Keraia
1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians 4:15

The Return of the Lord · 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Read 1 Thessalonians 4

Translations

Modern
By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep.
Traditional
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.
Literal
For this we say to you in the word of the Lord, that we the living, remaining unto the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those having fallen asleep,
Latin
Hoc enim vobis dicimus in verbo Domini, quia nos, qui vivimus, qui residui sumus in adventum Domini, non præveniemus eos qui dormierunt.

Original

Greek
English
By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep.

Notes

1 Thessalonians 4:15

  • By the word of the Lord: The teachings of Jesus gave Paul assurance for the Thessalonians (see Matthew 24:29–31, 40–41).

  • will by no means precede: Paul assures the Thessalonians that when the Lord returns, the dead will not be at a disadvantage. They will participate equally in the resurrection.

  • In talking about the return of Jesus, Paul uses a Greek term (parousia). It is often used to describe an emperor or king's grand arrival in a city (see 1 Thessalonians 4:17).

1 Thessalonians 4:9–5:11

Paul answers questions from the Thessalonians (see 1 Corinthians 7:1), questions about:

1 Thessalonians 4:1–5:22

The second part of the letter discusses Timothy's news about the church and the questions the Christians had for Paul.

Paul addresses:

  • the problem of sexual immorality (4:3–8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9–12),

  • the fate of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and

  • the timing of "the Day of the Lord" (5:1–11).

Paul offers advice on topics such as leadership and community relations, the relationship with the Lord, and prophecy (5:12–22).

Glossary

Death First Letter to the Thessalonians Lord Parousia Paul the Apostle Place of the Dead Resurrection Second Coming of Christ

Topics

Bereavement: Resignation In Death: Called Sleep Death: Exemption From: Promised to Saints at the Second Coming of Christ Immortality: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Second Coming of The Death of Saints: Survivors Consoled For