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1 Thessalonians 4

18 verses

TL;DR

Paul urges the Thessalonians to live in holiness, love, and readiness for Christ’s return, addressing sexual purity, community conduct, and comfort concerning the dead.

Summary

Paul begins by exhorting the Thessalonians to walk in a manner pleasing to God and to abound in holiness. He reminds them of the commandments given through Jesus, emphasizing abstention from fornication and honoring one another. He stresses the importance of brotherly love and self-sufficiency, urging them to work with their hands and live quietly. The letter shifts to comfort regarding those who have died in Christ, assuring believers that they will be resurrected and gathered with the living. Paul describes the Lord’s descent with a shout, the trumpet, and the gathering of the living and dead in the clouds, proclaiming that believers will never leave the Lord. He concludes by urging the Thessalonians to comfort one another with these promises.

Outline
  1. Exhortation to holiness and love
  2. Instructions on conduct and work
  3. Teaching on death, resurrection, and encouragement
Themes
HolinessLoveHope of ResurrectionReadiness for Christ's Return
Keywords
holinesssanctificationfornicationbrotherly loveself‑sufficiencyworkdeathresurrectionhopetrumpetcloudsLord’s return
People
PaulJesusThessalonian brethren
Places
Macedonia
Things
Holy SpiritTrum­petArchangelCloudsLord’s descent
Key Verses
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:14: Affirms hope in resurrection for those who have died
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16: Describes the audible, divine signal of Christ’s return
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:18: Encourages believers to comfort each other after learning about resurrection
Questions
  • How does Paul define sanctification in this chapter?
  • In what ways does Paul encourage the Thessalonians to live quietly and do their own work?
  • What comfort does Paul offer regarding those who have died?
  • What is the significance of the trumpet and the shout in the context of the Lord’s return?
  • How can believers apply the command to love one another in today’s context?
Sentiment

positive
Encouraging, hopeful tone