In this Part 58 I finish up this Rapture Doctrine Study
In closing I want to finish up this study by going into 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5.
This verse is connected with what proceeds from Chapter 4. The apostle Paul was comforting the Thessalonians under the loss of their deceased friends by the assurance that both the living and the dead would be gathered together at the advent. The question would naturally arise, "When shall these things be?" (Luke 21:7); and it would appear that the Thessalonians expected an immediate advent. The apostle represses their curiosity on this point by reminding them of the uncertainty of the time of the Lord's coming.
I go and read 1 Thess. 4 and comment on these verses.
1 Time = Chronos is rather an extended period, the time in which anything is done.
Seasons = kairos a definite space of time.
Ye have no need that I write unto you = That is, they had received all the information on the particular point to which Paul refers, which it was necessary they should have.
2 For yourselves know perfectly; = namely, not from Scripture, nor from oral tradition, but from the teaching of the apostle when in Thessalonica.
Perfectly = ak-ree-boce'; exactly, precisely
That the day of the Lord. = "The day of the Lord" is a common Old Testament expression, denoting the coming of the Divine judgments. The idea of judgment is contained in the term "day."
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety = That is, when the wicked shall say this, for the apostle here refers only to those on whom “sudden destruction” will come.
Sudden destruction = Destruction that was unforeseen (αἰφνίδιος aiphnidios) or unexpected.
As travail upon a woman with child = This expression is sometimes used to mean great dismay, as in Psa. 48:6; Jerm. 6:24; Micah 4:9-10; great pain, as Isa. 53:11;
And they shall not escape = That is, the destruction, or punishment.
4 But ye. = “Though the world (which lieth in darkness) may be surprised at the coming of the Day, you, members of the ek-kelsia, living in the light, cannot be surprised.”
not in darkness = not in darkness of understanding (that is, spiritual ignorance) or of the moral nature (that is, a state of sin), Eph. 4:18.
that = Greek, “in order that”; with Yahweh results are all purposed.
that day = Greek, “THE day”; the day of the Lord (Hebrews 10:25, “the day”), in contrast to “darkness.”
overtake = kat-al-am-ban'-o; to take eagerly, that is, seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively): - apprehend, attain, come upon, comprehend, find, obtain, perceive, (over-) take, unexpectedly (compare John 12:35).
as a thief = klep'-tace; a stealer (literally or figuratively) The two oldest manuscripts read, “as (the daylight overtakes) thieves” (Job 24:17).
5 Ye are all the children of light = All who are Christians, members of the ek-kelsia.
And the children of the day = Who live as if light always shone round about them.
6 Sleep = here is worldly lack of concern to spiritual things (Rom. 13:11; Eph. 5:14);
others = Greek, “the rest” of the world: the unconverted (1Thess. 4:13).
watch = for Yahshua Messiah’s coming; literally, “be wakeful.”
be sober = nay'-fo; to abstain from wine (keep sober), that is, (figuratively) be discreet.
Have any questions? Feel free to email me at keitner@netzero.net
