Translations
Original
Notes
let us remain awake and sober: Paul is echoing the way Jesus called his people to be alert and to prepare themselves with moral living. This is because no one will not know the exact day of his return (Matthew 24:42, 44; 25:13; compare 1 Peter 1:13).
Paul answers questions from the Thessalonians (see 1 Corinthians 7:1), questions about:
loving each other (1 Thessalonians 4:9–12)
the destiny of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and
the timing of the day the Lord will return (5:1–11).
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).
Parallels
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Thessalonians Sleep
Topics
Being Sober Being Spiritually Awake Blindness: Spiritual Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Sober-mindedness Sobriety with Watchfulness Sobriety: Required in all Saints Temperance: General Scriptures Concerning Wake Up War with Sobriety Warfare of Saints: To be Carried On with Sobriety Watchfulness: Exhortations To Watchfulness: General Scriptures Concerning Watchfulness: should Be with Sobriety Wicked (People): Contrasted with Righteous People