can love God, and worthily magnify his name. We are not in a safe state unless it is thus with us, or we are desiring to be so.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
Errors Regarding Christ's Coming
—There was still another reason for Paul's communication to these brethren. Some who were newly brought into the faith had fallen into errors in regard to those who had died since their conversion. They had hoped that all would witness the second coming of Christ; but they were in great sorrow as one after another of the believers fell under the power of death, making it impossible for them to behold that desirable event—the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven.Some, who had fallen into the error that Christ was to come in their day, imbibed the fanatical idea that it was praiseworthy to show their faith by giving up all business, and resigning themselves to idle waiting for the great event which they thought was near (Sketches from the Life of Paul, 110).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
So - As God raised him. With him - With their living head.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
For if we believe. He assumes this axiom of our faith, that Christ was raised up from the dead, that we might be partakers of the same resurrection: from this he infers, that we shall live with him eternally. This doctrine, however, as has been stated in1 Corinthians 15:13, depends on another principle — that it was not for himself, but for us that Christ died and rose again. Hence those who have doubts as to the resurrection, do great injury to Christ: nay more, they do in a manner draw him down from heaven, as is said inRomans 10:6To sleep in Christ, is to retain in death the connection that we have with Christ, for those that are by faith ingrafted into Christ, have death in common with him, that they may be partakers with him of life. It is asked, however, whether unbelievers will not also rise again, for Paul does not affirm that there will be a resurrection, except in the case of Christ’s members. I answer, that Paul does not here touch upon anything but what suited his present design. For he did not design to terrify the wicked, but to correctthe immoderate grief of the pious, and to cure it, as he does, by the medicine of consolation.
McArther Bible Commentary
God will bring with Him. As Jesus died and rose, so also will those who die believing in Him rise again so they can be taken to heaven with the Lord (see notes on Joh 14:1-3; 1Co 15:51-58). These texts describe the rapture of the church, which takes place when Jesus comes to collect His redeemed and take them back to heaven. Those who have died before that time (called "those who sleep") will be gathered and taken back to heaven with the Lord.
Bible Cross References
Romans 14:9 1 Corinthians 15:14 1 Corinthians 15:18 2 Corinthians 4:14 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Not to sorrow unduly for the death of godly relations and friends, considering the glorious resurrection of their bodies at Christ's second coming.
Here is comfort for the relations and friends of those who die in the Lord. Grief for the death of friends is lawful; we may weep for our own loss, though it may be their gain. Christianity does not forbid, and grace does not do away, our natural affections. Yet we must not be excessive in our sorrows; this is too much like those who have no hope of a better life. Death is an unknown thing, and we know little about the state after death; yet the doctrines of the resurrection and the second coming of Christ, are a remedy against the fear of death, and undue sorrow for the death of our Christian friends; and of these doctrines we have full assurance. It will be some happiness that all the saints shall meet, and remain together for ever; but the principal happiness of heaven is to be with the Lord, to see him, live with him, and enjoy him for ever. We should support one another in times sorrow; not deaden one another's spirits, or weaken one another's hands. And this may be done by the many lessons to be learned from the resurrection of the dead, and the second coming of Christ. What! comfort a man by telling him he is going to appear before the judgment-seat of God! Who can feel comfort from those words? That man alone with whose spirit the Spirit of God bears witness that his sins are blotted out, and the thoughts of whose heart are purified by the Holy Spirit, so that he can love God, and worthily magnify his name. We are not in a safe state unless it is thus with us, or we are desiring to be so.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
By the word of the Lord - By a particular revelation. We who are left - This intimates the fewness of those who will be then alive, compared to the multitude of the dead. Believers of all ages and nations make up, as it were, one body; in consideration of which, the believers of that age might put themselves in the place, and speak in the person, of them who were to live till the coming of the Lord. Not that St. Paul hereby asserted (though some seem to have imagined so) that the day of the Lord was at hand.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
For this we say unto you. He now briefly explains the manner in which believers will be raised up from death. Now, as he speaks of a thing that is very great, and is incredible to the human mind, and also promises what is above the power and choice of men, he premises that he does not bring forward anything that is his own, or that proceeds from men, but that the Lord is the Author of it. It is probable, however, that theword of the Lord means what was taken from his discourses.For though Paul had learned by revelation all the secrets of the heavenly kingdom, it was, nevertheless, more fitted to establish in the minds of believers the belief of a resurrection, when he related those things that had been uttered by Christ’s own mouth. “We are not the first witnesses of the resurrection, but instead of this the Master himself declared it.”We who live.This has been said by him with this view — that they might not think that those only would be partakers of the resurrection who would be alive at the time of Christ’s coming, and that those would have no part in it who had been previously taken away by death. “The order of the resurrection,” says he, “will begin with them:we shall accordingly not rise without them.” From this it appears that the belief of a final resurrection had been, in the minds of some, slight and obscure, and involved in various errors, inasmuch as they imagined that the dead would be deprived of it; for they imagined that eternal life belonged to those alone whom Christ, at his last coming, would find still alive upon the earth. Paul, with the view of remedying these errors, assigns the first place to the dead, and afterwards teaches that those will follow who will be at that time remaining in this life.As to the circumstance, however, that by speaking in the first person he makes himself, as it were, one of the number of those who will live until the last day, he means by this to arouse the Thessalonians to wait for it, nay more, to hold all believers in suspense, that they may not promise themselves some particular time: for, granting that it was by a special revelation that he knew that Christ would come at a somewhat later time, it was nevertheless necessary that this doctrine should be delivered to the Church in common, that believers might be prepared at all times. In the mean time, it was necessary thus to cut off all pretext for the curiosity of many — as we shall find him doing afterwards at greater length. When, however, he says,we that are alive, he makes use of the present tense instead of the future, in accordance with the Hebrew idiom.
McArther Bible Commentary
the word of the Lord. Was Paul referring to some saying of Jesus found in the Gospels? No. There are none exact or even close. The only explicit reference to the rapture in the Gospels is Joh 14:1-3. Some suggest that Jesus had said the words while on earth, their substance being recorded later in such places as Mat 24:30-31 and Joh 6:39-40; Joh 11:25-26. Similarities between this passage in 1 Thessalonians and the Gospel accounts include a trumpet (Mat 24:31), a resurrection (Joh 1:26), and a gathering of the elect (Mat 24:31). Yet, dissimilarities between it and the canonical sayings of Christ far outweigh the resemblances. Some of the differences between Mat 24:30-31 and verses 1Th 4:15-17 are as follows: (1) in Matthew the Son of Man is coming on the clouds (but see Mar 13:26; Luk 21:27), in 1 Thessalonians ascending believers are in them; (2) in the former the angels gather, in the latter Christ does personally; (3) in the former nothing is said about resurrection, while in the latter this is the main theme; and (4) Matthew records nothing about the order of ascent, which is the principal lesson in Thessalonians. On the other hand, did Paul mean a statement of Jesus that was spoken but not recorded in the Gospels (Act 20:35)? No. There is reason to conclude this since Paul affirmed that he taught the rapture as a heretofore hidden truth (1Co 15:51), i.e., "mystery." Apparently, the Thessalonians were informed fully about the Day of the Lord judgment (cf. 1Th 5:1-2), but not the preceding event-the rapture of the church. Until Paul revealed it as the revelation from God to him, it had been a secret, with the only prior mention being Jesus' teaching in Joh 14:1-3. This was new revelation of what had previously been an unrevealed mystery. we who are alive and remain. This refers to Christians alive at the time of the rapture, those who live on this earth to see the coming of the Lord for His own. Since Paul didn't know God's timing, he lived and spoke as if it could happen in his lifetime. As with all early Christians, he believed the event was near (cf. Rom 13:11; 1Co 6:14; 1Co 10:11; 1Co 16:22; Php 3:20-21; 1Ti 6:14; Tit 2:13). Those alive at the rapture will follow those dead who rise first (1Th 4:16).
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 13:17 1 Kings 20:35 1 Corinthians 15:18 1 Corinthians 15:52 2 Corinthians 12:1 Galatians 1:12 1 Thessalonians 2:19 1 Thessalonians 4:13 1 Thessalonians 5:10 2 Thessalonians 2:1

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Not to sorrow unduly for the death of godly relations and friends, considering the glorious resurrection of their bodies at Christ's second coming.
Here is comfort for the relations and friends of those who die in the Lord. Grief for the death of friends is lawful; we may weep for our own loss, though it may be their gain. Christianity does not forbid, and grace does not do away, our natural affections. Yet we must not be excessive in our sorrows; this is too much like those who have no hope of a better life. Death is an unknown thing, and we know little about the state after death; yet the doctrines of the resurrection and the second coming of Christ, are a remedy against the fear of death, and undue sorrow for the death of our Christian friends; and of these doctrines we have full assurance. It will be some happiness that all the saints shall meet, and remain together for ever; but the principal happiness of heaven is to be with the Lord, to see him, live with him, and enjoy him for ever. We should support one another in times sorrow; not deaden one another's spirits, or weaken one another's hands. And this may be done by the many lessons to be learned from the resurrection of the dead, and the second coming of Christ. What! comfort a man by telling him he is going to appear before the judgment-seat of God! Who can feel comfort from those words? That man alone with whose spirit the Spirit of God bears witness that his sins are blotted out, and the thoughts of whose heart are purified by the Holy Spirit, so that he can love God, and worthily magnify his name. We are not in a safe state unless it is thus with us, or we are desiring to be so.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(see EGW on Matthew 28:2-4). The Last Trump
—When Christ comes to gather to Himself those who have been faithful, the last trump will sound, and the whole earth, from the summits of the loftiest mountains to the lowest recesses of the deepest mines, will hear. The righteous dead will hear the sound of the last trump, and will come forth from their graves, to be clothed with immortality, and to meet their Lord (Special Testimonies, Series B, 2:24).
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Isaiah 26:19; 1 Corinthians 15:51-55.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
With a shout - Properly, a proclamation made to a great multitude. Above this is, the voice of the archangel; above both, the trumpet of God; the voice of God, somewhat analogous to the sound of a trumpet.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
For the Lord himself. He employs the termκελεύσματος, (shout,) and afterwards adds,the voice of the archangel, by way of exposition, intimating what is to be the nature of that arousing shout — that the archangel will discharge the office of a herald to summon the living and the dead to the tribunal of Christ. For though this will be common to all the angels, yet, as is customary among different ranks, he appoints one in the foremost place to take the lead of the others. As to thetrumpet, however, I leave to others to dispute with greater subtlety, for I have nothing to say in addition to what I briefly noticed in the First Epistle to the Corinthians.The Apostle unquestionably had nothing farther in view here than to give some taste of the magnificence and venerable appearance of the Judge, until we shall behold it fully. With this taste it becomes us in the mean time to rest satisfied.The dead who are in Christ. He again says that thedead who are in Christ, that is, who are included in Christ’s body, willrise first, that we may know that the hope of life is laid up in heaven for them no less than for the living. He says nothing as to the reprobate, because this did not tend to the consolation of the pious, of which he is now treating.He says that those that survive will be carried up together with them. As to these, he makes no mention of death: hence it appears as if he meant to say that they would be exempted from death. Here Augustine gives himself much distress, both in the twentieth book on the City of God and in his Answer to Dulcitius, because Paul seems to contradict himself, inasmuch as he says elsewhere, thatseed cannot spring up again unless it die. (1 Corinthians 15:36) The solution, however, is easy, inasmuch as a sudden change will be like death. Ordinary death, it is true, is the separation of the soul from the body; but this does not hinder that the Lord may in a moment destroy this corruptible nature, so as to create it anew by his power, for thus is accomplished what Paul himself teaches must take place — thatmortality shall be swallowed up of life. (2 Corinthians 5:4) What is stated in our Confession,that “Christ will be the Judge of the dead and of the living,”Augustine acknowledges to be true without a figure.He is only at a loss as to this — how those that have not died will rise again. But, as I have said, that is a kind of death, when this flesh is reduced to nothing, as it is now liable to corruption. The only difference is this — that those whosleepput off thesubstanceof the body for some space of time, but those that will be suddenly changed will put off nothing but thequality
McArther Bible Commentary
the Lord Himself will descend. This fulfills the pledge of Joh 14:1-3 (cf. Act 1:11). Until then, Jesus remains in heaven (cf. 1Th 1:10; Heb 1:1-3). archangel. Very little is known about the organization or rank of angels (cf. Col 1:17). While only Michael is named as an archangel (Jud 1:9), there seems to be more than one in the archangelic ranks (Dan 10:13). Perhaps it is Michael, the archangel, whose voice is heard as he is identified with Israel's resurrection in Dan 12:1-3. At that moment (cf. 1Co 15:52, "twinkling of an eye"), the dead rise first. They will not miss the rapture, but be the first participants. trumpet of God. Cf. 1Co 15:52. This trumpet is not the judgment trumpets of Revelation 8-11, but is illustrated by the trumpet of Exo 19:16-19, which called the people out of the camp to meet God. It will be a trumpet of deliverance (cf. Zep 1:16; Zec 9:14).
Bible Cross References
Joel 2:11 Matthew 16:27 Matthew 16:28 Matthew 24:31 Matthew 25:31 1 Corinthians 15:18 1 Corinthians 15:20 1 Corinthians 15:23 1 Thessalonians 1:10 1 Thessalonians 3:11 2 Thessalonians 1:7 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Jude 1:9 Revelation 8:2 Revelation 14:13 Revelation 20:5

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Not to sorrow unduly for the death of godly relations and friends, considering the glorious resurrection of their bodies at Christ's second coming.
Here is comfort for the relations and friends of those who die in the Lord. Grief for the death of friends is lawful; we may weep for our own loss, though it may be their gain. Christianity does not forbid, and grace does not do away, our natural affections. Yet we must not be excessive in our sorrows; this is too much like those who have no hope of a better life. Death is an unknown thing, and we know little about the state after death; yet the doctrines of the resurrection and the second coming of Christ, are a remedy against the fear of death, and undue sorrow for the death of our Christian friends; and of these doctrines we have full assurance. It will be some happiness that all the saints shall meet, and remain together for ever; but the principal happiness of heaven is to be with the Lord, to see him, live with him, and enjoy him for ever. We should support one another in times sorrow; not deaden one another's spirits, or weaken one another's hands. And this may be done by the many lessons to be learned from the resurrection of the dead, and the second coming of Christ. What! comfort a man by telling him he is going to appear before the judgment-seat of God! Who can feel comfort from those words? That man alone with whose spirit the Spirit of God bears witness that his sins are blotted out, and the thoughts of whose heart are purified by the Holy Spirit, so that he can love God, and worthily magnify his name. We are not in a safe state unless it is thus with us, or we are desiring to be so.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
. See EGW on Isaiah 26:19; 1 Corinthians 15:51-55.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Together - In the same moment. In the air - The wicked will remain beneath, while the righteous, being absolved, shall be assessors with their Lord in the judgment. With the Lord - In heaven.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
And so we shall be ever. To those who have been once gathered to Christ he promises eternal life with him, by which statements the reveries of Origen and of the Chiliastsare abundantly refuted. For the life of believers, when they have once been gathered into one kingdom, will have no end any more than Christ’s. Now, to assign to Christ a thousand years, so that he would afterwards cease to reign, were too horrible to be made mention of. Those, however, fall into this absurdity who limit the life of believers to a thousand years, for they must live with Christ as long as Christ himself will exist. We must observe also what he says —we shall be, for he means that we profitably entertain a hope of eternal life, only when we hope that it has been expressly appointed for us.
McArther Bible Commentary
caught up. After the dead come forth, their spirits, already with the Lord (2Co 5:8; Php 1:23), are now being joined to resurrected new bodies (see notes on 1Co 15:35-50); the living Christians will be raptured, literally snatched away (cf. Joh 10:28; Act 8:39). This passage, along with Joh 14:1-3 and 1Co 15:51-52, forms the biblical basis for the rapture of the church. The time of the rapture cannot be conclusively determined from this passage alone. However, when other texts such as Rev 3:10 and Joh 14:3 are consulted and compared to the texts about Christ's coming in judgment (Mat 13:34-50; Mat 24:29-44; Rev 19:11-21) at the end of a seven year tribulation, it has to be noted that there is a clear difference between the character of the rapture in that there is no mention of any judgment, while the other texts feature judgment. So then, it is best to understand that the rapture occurs at a time different from the coming of Christ in judgment. Thus, the rapture has been described as pretribulational (before the wrath of God unfolded in the judgments of Rev. 6-19). This event includes complete transformation (cf. 1Co 15:51-52; Php 3:20-21) and union with the Lord Jesus Christ that never ends.
Bible Cross References
Daniel 7:13 John 12:26 Acts 1:9 1 Corinthians 15:52 2 Corinthians 12:2 2 Corinthians 12:4 1 Thessalonians 3:13 1 Thessalonians 4:18 1 Thessalonians 5:10 Revelation 1:7 Revelation 11:12

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Not to sorrow unduly for the death of godly relations and friends, considering the glorious resurrection of their bodies at Christ's second coming.
Here is comfort for the relations and friends of those who die in the Lord. Grief for the death of friends is lawful; we may weep for our own loss, though it may be their gain. Christianity does not forbid, and grace does not do away, our natural affections. Yet we must not be excessive in our sorrows; this is too much like those who have no hope of a better life. Death is an unknown thing, and we know little about the state after death; yet the doctrines of the resurrection and the second coming of Christ, are a remedy against the fear of death, and undue sorrow for the death of our Christian friends; and of these doctrines we have full assurance. It will be some happiness that all the saints shall meet, and remain together for ever; but the principal happiness of heaven is to be with the Lord, to see him, live with him, and enjoy him for ever. We should support one another in times sorrow; not deaden one another's spirits, or weaken one another's hands. And this may be done by the many lessons to be learned from the resurrection of the dead, and the second coming of Christ. What! comfort a man by telling him he is going to appear before the judgment-seat of God! Who can feel comfort from those words? That man alone with whose spirit the Spirit of God bears witness that his sins are blotted out, and the thoughts of whose heart are purified by the Holy Spirit, so that he can love God, and worthily magnify his name. We are not in a safe state unless it is thus with us, or we are desiring to be so.
John Calvin Bible Commentary
Comfort. He now shews more openly what I have previously stated — that in the faith of the resurrection we have good ground of consolation, provided we are members of Christ, and are truly united to him as our Head. At the same time, the Apostle would not have each one to seek for himself assuagement of grief, but also to administer it to others.
McArther Bible Commentary
comfort one another. The primary purpose of this passage is not to teach a scheme of prophecy, but rather to provide encouragement to those Christians whose loved ones have died. The comfort here is based on the following: (1) the dead will be resurrected and will participate in the Lord's coming for His own; (2) when Christ comes the living will be reunited forever with their loved ones; and (3) they all will be with the Lord eternally (1Th 4:17).
Bible Cross References
1 Thessalonians 4:17 1 Thessalonians 5:1