Chapter Five
Concerning the Timing of the Day of the Lord
In both the Greek and Hebrew languages the respective words for ‘day’ can be used in the same manner as the English word ‘day’ is used. For example when someone says, “back in the day” or “in their day” they are not referring to a specific day, they are referring to an undefined period of time. However, the same word can also apply to a twenty-four day, or even to daylight hours. It is the author’s responsibility to provide the necessary context to convey the correct meaning to the reader.
In the Bible we find a number of references to “the day of the LORD,” (for example see Isaiah 13:6, 9; 58:13; Jeremiah 46:10; Ezekiel 13:5; 30:3; Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11, 31; 3:14; Amos 5:18, 20; Obadiah 1:15; Zephaniah 1:7, 8, 14; Zechariah 14:1; Malachi 4:5; Acts 2:20; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10, and many more) or similar wording, such as, “the day is at hand” (see Romans 13:12), “at his day” (see Job 18:20), “the day of Jesus Christ” (see Philippians 1:6), “the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:10; 2:1), “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:8), Jesus saying “His day” (see John 8:56), etc. They are not all referring to the same event or even the same time frame as some refer to judgments such as with Babylon and Egypt in the past, while others point to yet future events not all relating to judgment or punishment. Therefore whether similar or worded exactly the same, we as readers cannot blindly connect one to another. Diligence is required to determine what the author is conveying.
WARNING: The subject of Eschatology within Christianity has severely divided churches, denominations, theologians, and Christians. One of the key arguing points is in regard to the definition of “The Day of the Lord.” If you have been taught a different approach, or that your church denies the concept of a rapture, please do not stop reading, keep an open mind and read through to the end of 2 Thessalonians.
5:1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
Having answered any questions regarding the resurrection and the removal of living believers, Paul now proceeds to remind them about what they were taught regarding the soon to follow event that he calls to “day of the Lord,” beginning with the times (Greek chronōn, an indefinite period of time, measured in succession of defined moments) and the seasons (Greek kairōn, opportune time, an occasion, a proper season), with both words in the plural form, he appears to be writing about several events in multiple periods. He reminds them that they don’t need to have anything written regarding these as they were taught and are fully aware that the “day of the Lord” will come like a thief in the night. In other words completely unexpected and potentially harmful. Jesus used the same analogy (see Matthew 24:43, see also Revelation 16:15). Note this metaphor was never used in connection with the rapture as that is a blessed and hopeful event, not a dreaded time of punishment.
To determine what “day of the Lord” Paul is referring to (or perhaps more importantly, what the event is and what will happen during that time) we will review the text and number the facts that relate to it in the following verses.
5:3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
#1 A time of peace (Greek eirēnē, a state of peace and tranquility) and security (Greek asphaleia, security from turmoil, lack of danger). The period Paul is speaking about will follow a time where people will consider being in a time of peace and that they feel secure.
#2 Sudden calamity. Destruction (Greek noun olethros, ruin, unavoidable distress and torment) of some nature will strike quickly and unexpectedly.
#3 No escape. The destruction will likely be extremely devastating very quickly preventing people from escaping (such as infrastructures being weakened or destroyed). This could also be a reference to a supernatural restriction or that regardless where one goes they will still be victims of the destruction and judgment. Believers, on the other hand, would have been removed from danger by the rapture.
5:4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.
Paul begins to classify everyone into two groups, here he is contrasting those in darkness (unbelievers) from those being children of light and day (believers). Paul tells the believers in Thessalonica that they are not in darkness, and therefore will not be surprised by this event since they will be in heaven, he then adds that they are not of the night or of the darkness. Therefore, we can state #4 that the event is for unbelievers only.
5:6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
Even though not of the night nor in darkness, Paul informs them that they need to remain awake (Greek grēgorōmen, to be in continuous readiness, being alert to learn, to watch) and sober (Greek nēphō, to be in control of one’s own thoughts, does not mean to abstain from drinking alcohol but rather to refrain from the abuse of it which leads to intoxication, to remain sober). Now being awake, alert, and sober, Paul, using two metaphors, connects believers to being soldiers, and adds the need to have faith in God and love for God (and others) as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet. Just as breastplates protect the body, faith that God will always be with a believer, that He will always keep His promises, and always listens to prayer, faith also allows one the ability to stand firm. The love for God and others provides the motivation to stand firm and represent Jesus in a fallen world. The hope of salvation, the hope of spending eternity with Jesus keeps our thoughts on Jesus and not of the world, the perfect helmet. Paul is essentially saying that there is no such thing as a passive believer!
In his epistle to the church in Ephesus, Paul reviews the “Armor of God” and that text has become the primary reference for spiritual warfare (see Ephesians 6:10-18, click here to read the commentary).
5:9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
As discussed in the Considerations in chapter two, the concept of God’s wrath and what Paul is referring to here in verse nine, is widely debated among believers. But just as Paul in this chapter has separated those in the light (believers) from those in the darkness (unbelievers), God has already condemned humanity and those who are in the darkness will be judged and sentenced to hell (see Matthew 3:12; 13:40–42, 50; 18:8; 25:41, 46; John 3:36; 5:29; Acts 24:25; Romans 2:5, 8; 9:22; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 6:2; 10:26–27; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7; Revelation 14:9–11; 20:11–15; 21:8). This fact is incontrovertible, it can’t be changed, but those who accept Jesus as their Savior, they will not only be granted access to heaven and be spared from going to hell, they will be removed before God’s wrath and punishment that begins with the Tribulation (see also John 3:18, 36; 5:24; Romans 5:1, 9; 8:1, 33–34; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
Paul closes the subject with the gospel message “in a nutshell” (in case you never heard that expression before it refers to a quick summary) that salvation from the wrath of God and an eternity in hell is only available from Jesus who died for all believers whether awake (being alive) or asleep (dead) and with whom we will live with Him forever. Paul tells them to use this comforting news to encourage one another and build one another up. No believer should be anxious or fearful regarding God’s wrath.
Considerations
The Day of the Lord Conclusion
We found four specific facts in this chapter regarding the “Day of the Lord” that Paul mentioned in verse two: 1) It will occur during a time considered to be a period of peace; 2) It will happen unexpectedly and will be unavoidable; 3) There will be no escape and it will be devastating; 4) it will occur only to unbelievers. The next question we need to ask is do we see any event that matches these four facts in the Bible. Yes, the event is yet future. But before pinpointing and identifying this event, we should first discuss a problem within Christianity, namely a lack of unity due to variations of Biblical interpretation. There are several theological points that are regularly debated, however, none are more emotionally heated than the subject of yet-to-be-fulfilled prophecy, especially in regard to the rapture. That includes “the Day of the Lord” debate (click here to read more on the various interpretations and the end-times related debate and how to refute them).
The Day of the Lord Paul is speaking about is actually a seven-year period that begins at this time, called by most Christians “the Tribulation” or “the Great Tribulation” (click here to read about this time period). Details of this period can be found in both the Old and New Testaments, but what is often overlooked is why. First, this is a period to help the Jews turn to God and see that Jesus is indeed their Messiah (see Matthew 23:37-39). Second, it will also help others to turn to Jesus, some have pointed out that there will be a significant number of people accepting Jesus during this time, perhaps more than any other period in history. Sadly, they will not be removed from God’s wrath and will likely experience some painful moments, but the good news is that they will be saved from eternal condemnation. Click here for a potential timeline of end-time events.
Lightness and Darkness
The Bible often uses the metaphors of light and darkness with light representing something good and darkness representing something bad or evil. But with God the word is not a metaphor as He is described as being a source of literal light (see Revelation 21:23; 22:5) and darkness is not just an absence of light as much of the darkness in the Bible comes from an intentional blocking of the light. Paul notes that believers are children of the light, which is an accurate assessment since we are children of God (see Romans 8:12-17). But Paul is calling our attention to the fact that we are in that light (as he adds that we are also children of the day) and as such we are being watched by others. Our lives are to reflect God’s light. We need to watch and check our ‘lightness’ levels regularly (click here to read more on shining our light for Him).
Final Instructions
5:12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
Paul offers a series of instructions that should exemplify a Christian’s life. He begins with our relationship with fellow believers, to honor those who are leaders in the Lord’s work as they are willing to offer spiritual guidance, and instruction. Show them respect and true love, live peacefully among one another (see 1 Corinthians 14:40; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-5). Having someone “over you” does not imply they have a “higher calling,” as all Christians are on equal footing (see below).
5:14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
Interaction with others, believers and unbelievers alike, is important. As ambassadors for Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:20) we need to know Him well enough to emulate Him and to represent Him. Jesus was always interested in how others were doing, Paul here addresses our behavior around three different types of people. To those that are idle (Greek ataktous, refusing to work, neglectful of duties) we are to admonish them and persuade them to reengage in their work. To those that are fainthearted (Greek oligopsychous, fretful, worried, having diminished motivation) we are to encourage them, that there is nothing to worry about in Jesus. To those that are weak (Greek asthenõn, without strength, powerless) they need our assistance. And then regarding all three, to be patient with them. The Greek word Paul used for patient is makrothymeite, which refers to having patience despite difficulties.
Patience may be the single most impressive Christian attribute a believer can possess, it seems to be a rare commodity among humanity today. Everyone desires instant results, and when it comes to being patient with others, believers should remember how God has been patient with His people and them (see Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Psalm 86:15; Isaiah 63:7-9; Romans 3:25; 1 Corinthians 13:4-5; 2 Corinthians 6:4-10; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12–13; 1 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 2:24; 4:2; Hebrews 5:1-3). As we attempt to emulate Jesus, that would also include His patience. People will notice!
5:15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
Paul calls them to watch carefully that no one seek revenge, that they not pay back evil for evil, instead always pursue what is good for others as well as for yourself. This is not just an external issue regarding how to interact with unbelievers, sadly this verse also applies to interaction among believers.
For Christians, the severest, most painful disappointments come not from the wickedness of the unbelieving world but from other sheep within the church. Sheep are definitely capable of harming other sheep, sinning against them in a variety of ways, such as attacking them with wicked words (cf. Prov. 13:2–3; 15:1, 4; 18:13, 21; 24:28; Matt. 5:22; James 3:1–12) that include gossip and slander (cf. Ex. 20:16; Prov. 11:13; 20:19; 24:28), ostracizing them from fellowship and ministry opportunities, or harming them more overtly by helping break up a marriage (cf. Ex. 20:14; 1 Thess. 4:6) or influencing someone toward sinful behavior (Matt. 18:6–10).[1]
5:16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
He exhorts them to always rejoice and to pray continually, giving thanks in all circumstances as this is what God desires for all believers. A Christian’s joy is not a circumstantial temporary feeling, it is a combination of the love of God, hope in salvation, faith in Jesus, and knowledge that we will spend eternity with Jesus that transcends simple happiness. Some believe that it is impossible to pray continually, but if we make God our priority in our lives and our worldview (click here to read more regarding our worldviews) then God becomes part of our thinking, and if our minds are on Him we will likely sin less! In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul wrote that he is content in all circumstances, and here he adds that believers should give thanks to God regardless of circumstance. Rejoicing, praying, and offering thanksgiving is God’s will for all believers.
5:19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
In a curious statement Paul tells believers to not quench the Holy Spirit. You might ask how can a believer do that? Actually there are a number of potential ways. For example, one can refuse to listen to the Holy Spirit, such as when a person or a church does something one way for a long period of time they can put up a barrier that prevents them from following the direction of the Holy Spirit and refuse to do something new or different. We have to properly discern His direction, as hanging onto tradition for tradition’s sake is not always fruitful. Also the Holy Spirit can be quenched when the Word of God is not being taught by a church or learned by its people. The list of potential causes that can lead to quenching the Holy Spirit can be extensive, so if that issue concerns anyone, they should pray for that barrier to be revealed and ultimately removed.
Paul next warns not to despise prophecies. There are two radically different interpretations that theologians seem too favor here. The first relates the word ‘prophecies’ to prophecies found in the Bible. To despise prophecy in the Bible is essentially the same as despising the whole Bible as the Word of God extensively uses prophecy to authenticate it as truly coming from God, as He alone knows the future. It is true that many Christians today have become almost fanatical regarding prophecy and have been known to annoy other Christians to the point of them potentially despising the subject, however, that is not likely what Paul is referring to. This verse uses the Greek noun prophēteias which in the verb form refers to either a prophet or one with the gift of prophecy speaking (see Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 27-31). Paul says to not despise their prophecies, in other words don’t just pass them off as being gibberish or a waste of time. BUT test everything you hear! In the Old Testament if a person claimed to be a prophet and their prophecy was wrong they were considered a false prophet and put to death (see Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:20-22). Paul is not advocating putting someone to death for misrepresenting God, but it is a serious issue, Moses wrote,“But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the LORD?’ If the prophet speaks in the LORD’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the LORD did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.” (Deuteronomy 18:20-21, NLT) If any alleged prophecy is wrong then that person is not a prophet, nor one given the gift of prophecy, and should be ignored and not listened to, they are a false prophet. Yes, just one error disqualifies them!
Paul closes with an equally curious statement, hold fast to what is good and abstain from every form of evil. Curious only in the sense that both of these instructions seem to be “no brainers” for Christians, to keep the good and stay away from evil. But Paul understood how believers strive to follow Jesus, that the enemy, Satan can influence, and our own lusts can mislead, as well as life in this world can distract from following Him. Hold fast (Greek katechete, to have, retain, to continue to believe) to what is good (Greek kalon, good and praiseworthy). Abstain (apechesthe, to be at some distance) from every form (Greek eidous, any appearance or form) of evil (Greek ponērou, evil in a moral or spiritual sense, wicked, malicious, mischievous, corruption). Perhaps the easiest way to determine if something (or someone) is evil is, does it (or do they) cause you to take your eyes off Jesus? If yes, then stop.
Considerations
Higher Calling
Every Christian is equal in God's eyes and that there are no "higher callings" or "lesser callings." In Ephesians 4:12 Paul wrote that the purpose of the church is to, "equip the saints for the works of ministry," that includes all of us even though everyone has different professions, livelihoods, hobbies, and occupations, as well as live in different locations. Regardless of whether someone gets paid for these activities, the things we regularly do in life could be considered our vocation. As believers we need to remember that our vocations and locations have been ordained by God, meaning that we are not where we are by mistake. Our vocations, be it sacred or secular, should be considered as callings by God to assist in His care for people here on earth. Paul is saying it is our job, regardless of our ‘vocation’, to be servants for God.
Pray Continually
Unimaginable power is available to us, supernatural power, but unless we are connected to God, we are wasting our time, so as Paul would put it, pray continually. We are never to rely on our own abilities or effort, but to expect God to provide, not just to fill in those gaps in our efforts, but to expect everything from God alone. Which is why we need to always be “plugged in” to God, and pray continually!
Test Everything
In 2 Corinthians 13:5 Paul calls us to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith, in 1 John 4:1 John calls for us to test the spirits to see if if they are from God, and now here in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Paul says we are to test everything. Why do we need to do all these tests? Because the devil is an exceptional deceiver and knows how to sound and look innocent, all while we let our defenses down and ultimately believe a lie instead of the truth. The only way to prevent from being hoodwinked is to know the truth so well you will instantly know a lie. That can only happen if we know the Word of God, know God, do a lot of praying, remain humble (not prideful), never assume anything, and not be afraid to regularly examine our own beliefs and presuppositions.
Modern-Day Prophets
The church has always had people that possessed the Spiritual gift of prophecy as Paul described in his epistles (see Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 27-31). This again, as pointed out above, is not a higher calling, it is another tool that God uses to advance His kingdom, just as the other Spiritual gifts that are given to believers to use (every believer has at least one gift). There are several verses that pertain to the appointment of people in the church (see 1 Chronicles 12:28-31; Ephesians 4:11-16), but who does the appointing? That would be God alone, there is no school for apostles or prophets, nor any for the other Spiritual Gifts as they come from Him and are ready to use as directed by Him. In the last number of years there has been an increase of self-proclaimed prophets and apostles, if they say or do anything contrary to the Word of God (and that includes odd Biblical interpretations, recently revealed mysteries, or supposed hidden truths) or what they say is wrong, regardless of how it is presented or some excuse given, do not listen to them. If they are leaders of the church you attend, seriously consider leaving.
Benediction and Closing
5:23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Paul is not calling into question whether the process of sanctification will be completed for the reader, as he also wrote, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6, ESV) Both verses point to the fact that it is God who is doing the work, not us! But with Paul calling God, the God of peace, helps us see that Paul is also referencing life now in the present to be and remain holy in Him, thus being blameless at the time Jesus returns. Paul once again assures believers that God is faithful and will surely provide what we need to be with Him for eternity.
By referring to the whole spirit and soul and body, Paul is emphasizing the 'wholeness' of our existence, that every component, be it spiritual or physical, will be cleansed by Jesus for every believer. Since he used the words 'spirit' and 'soul' separately (terms that are generally used synonymously) many believe there is a third component to our existence (click here for more information regarding this trichotomy).
5:25 Brothers, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Paul closes with a request that they pray for him and those with him. Prayer is an essential element within a believer’s life and that includes praying for others, especially those, like Paul, that are involved in the work of God’s kingdom. He asks that they greet each other with a holy kiss (see Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12). He then calls them “under oath before the Lord” to make sure that everyone at the church in Thessalonica reads or hears this epistle. Paul closes the epistle with the blessing of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with them.
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[1] MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2002). 1 & 2 Thessalonians (p. 180). Moody Press.